- 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) Isaac Newton
B) Galileo Galilei
C) James Cook
D) John Harrison
- 2. What invention is John Harrison famous for?
A) The astrolabe
B) The barometer
C) The marine chronometer
D) The sextant
- 3. What prize was established to reward the solution to the longitude problem?
A) The Longitude Prize
B) The Maritime Medal
C) The Celestial Navigation Prize
D) The Navigation Award
- 4. Where is the Prime Meridian located?
A) Paris, France
B) Lisbon, Portugal
C) Greenwich, England
D) Madrid, Spain
- 5. What was the primary technological innovation in Harrison's chronometer?
A) Use of electronic components
B) A compensation mechanism for temperature changes
C) A magnetic compass
D) Use of metal gears
- 6. Harrison's chronometer was initially met with what?
A) High praise from all sailors
B) Immediate acceptance
C) Funding from the government
D) Skepticism and resistance
- 7. What personal struggle did Harrison face in his lifetime?
A) Overconfidence in his designs
B) Financial difficulties with his inventions
C) Lack of interest in navigation
D) Too much government support
- 8. What impact did 'Longitude' have on public interest?
A) It ended interest in sailing
B) It revived interest in navigation history
C) It focused only on modern navigation
D) It discouraged inventions
- 9. Which competing method was proposed by the astronomers?
A) Solar navigation
B) Dead reckoning
C) Lunar distance method
D) Map triangulation
- 10. What was the outcome for Harrison by the end of his life?
A) He became an official navigator
B) He received partial recognition and a reward
C) He was completely discredited
D) He received the full prize immediately
- 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) William Thames.
B) James Cook.
C) Nevil Maskelyne.
D) Thomas Jefferson.
- 13. Which device was commonly used to determine latitude?
A) The chronometer.
B) The barometer.
C) The sextant.
D) The anemometer.
- 14. In what year was 'Longitude' published?
A) 1985
B) 1995
C) 1990
D) 2000
- 15. Which element played a crucial role in the functioning of Harrison's design?
A) Spring mechanism
B) Balance wheel
C) Wind-up mechanism
D) Pendulum
- 16. How many versions of the marine chronometer did Harrison create?
A) Five.
B) Four.
C) Two.
D) Three.
- 17. What was the longitude prize offered by the British Parliament?
A) £100,000.
B) £20,000.
C) £5,000.
D) £1,000.
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