The marine chronometer is one of the most important instruments in the history of navigation, enabling sailors to determine their longitude at sea with great accuracy. In this authoritative work, Rupert Thomas Gould traces the development of the chronometer from its origins in the 18th century through its increasing sophistication in the 19th and 20th centuries. Along the way, Gould explores the lives and work of many of the key figures in the history of navigation and horology. This book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of science, the development of technology, or the triumphs of human ingenuity. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.