Changing Face of Early Modern Time, 1550–1770

Jane Desborough is Curator of Scientific Instruments at the Science Museum in London, where she manages the museum’s Time Measurement collection. She has worked in a curatorial capacity in museums since 2008 and completed her PhD thesis in the History of Science in 2016. She is a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and an Associate Member of the Museums Association.

• 1 Introduction.- 2 Communication Methods.- 3 Trust and Distrust.- 4 Tools of Enablement.- 5 Calendrical Insight.- 6 Lunar Wisdom.- 7 Astronomical Knowledge.- 7 Conclusion.

“An extraordinary book in every way, exploring the changing use of clocks and watches offering new insights into early perceptions of time and its practical use. The book’s author … must be congratulated on the in-depth research that has led to a reinterpretation of early clock and watch dials on the basis of use. … This is a fascinating and compelling exploration of an extraordinary period of change for all aspects of life seen through the development of the watch and clock dials.” (MWM, mrwatchmaster.com, November 22, 2022)