A 1765 account of John Harrison on discovering longitude at sea using artificial timekeepers from the Annual Register for 1765
1793Best.-Nr. 373234J. Dodsley London 1793. 5th Edition. Hardcover. Very Good Condition. 21 pages. This 1765 article published in The Annual Register provides a detailed account of John Harrison's groundbreaking work in solving the longitude problem at sea through the use of artificial time-keepers. Harrison an English clockmaker developed the marine chronometer a device that allowed sailors to accurately determine their longitude while at sea. His invention was crucial for safe navigation reducing the risk of ships becoming lost or wrecked due to miscalculations. The article outlines the proceedings and debates surrounding Harrison's work including his struggles with the Longitude Board which was reluctant to grant him the full 20000 prize promised under the 1714 Longitude Act. Despite proving the accuracy of his time-keepers Harrison faced political opposition and bureaucratic delays before finally receiving recognition for his achievements. Published at around the same time that Harrison's book of a similar title was published this contemporary 21 page account quotes Harrison extensively and represents the opinions and ideas regarding navigation from the perspective of the time. The whole volume extends to around 600 pages. Bound in modern but not recent brown buckram with a contrasting black leather lettering piece gilt title. Library label to the endpapers stamp on first blank and label to reverse of the title page. The first blank has a hand note stating "Given by Lt.Col. A.R. Hurst". Hurst has served with the Royal Field Artillery in the First World War. The whole volume is very clean with bright pages very firmly bound and in attractive condition. Size: 13.5 x 21 cms. Category: Antiquarian & Rare; Featured Items; Printed before 1800; Special Interest. This item may require more postage than the rates shown for delivery outside the UK. If extra postage is required we will contact you before processing your order and you will be given the details and option to decline the extra cost. J. Dodsley hardcover
Cosmo Books · Vereinigtes Königreich209,80 £≈ 249,68 €
