Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. V, No. XXV, June, 1852Various
General
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. V, No. XXV, June, 1852
Various
American literature -- Periodicals; Civilization -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals
The sea-watches or chronometers of Bréguet are famous throughout the
world. It is well known that these watches are every moment subject
to change of position, from the rolling and pitching of the vessel.
Bréguet conceived the bold thought of inclosing the whole mechanism of
the escapement and the spring in a circular envelope, making a complete
revolution every two minutes. The inequality of position is thus, as
it were, equalized on that short lapse of time; the mechanism itself
producing compensation, whether the chronometer is subjected to any
continuous movement, or kept steady in an inclined or upright position.
Bréguet did still more: he found means to preserve the regularity of
his chronometers even in case of their getting any sudden shock or
fall, and this he did by the parachute. Sir Thomas Brisbane put one
of them to the proof, carrying it about with him on horseback, and on
long journeys and voyages; in sixteen months, the greatest daily loss
was only a second and a half--that is, the 57,600th part of a daily
revolution.
Such is the encouraging example of Bréguet, who was at first only a
workman. And to this he owes his being the best judge of good workmen,
as he was the best friend to them. He sought out such every where, even
in other countries; gave them the instruction of a master of the art;
and treated them with the kindness of a father. They were indebted to
him for their prosperity, and he owed to them the increase of fortune
and of fame. He well understood the advantages of a judicious division
of labor, according to the several capabilities of artisans. By this
means, he was able to meet the demand for pieces of his workmanship,
not less remarkable for elegance and beauty than for extreme accuracy.
It may indeed be said, that Bréguet's efforts gave a character to
French horology that it has never lost. So much may one man do in
his day and generation to give an impetus to an important branch of
national industry.
BLEAK HOUSE.[5]
BY CHARLES DICKENS.
CHAPTER VIII.--COVERING A MULTITUDE OF SINS.
[5] Continued from the May Number.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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