The Evolution of Clocks
1.0 Introduction
According to (Baillie et al., p. 307; Palmer, p. 19) “A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately (via Dutch, Northern French, and Medieval Latin) from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument lacking such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece.”
Design and accuracy of clocks have evolved along with progression of technology and industry and even though their main function was to measure the time designers paid proper attention to the decorative aspect and psychological aspect (e.g. Clocks that were designed to help a person cope with waiting).
The clock is one of the oldest human inventions as a solution to the need measuring interval shorter than years , months and days . Different devices with different mechanisms were used for Time – Keeping through the ages and evolved into the clocks we have today.
This paper intends to study the evolution of clocks, In terms of mechanism, design and the social and functional factors which led to improvements in each stage of this evolution. Along the way the psychological and symbolic significance of clocks will be briefly discussed.
2.0 The Evolution of Clocks
The Timeline
[pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic]
1400 B.C 1100 B.C 1400’s 1600’s 1930’s Onwards Present
Sundials (From 1100 B.C)
The oldest time-measurement instruments which works according the position of sun. During the day as sun crosses the sky it casts a shadow on the dial. Some sundials measure the time by the length of the shadow and some measure it based on the angle of it (Figure.1).
Hourglass
Since sand flows at an even rate it’s used to measure time as it flows from the top container to the bottom one. Depending on the size of the container it
According to (Baillie et al., p. 307; Palmer, p. 19) “A clock is an instrument used to indicate, keep, and co-ordinate time. The word clock is derived ultimately (via Dutch, Northern French, and Medieval Latin) from the Celtic words clagan and clocca meaning "bell". A silent instrument lacking such a mechanism has traditionally been known as a timepiece.”
Design and accuracy of clocks have evolved along with progression of technology and industry and even though their main function was to measure the time designers paid proper attention to the decorative aspect and psychological aspect (e.g. Clocks that were designed to help a person cope with waiting).
The clock is one of the oldest human inventions as a solution to the need measuring interval shorter than years , months and days . Different devices with different mechanisms were used for Time – Keeping through the ages and evolved into the clocks we have today.
This paper intends to study the evolution of clocks, In terms of mechanism, design and the social and functional factors which led to improvements in each stage of this evolution. Along the way the psychological and symbolic significance of clocks will be briefly discussed.
2.0 The Evolution of Clocks
The Timeline
[pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic] [pic]
1400 B.C 1100 B.C 1400’s 1600’s 1930’s Onwards Present
Sundials (From 1100 B.C)
The oldest time-measurement instruments which works according the position of sun. During the day as sun crosses the sky it casts a shadow on the dial. Some sundials measure the time by the length of the shadow and some measure it based on the angle of it (Figure.1).
Hourglass
Since sand flows at an even rate it’s used to measure time as it flows from the top container to the bottom one. Depending on the size of the container it
References: Baillie, G.H et al. (1956) Britten’s Old Clocks and Watches and Their Makers. 7th Edition. Bonanza Books. Palmer, B. (1979) The Book of American Clocks, The Macmillan Co . (1990) Encyclopedia Britannica, 15th Edition, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. (1990) The World Book Encyclopedia ,World Book, Inc. Kelly , E.D , (2009) Evolution of the Clock , [Online] , Ezine Articles , Available From http://ezinearticles.com/?Evolution-of-the-Clock&id=2200322 [Accessed Jan 13 2011] Picture Credits: