“Horology is quite literally the “study of time”, most often referred to as the art or science of time measurement.” (A World of Time, 2017)
Various methods and instruments were used to record time before the invention of the mechanical clock;
Sundials: Sundials are the oldest known method of telling time, dating back to 3500BC. The sundial relies on the rotation and movement of the sun. The shadows formed by the sun moving from east to west determine the time of the day. The time was measured based on the length of the shadow created. However, there was a downside to this method of time keeping. As the dial relied on the sunlight, this instrument would be useless if it was a cloudy day or if the sun was down. After discovering this issue, new methods of time keeping were developed that were far more reliable. (Marie, 2017)
Egyptian water clocks: The oldest known water clock dates back to 1500 BC. There are two versions of the water clock, outflow and inflow. The outflow clock was where a container (with markings down the side) was loaded with water, enabling the water to drip out an even pace. Individuals were able to tell the time by calculating the amount of water that had leaked from the container. The inflow clock followed the same method as the outflow clock, except instead of using one container, two containers were used. The water from the first container would drip into the second container at a steady pace. Observers were able to tell the time by the amount of water that had leaked from one container to the other. (Ancient Origins, 2014)
Sundials and Egyptian water clocks are just a few of many examples of time keeping. Others include, candle clocks, Astronomical clocks, incense clock are just a few methods that were used before the mechanical clock was created.
Dave Allen gives us an insight into the difficulties (and frustrations) of teaching children the analogue clock.
This video made me think of the importance of teaching children time. I think it is necessary that children recognise how far the various methods of telling time have developed over the years, as it will provide them with a better understanding of what time really is and will convey to the pupils how we came to using the analogue/digital clock. However, there has been speculation whether it is required for children to learn the analogue clock in our very digital world. I think, yes. Analogue clocks are everywhere, from the clock on our walls to famous landmarks, children need to be able to understand and interpret the time on the analogue clock. Furthermore, analog clocks help children understand the passage of time because they have hands that are consistently moving. Despite living in a high-tech 21st century, I don’t think it’s time to ditch the analogue clocks just yet.
Aworldoftime.co.uk. (2017). What is Horology – A WORLD OF TIME – HOROLOGIST. [online] Available at: http://www.aworldoftime.co.uk/what-is-horology—a-world-of-time—horologist.html [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017].
Ancient Origins. (2014). The Ancient Invention of the Water Clock. [online] Available at: http://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-technology/ancient-invention-water-clock-001818 [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017].
Marie, N. (2017). When Time Began: The History and Science of Sundials. [online] Timecenter.com. Available at: https://www.timecenter.com/articles/when-time-began-the-history-and-science-of-sundials/ [Accessed 27 Nov. 2017].
