Page 8 - Cognition and Thinking of the history of Science and Technology

The passion for exactitude

• The passion for exactitude gained the scholars of Europe during
the 17 century.
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• Marin Mersenne (1588-1648) corresponded with a huge

network of scholars. This network were eager to measure
everything.

• The race for measuring time with the higher possible accuracy
illustrates the relations between science, technology, politics

and economy during the 17 and 18 centuries.
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• Astronomers were eager for time accuracy in order to compare
the parallaxes and therefore to measure the distances of the
celestial bodies. Physicists had develop the theory of the

pendulum and studied clock technology. Clockmakers had
develop tools and methods for more accurate work. The
maritime powers asked for accurate nautical maps and the trade

companies needed their ships be able to determine their
position at sea; this means accurate longitude measurement,

which needs an accurate maritime clock.
• For the first time a state, Great Britain, offered a price for the

manufacturing of a scientific instrument: the Longitude Act was
signed by the parliament in 1714 and lead to an immense

progress in time measurement accuracy.
The Longitude Act