- 1. Longitude by Dava Sobel is a captivating narrative that explores the historical quest for a reliable method of determining longitude at sea, a problem that plagued navigators for centuries and led to catastrophic maritime disasters. The book centers around the life of John Harrison, an 18th-century clockmaker whose innovations in timekeeping technology transformed navigation. Through an engaging blend of biography, science, and history, Sobel outlines the challenges faced by explorers and scientists of the era, including the immense pressure to create an accurate marine chronometer. The story delves into the rivalry between Harrison and the astronomical method championed by the likes of Galileo and Newton, illuminating the complexities of scientific discovery and the perseverance of one man's dedication to his craft. Sobel's prose brings to life the trials and triumphs of the Age of Enlightenment, illustrating how the resolution of the longitude problem not only enhanced maritime navigation but also contributed significantly to our understanding of time and space. The book skillfully interweaves personal anecdotes and historical context, making it not just an account of scientific progress, but a rich exploration of human ambition and ingenuity.
Who was the main historical figure featured in 'Longitude'?
A) John Harrison
B) James Cook
C) Isaac Newton
D) Galileo Galilei
- 2. What invention is John Harrison famous for?
A) The marine chronometer
B) The astrolabe
C) The sextant
D) The barometer
- 3. What prize was established to reward the solution to the longitude problem?
A) The Navigation Award
B) The Maritime Medal
C) The Longitude Prize
D) The Celestial Navigation Prize
- 4. Where is the Prime Meridian located?
A) Madrid, Spain
B) Greenwich, England
C) Lisbon, Portugal
D) Paris, France
- 5. What was the primary technological innovation in Harrison's chronometer?
A) A compensation mechanism for temperature changes
B) Use of metal gears
C) Use of electronic components
D) A magnetic compass
- 6. Harrison's chronometer was initially met with what?
A) High praise from all sailors
B) Skepticism and resistance
C) Funding from the government
D) Immediate acceptance
- 7. What personal struggle did Harrison face in his lifetime?
A) Overconfidence in his designs
B) Financial difficulties with his inventions
C) Too much government support
D) Lack of interest in navigation
- 8. What impact did 'Longitude' have on public interest?
A) It ended interest in sailing
B) It discouraged inventions
C) It revived interest in navigation history
D) It focused only on modern navigation
- 9. Which competing method was proposed by the astronomers?
A) Dead reckoning
B) Lunar distance method
C) Map triangulation
D) Solar navigation
- 10. What was the outcome for Harrison by the end of his life?
A) He received the full prize immediately
B) He was completely discredited
C) He received partial recognition and a reward
D) He became an official navigator
- 11. Which position did John Harrison hold in society?
A) An astronomer.
B) A clockmaker.
C) A ship captain.
D) A politician.
- 12. Who was the primary antagonist to Harrison’s chronometer?
A) James Cook.
B) Thomas Jefferson.
C) William Thames.
D) Nevil Maskelyne.
- 13. Which device was commonly used to determine latitude?
A) The barometer.
B) The sextant.
C) The anemometer.
D) The chronometer.
- 14. In what year was 'Longitude' published?
A) 1985
B) 1990
C) 2000
D) 1995
- 15. Which element played a crucial role in the functioning of Harrison's design?
A) Wind-up mechanism
B) Balance wheel
C) Spring mechanism
D) Pendulum
- 16. How many versions of the marine chronometer did Harrison create?
A) Five.
B) Three.
C) Four.
D) Two.
- 17. What was the longitude prize offered by the British Parliament?
A) £5,000.
B) £100,000.
C) £20,000.
D) £1,000.
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