Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1890-07-04
HISTORY OF CLOCKS.
An Industry introduced into England by
Three Dutch Mechanics.


Three Dutch Mechanics.
The introduction of clocks into Great
Britain we apparently owe to the Dutch.
In 1868 Edward Ill granted license for
shree mechanics to come over from
Delft in Holland, permitting them to
pursue their trade in England, also for
the education of mechanics in our own
land, whereby they might be Initiated
in the art by the more skillful aliens.
The Oldest known clock in England is
one which is ix in turret at Hampton
Court. 1t was constructed, and there
fitted up, by command of Henry Will,
In the year 1910. From the period of
their introduction down to the reign of
Elizabeth they were called orloges and
horologes. Until after the Restoration,
clocks found their patrons only in Lon
don and other large towns, for, in coun-
try houses, up to the date mentioned,
the "ancient sun-dial" held it's own.
Amongst remarkable public clocks,
there are two which stand foremost
those of Lyons and Strassburg. They
are well worth attention, partly on ac-
count of their curious workmanship, and
partly on account of richness of orna-
ment and originality of design. In the
former, two horsemen, fully armed cap
d-pte, encounter in deadly combat, as it
were, and beat the hour upon each 9TH
er's armor. Then door opens, and an
image of the Virgin, bearing in her
arms the child Jesus, steps out. She in
turn is followed by the magi, with ret
inue marching "all in good ORDER"
presenting their gifts, heralded by
trumpets, which continue to breathe
forth from their brazen throats while the
procession is in movement. The scene
which the Strassburg clock presents is
as follows: At each hour, as the clock
goes round, there is cock which claps
its wings; again, in this, door opens,
and an angel appears, who salutes the
Virgin, then the Holy Spirit in the form
of dove descends and alights upon the
shoulder of the Virgin.
About sixty-five years ago the East
India Company presented the then EN-
peror of China with two time-pieces,
manufactured by English artists. They
were of the finest workmanship that was
ever executed. They were of similar
design, and SO it is only needful to de-
scribe one of them. 1t was in the form
of chariot, which was of solid gold.
A lady is seated, in languishing atti.
tude, leaning her right hand on that
side of the chariot. In the center of the
same side is set the clock itself, with it's
face outwards, and which is no larger
than shilling. 1t strikes and repeats,
and, upon being wound up, goes fol-
eight days. A bird, which is almost
completely made up of diamonds and
rubies, rests upon the lady's finger. AT
striking time it flutters it's wings for
several minutes. 1t is something less
than the sixteenth part of an inch from
the tip Of its bill to the extremity OF
the tail. Inside its body are contained
some Of the works which animate
it. In her left hand the lady holds
a golden tube which is little thicker
than large pin, and upon the top Of
which is fixed small round ornament
of the size Of a sixpence. AS long as the
clock continues to CO. this ornament
moves round with regular perpetual
motion. The top of the ornament is
studded thickly with precious stones, al
Is the whole chariot. Above the fail
occupants head is a sort of canopy, un
der which is placed bell. To the in
quisitive eye the bell reveals no appa
rent connection with the clock save a,
an ornament. But there is a secret com
munication between the two. At thu
hour, from under the shade of the can
opy there descends hammer, which
strikes smartly and sharply against tn,
understanding bell. This perform
ance can be repeated at pleasure, simpl,
by touching catch in the form of
minute diamond button. The chario
can be set in motion by the COUGHING o
a spring, and will run in either circu
lar or a straight direction. Asst moves
there are two birds with appear as if fly
ing in the air.-Chambers' journal.
| ---