Remarks on a Pamphlet Lately published by the Rev. Mr. Maskelyne

Under the Authority of the Board of Longitude

John Harrison

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528107836
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Business Biographies

Remarks on a Pamphlet Lately published by the Rev. Mr. Maskelyne Under the Authority of the Board of Longitude is a significant historical document authored by John Harrison, the renowned English clockmaker whose pioneering work revolutionized navigation at sea. This book serves as Harrison's direct response to a pamphlet published by Nevil Maskelyne, the Astronomer Royal, who was acting under the authority of the Board of Longitude. In his pamphlet, Maskelyne had critiqued and questioned the efficacy and reliability of Harrison's marine timekeepers, which were designed to solve the critical problem of determining longitude at sea—a challenge that had confounded sailors and scientists for centuries. In this detailed and impassioned rebuttal, Harrison meticulously addresses the points raised by Maskelyne, defending the accuracy and ingenuity of his timepieces, particularly the celebrated H4 marine chronometer. Harrison accuses Maskelyne and the Board of Longitude of bias and unfair testing procedures, arguing that their assessments were designed to undermine his inventions and favor alternative methods, such as the lunar distance method championed by Maskelyne himself. The book provides a rare, firsthand account of the intense scientific and political controversies of the 18th century, revealing the personal and professional struggles faced by innovators in the age of Enlightenment. Harrison's Remarks is not only a technical defense of his work but also a passionate plea for recognition and justice. He details the years of labor, experimentation, and personal sacrifice that went into the creation of his timekeepers, and he exposes the institutional resistance and skepticism that often greeted new ideas. The book is rich with technical explanations, personal anecdotes, and pointed criticisms, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the world of scientific discovery and rivalry. For historians, scientists, and anyone interested in the history of navigation, Remarks on a Pamphlet Lately published by the Rev. Mr. Maskelyne is an essential read. It captures a pivotal moment in the quest to solve the longitude problem and stands as a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of one of history's greatest inventors.

Table of contents

• REMARKS ON A PAMPHLET
• REMARKS, ON A PAMPHLET, &c.