A History of Clocks: Their Cultural Significance and Evolution

This report explores the clock as a significant cultural artifact, tracing its evolution from ancient timekeeping devices to modern electronic clocks. It begins by examining early forms of time measurement, such as sundials and water clocks, used in ancient civilizations like China, Egypt, and the Indian Subcontinent. The report then details the development of mechanical clocks, including their emergence in Europe during the Middle Ages and the technological advancements that improved accuracy and functionality. The report also addresses the transition to modern and postmodern clocks, highlighting the impact of technology on design and timekeeping. Finally, it concludes by emphasizing the clock's role as an indicator of human civilization's progress, reflected in its presence in various cultural forms. The report references works by Dixit, Jerome, Riskin, and Stolz to support its analysis.

Clock As A Cultural
Artefact

Introduction
 Clock is a device that helps in measuring time
 considered as an important cultural artifact
 integral part of the development of human societies
 has been present throughout human history
 constant part of our post-modern society as an important cultural
artifact

Clock In Ancient Times
 Sun Dials
 Hour Glasses
 Water Clocks
 Used in Ancient China, Egypt, Babylon, Indian Subcontinent
 Used between 4000 BC to 1000 BC

Clock in the Middle Ages
 included a water powered cogwheel apparatus built in 725AD
by Chinese
 astronomical clock during 1020 AD in China
 First Clock built in Europe in 1277 AD by Spanish Clock Maker
 During 1283 AD, one of the first large clocks was built for the
Canterbury Cathedral
 these clocks involved an astronomical dial that was two
meters in diameter along with bells and automata to
automate the time keeping process
 representing the earliest, modern automated clocks that we
know today

Modern and Postmodern Clocks
 Electronic Clocks
 Better time keeping and accuracy
 Associated with modern and post modern societity

Conclusion
 Usage of clock and its symbolic significance has
changed in the modern society with changes in
technology that affected the design accuracy and
ease of measuring time
 The clock has not only been an important artifact
of our culture but also an important indicator
showing the development of human civilization
and technology from one era to next
 The clocks have therefore not only captured
human imagination but also been depicted in
various cultural art forms and mobilization

References
 Dixit, U. S., Hazarika, M., & Davim, J. P. (2017). A brief history of
mechanical engineering. Springer International Publishing.
 Jerome, C. (2017). History of the American Clock Business for the Past
Sixty Years and Life of Chauncey Jerome. Read Books Ltd.
 Riskin, J. (2016). The restless clock: a history of the centuries-long
argument over what makes living things tick. University of Chicago
Press.
 Stolz, D. A. (2015). Positioning the Watch Hand: ʿUlamaʾ and the
Practice of Mechanical Timekeeping in Cairo, 1737–1874. International
Journal of Middle East Studies, 47(3), 489-510.

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