#207
Mentioned in 16 episodes
Longitude
The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
Book • 2007
In 'Longitude', Dava Sobel narrates the epic scientific quest to determine longitude at sea, a problem that had plagued navigators for centuries.
The story centers around John Harrison, a self-educated clockmaker from Yorkshire, who devoted forty years to developing a series of precise chronometers that could accurately measure time even on long and rough sea voyages.
By comparing the chronometer's time to local sun time, navigators could precisely measure longitude, a breakthrough that significantly improved maritime navigation and saved countless lives.
The book also delves into the historical context, including the establishment of the Board of Longitude and the scientific and political rivalries of the time, making it a compelling tale of human ambition, science, and innovation.
The story centers around John Harrison, a self-educated clockmaker from Yorkshire, who devoted forty years to developing a series of precise chronometers that could accurately measure time even on long and rough sea voyages.
By comparing the chronometer's time to local sun time, navigators could precisely measure longitude, a breakthrough that significantly improved maritime navigation and saved countless lives.
The book also delves into the historical context, including the establishment of the Board of Longitude and the scientific and political rivalries of the time, making it a compelling tale of human ambition, science, and innovation.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 16 episodes
Recommended by 
Andrew Huberman as a wonderful story about the discovery of timekeeping devices at sea.
Andrew Huberman as a wonderful story about the discovery of timekeeping devices at sea.
8,051 snips
Robert Greene: A Process for Finding & Achieving Your Unique Purpose
Recommended by Andrew Huberman for its explanation of the development of reliable timekeeping devices for sea navigation.
Andrew Huberman for its explanation of the development of reliable timekeeping devices for sea navigation.515 snips
Charting the Architecture of the Universe & Human Life | Dr. Brian Keating
Recommended by 
Emily Kwong as a great read about the longitude problem and the creation of the marine chronometer.
Emily Kwong as a great read about the longitude problem and the creation of the marine chronometer.
44 snips
The Great Space Race ... With Clocks
Mentioned by Emily Kwong as a book about the longitude problem and the creation of the marine chronometer.
Emily Kwong as a book about the longitude problem and the creation of the marine chronometer.
32 snips
The Great Space (Clock) Race
Mentioned by 
Neil deGrasse Tyson as 
Dava Sobel 's book that details the story of John Harrison and his invention of the first seaworthy chronometer.
Neil deGrasse Tyson as Dava Sobel 's book that details the story of John Harrison and his invention of the first seaworthy chronometer.
24 snips
The Elements of Marie Curie with Dava Sobel
Mentioned by Parul as the bestselling author of Longitude, Galileo's Daughter, and The Glass Universe.
19 snips
#132: Dava Sobel — The Art of Science Storytelling, Writing Hidden Histories & How a Rejected Pitch Became a Bestseller
Mentioned by 
Willa Paskin as a book about John Harrison and his invention of the marine chronometer.
Willa Paskin as a book about John Harrison and his invention of the marine chronometer.
19 snips
How Books About Things That Changed the World… Changed the World
Recommended by Guy Swan for its fascinating story of John Harrison's chronometer and its impact on navigation.
16 snips
Read_860 - Stone Ridge 2024 Investor Letter
Mentioned by 
Massimo Pigliucci as a book about the discovery of a method to determine the longitude of a ship at sea.
Massimo Pigliucci as a book about the discovery of a method to determine the longitude of a ship at sea.
Rationally Speaking #76 - Crowdsourcing and the Wisdom of Crowds
