Longitude: the true story of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of his time

Abstract

Describes the forty-year effort of John Harrison to invent the chronometer, the first instrument able to keep accurate time for navigational purposes.

Contents

Imaginary lines -- The sea before time -- Adrift in a clockwork universe -- Time in a bottle -- Powder of sympathy -- The prize -- Cogmaker's journal -- The grasshopper goes to sea -- Hands on Heaven's clock -- The diamond timekeeper -- Trial by fire and water -- A tale of two portraits -- The second voyage of Captain James Cook -- The mass production of genius -- In the meridian courtyard.