Technohistory: Longitude

T0Morrow@aol.com
Thu, 8 Aug 1996 11:37:20 -0400


To those of you who share my interest in the history of technology and its
impact on human life, I recommend Dava Sobel, Longitude (Walker, 1995) ISBN:
0-8027-0131-2. This delightful little book (184 small pages) recounts, to
quote its accurate cover, "The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the
Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time." The genius: John Harrison. The
Problem: calculating longitude. His solution: an accurate seafaring
chronometer. The writing engages, the story illuminates, and the hero,
Harrison, inspires.

T.0. Morrow