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Clocks
Instruments for tracking time have been around for centuries, developed mostly by cultures tightly bound by ruling powers and religious rites. Some of the first forefathers of our modern clocks were developed in the Middle East and northern Africa some 6,000 years ago.
Dividing Time
To track time in a useful and accurate manner, any form of clock must provide a way to divide equal portions of time in uniform, consistent repetition; and the device must have a way to show this progression. Some of the earliest time trackers used candles and lamps with markings to track equal portions of time. Of course, some early instruments tracked the sun’s daily trek through the sky.
The Obelisk
Beginning around 3500 B.C., Egyptian obelisks were tall, narrow towers. As the sun moved across the sky, the obelisk cast a shadow. The day was effectively divided in half by the shadow’s indication of noonday. The obelisk’s noontime shadow was longest on the longest day of the year and shortest on the shortest day of the year.
Sundials
Egyptians began using sundials at some point around 1500 B.C. This moveable instrument divided the daylight hours into 12 portions. Sundials continued to evolve to at least 13 different complex varieties around 30 B.C. To track the hours of night, the Egyptians used a system of merkhets, astronomical devices that tracked star patterns.
Water Clocks
Around 325 B.C., the Greeks began using containers made from stone, called clepsydras, to track time. The containers had curved walls and a hole at the bottom that permitted water to drip consistently. The walls of the clepsydras were marked to show passing time in relation to the water level. This remarkable invention could be used anytime, day or night. Clepsydras, like sundials, evolved over the centuries, to become more accurate; and, like modern day alarm clocks, clepsydras were able to set off bells and move pointers at certain times.
Verge-and-Foliot, Pendulum Clocks, and Beyond
Clocks using weights and verge-and-foliot regulation were the norm in Italy
by the end of the 1300’s. Pendulum clocks were invented in 1656 by a Dutch
scientist named Christian Huygens. With much study and effort, his remarkable
clock tracked and displayed time with only 10-second-error accuracy. With each
new stride in invention, they became more accurate and reliable. In the 1900’s,
quartz crystal clocks developed into inexpensive and reliable timepieces. And
now, atomic clocks have outdistanced the abilities
of the quartz clock.
Today
There are more varieties and sizes of clocks available today than the
number of years it has taken timekeeping technology to develop to its present
level. Mantel clocks are small and sophisticated.
Wristwatches can literally define the style and status of those who wear them.
Digital clocks, accurate to fractions of seconds, declare winners of gold medals.
Grandfather clocks keep time for generations
of households; and simple wall clocks and oven
timers tell you when the cookies are finished baking. Clocks can be wound traditionally,
solar powered or run on a AA battery.
Modernly, we stay easily and conveniently on schedule because of desires and ideas that sparked the ancient art and science of timekeeping.
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Alarm Clocks Alarm clocks have been around for a very long time. The first alarm clock dates back to the 15th century! Although, the bedside alarm clock we know and rely on today was not invented until the late 1800’s. There are many different kinds of alarm clocks available. From the very large to the very small, some with high-tech features, and some without, you are sure to find the alarm clock that will fit your exact needs.
Types
When it com...[more] |
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Cuckoo Clocks Originating in the Black Forest region of Germany, the cuckoo clock has become
popular around the world. They often feature detailed, hand-painted carvings
and come in a variety of styles, including ones shaped ...[more] |
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