Norman

The measurement of time

There was great vagueness about time. The hours of daylight and the position of the sun in the sky, gave order to everyone's life. Few could precisely mark the date of their birthday, or even remember their exact age!

Waterclocks, invented by the Chinese, were very rare. These froze in winter anyway.

Sundials were more common but they depended on fine weather.

Hourglasses, like the one opposite, could measure short periods of time. The sand flowing from the top part enlarged the opening through which it flowed, so it was not always an accurate measure of time.

What is the hour glass made from?

Click the picture for an answer.