Talk:Water clock

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Headings

Converted to lowercase headings, as per Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style#Headings.--Semioli 14:17, 24 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Royal Gorge

No mention of the water clock at the entrance to Royal Gorge, CO, USA?

It is now mentioned.

Hill reference concerning "Toledo"

This reference discusses the water clock constructed in around 1050 by the astronomer al-Zarqali on the banks of the Tagus in Toledo Spain, not "To". I have the reference if anyone is still uncertain about its title.

Isn't a gnomon just part of a sundial?

What am I missing here:

Water clocks, along with the sundials, are possibly the oldest time-measuring instruments, with the only exceptions being the gnomon and day-counting tally stick.

Isn't a gnomon just the main part of a sundial? In which case why is the gnomon an exception to "Water clocks, along with the sundials"?

That's a great question. A gnomon is a part of a sundial, but this isn't its only purpose. For example, if you take a stick and put it in the ground vertically and watch its shadow move over the course of the day, the stick is called a gnomon. Most writers on early timekeeping will refer to this method as the earliest way in which man observed the movement of time. Is a stick in a ground a sundial? No, sundials are usually a bit more complex and use a gnomon as just one of its parts. In some cases, you'll even see an obelisk refered to as a gnomon. There is one change that should, however, be made to the article though, and that is adding the word "vertical" before gnomon. Your question made me reread Turner, which is where I got the information. Some how, it was ommitted...I hope this answers your question. If not, let me know and I will attempt to research it more (time permitting). I just really trust Turner, he's a very good source.

I just looked at the Wiki gnomon article. The article really lacks a good historical background.

What about sand glasses and candles for measuring time?

I would have thought sand glasses and candles would have been in very common use before the pendulum clock was invented. In which case I doubt the accuracy of this:

While never reaching the level of accuracy based on today's standards of timekeeping, the water clock was the most accurate and commonly used timekeeping device for millennia, until it was replaced by the more accurate pendulum clock in 17th century Europe.

The accuracy of the water clock increased dramatically over 2,000 years ago by Ctesibius of Alexandria and the Han dynasty in China. Ctesibius introduced mechanical gearing with temporal hours, automata, and a feedback control system. I have never heard of a sand glass or candle clock that could match timekeeping on this level. Have you? I'd love to see it if you have! So, the "the most accurate" part, I believe is quite accurate.

As far as the second part, "commonly used" goes, I can see this as being generally debatable among scholars, but far from being a source of contention. I'd like to hear what historians have to say on this. But I don't see this as a big issue. If you can prove otherwise, change it.

Hydrochronometer

I suggest the article Hydrochronometer be merged with Water clock. Biscuittin 07:57, 20 July 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I suggest it be stand alone. Speciific water clocks like Su Song's clock and the elephant clock warrent their own article. I think that this is no differnt. However, it should at least be mentioned in the Modern water clock designs section.

I included a link on the Hydrochronometer page for the source info, but that article really needs to be expanded.

England section and other recent edits

Topics that are loosely related to the Wiki article do not belong. I suggest recent editors refer to Wikipedia's topics: Wikipedia:Relevance of content and Wikipedia:Policies and guidelines.--jimmaciejewski —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jimmaciejewski (talk • contribs) 04:36, 3 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

too many references

This page needs to have far fewer references or way more text to be brought in line with wikipedia's guidelines. If you don't know about them, reply here and I'll find them for you. Pdbailey 22:01, 1 December 2007 (UTC) --[reply]

How many refs are allowed in accordance to Wiki's guidelines? I'd love to add more content, as much more is needed. The problem is time. Even going through and selectively removing some refs could be laborious. I'm probably the most qualified to do so, since most of the content and refs came from me. Guidelines would be helpful. It's too bad though, because these are really good - it's like a dream for anyone doing research on the subject; half the work is done. Jimmaciejewski —Preceding comment was added at 04:24, 2 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Babylon or Babylonia?

Are the early water clocks from Babylonia, or just the city of Babylon? The article says Babylon (the capital of Babylonia), but I find it hard to believe that the technology wouldn't have spread. Twilight Realm (talk) 00:03, 21 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]