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Ancient water clocks or clepsydrae
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Ancient water clocks or clepsydrae
Ancient water clocks or clepsydrae. Copperplate engraving by Wilson Lowry after a drawing by John Farey from Abraham Rees Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature, Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme and Brown, London, 1819
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Media ID 23164400
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Abraham Arts Clepsydra Clock Cyclopedia Dictionary Engineering Farey Horology Rees Revolution Sciences Timepiece Universal
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Ancient water clocks, also known as clepsydrae, have fascinated scholars and horology enthusiasts for centuries. This copperplate engraving, created by Wilson Lowry after a drawing by John Farey, is an exquisite representation of these intricate timepieces as depicted in Abraham Rees' Cyclopedia or Universal Dictionary of Arts, Sciences and Literature published in London in 1819. The image showcases several ancient water clocks, each with its unique design, reflecting the ingenuity and craftsmanship of their creators. The clocks are adorned with intricate decorative elements, including intricate engravings and ornate designs, which not only served an aesthetic purpose but also played a role in the functioning of the clocks. Water clocks, or clepsydrae, were among the earliest timekeeping devices used by civilizations around the world. They relied on the steady flow of water to measure the passage of time. The level of the water in the clock would drop at a consistent rate, and as it reached a certain mark, a signal would be given, indicating the passage of an hour or a fraction thereof. This engraving is a testament to the rich history of horology and the industrial revolution of the 19th century. The intricacy and detail of the engraving reflect the growing interest in engineering and industrial processes during this period. The image also serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and creativity of the past, as well as the enduring fascination with the measurement and understanding of time.
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