Nicole Herbig

Unit 2

1. Discuss the history of the mechanical clock from its early beginnings to the
Renaissance. Please discuss at least three different events in the history of the
mechanical clock.
The earliest usage of clocks was 6000 years ago in the Middle East. The Egyptians,
for example, created a clock called Obelisks as early as 3500 BC. In fact, the Washington
Monument is an Obelisk. Egyptians also created the shadow clock around 1500 BC and the
Merkhet around 600 BC. The Merkhet is the oldest known astronomical tool used.
As for the mechanical clock, the first mechanical clocked used was 725 AD. A
Chinese engineer, Liang Ling-Tsan, helped create a key device that is used in all mechanical
clocks, which is the mechanical escapement. The purpose of the mechanical clock was for
astronomical and astrological purposes.
In 1088A.D Su Sung built one of the most elaborate clock towers that were
influenced by Muslims. During this time, Chinese Mongol rulers had Muslim astronomers.
Because of these Muslim astronomers, astronomical instruments were enhanced.
During the 14
th
century in Italy the mechanical clock appeared in large city tower
buildings. These mechanical clocks were more difficult to operate due to dependence on the
amount of driving force and the amount of friction in the drive. Like water flow, the rate was
difficult to regulate. These types of clocks were weight driven and regulated by a verge and
foliot escapement.

2. Describe one force (e.g., historical, cultural, social, economic, political) that affected
the development of the mechanical clock?
Before the mechanical clock, society relied on the patterns of the sun and moon
for daily activities. Daily activities such as when people would work, eat, and sleep. Once
the mechanical clock became widely used, time was now the character of an
enclosed space: it could be divided, it could be filled up, it could even be expanded by the
invention of labor-saving instruments" (Mumford, p. 328).

Mumford, L. (1986). The Lewis Mumford reader. New York: Pantheon Books.

3. What changes occurred in China (the country of origin of the mechanical clock) due to
the development and use of the mechanical clock? Please give specific examples in your
discussion.



4. How did the development and use of the mechanical clock affect Europe in
the Middle Ages?

5. Overall, how did the mechanical clock affect the United States?