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This image depicts a European mechanical wall clock crafted in 1550-1600.
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How was the Mechanical Clock Used?
In Medieval Europe, the mechanical clock had many uses, such as being able to help balance people's work life through the development of managing time and being a religious influence by announcing when prayers or other activities took place.
When did it Start Being Used and why was it Needed?
The first mechanical clocks started to appear around 1270-3000 (Cabinet). It was needed because it rang a bell by the hour which was able to help people organize their leisure time, work hours, and trade, but it also informed people such as monks when it was time to pray or when there was a festival going on (Cabinet and Hermle).
Why was the Mechanical Clock Invented?
The idea of the mechanical clock was originally thought of because of the need for accurate time in monasteries, where prayer times were strict. The available clocks at that time had many small flaws, such as the water clock which could evaporate during the day or freeze by night, and the sun dial, which would be unusable during the night or on cloudy days (EBSCO).
What was the Impact of the Mechanical Clock?
The impact the mechanical clock had was that it allowed people to spend their time in a more uniform way with the introduction of punctuality and scheduled work hours, which helped balance their leisure time and when they worked. Additionally, it helped monks by giving them more time after completing their prayers. The mechanical clock impacted other civilizations by contributing to economic growth and scientific advancement (EBSCO). With the adoption of a public mechanical clock, it helped with the economic growth of other cities in more recent years. It was able to impact scientific advancement by laying out the groundwork for things such as astronomy and navigation with the usage of precise time, which helped with the globalization of the mechanical clock.
This image shows a surviving mechanical clock from Europe during the Medieval age.
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What Makes the Mechanical Clock so Important?
What makes the mechanical clock so historically important is that it introduces the concept of standard formality and punctuality. Because of the hourly bell created by the clock, it greatly developed modern day punctuality by introducing intervals at which people are expected to arrive, which is heavily used in recent years (Cabinet).
Additional Links:
Additional Links:
Medieval Inventions: The Mechanical Clock And The Rise Of Timekeeping- This website would be great for people looking into the history of the mechanical clock and to find background information such as the origin and the mechanisms used.
Telling Time in the Middle Ages: 5 Things You Didn't Know- This webpage is great for people wanting cool facts that go further in depth in which ways the mechanical clock worked in the Middle Ages.
The Invention of the Mechanical Clock- This website offers more interesting facts about the mechanical clock, including multiple types, the importance of a pendulum, and additional information.
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