XXV. On the effects produced in the rates of chronometers by the proximity of masses of iron

• Published in: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Royal Society 1821
• Subjects: Arctic; Buchan
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstl.1821.0026; https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rstl.1821.0026

It having been ascertained during the voyage made by Captain Buchan to the Arctic regions, in the year 1818, that the rates of the chronometers were considerably different on board and on shore, and this change having been attributed to the iron of the vessel, I felt very desirous, first, of ascertaining whether the proximity of a mass of iron had actually any effect in changing the rate; and, secondly, supposing this to be the case, to determine, if possible, the laws and principles by which that action was governed. I accordingly, through the kindness of some of my friends, procured the loan of six excellent chronometers, besides one or two others, which upon trial were found to have too wide and irregular rates for my purpose. Having procured these, and made the requisite preparations, I began my series of observations on them on the 11th of March of the present year, and continued them daily till the 25th of May; when, having obtained a considerable number of results, they were discontinued. It will however be proper, before I proceed to the detail of particulars, to explain the views I had formed on the subject, and the principles upon which I conducted the experiments.