Longitude

208 pages, 2007

Dava Sobel

Takeaways

Description

The dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest and one man's forty-year obsession to find a solution to the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day--"the longitude problem."

Anyone alive in the eighteenth century would have known that "the longitude problem" was the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day and had been for centuries. Lacking the ability to measure their longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Thousands of lives and the increasing fortunes of nations hung on a resolution.

In complete opposition to the scientific community, one man, John Harrison, dared to imagine a mechanical solution. This clock would keep precise time at sea, something no watch had ever been able to do on land.

Longitude is the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest and Harrison's forty-year obsession with building his perfect timekeeper, known today as the chronometer. Full of heroism and chicanery, it is a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation, and clockmaking and opens a new window into our world.

The Importance of Longitude

In 'Longitude', Dava Sobel highlights the significance of accurately determining longitude for safe and efficient navigation. Before the invention of the marine chronometer, countless lives and ships were lost at sea due to navigational errors. Sobel's book encourages us to appreciate the scientific advancements that we often take for granted.

The Story of John Harrison

The book tells the fascinating story of John Harrison, a self-educated carpenter and clockmaker who dedicated his life to solving the longitude problem. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. It's a great reminder that anyone, regardless of their background, can make significant contributions to society.

The Intersection of Science and Politics

Sobel's 'Longitude' also explores the intersection of science and politics. Despite Harrison's groundbreaking invention, he faced numerous political and bureaucratic obstacles in getting his work recognized. This aspect of the book prompts us to think about the role of politics in scientific progress.

The Evolution of Timekeeping

Through the story of John Harrison and his marine chronometer, the book provides a fascinating look into the evolution of timekeeping. From sundials to atomic clocks, the way we measure time has drastically changed over the centuries. 'Longitude' invites us to dig deeper into this captivating history.

The Human Aspect of Scientific Discovery

While 'Longitude' is a book about scientific discovery, it's also a deeply human story. It shows us the passion, dedication, and struggles of those who have advanced our understanding of the world. Sobel's book is a reminder that behind every great invention, there's a story of human endeavor worth exploring.

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