" It was
found that Harrison's watch was more correct than Arnold's, and
when near Cape Palliser in New Zealand, Cook says, "this day at
noon, when we attended the winding-up of the watches, the fusee
of Mr. Arnold's would not turn round, so that after several
unsuccessful trials we were obliged to let it go down." From
this time, complete reliance was placed upon Harrison's
chronometer. Some time later, Cook says, "I must here take
notice that our longitude can never be erroneous while we have so
good a guide as Mr. Kendal's watch." It may be observed, that at
the beginning of the voyage, observations were made by the lunar
tables; but these, being found unreliable, were eventually
discontinued.
To return to Harrison. He continued to be worried by official
opposition. His claims were still unsatisfied. His watch at
home underwent many more trials. Dr. Maskelyne, the Royal
Astronomer, was charged with being unfavourable to the success of
chronometers, being deeply interested in finding the longitude by
lunar tables; although this method is now almost entirely
superseded by the chronometer. Harrison accordingly could not
get the certificate of what was due to him under the Act of
Parliament. Years passed before he could obtain the remaining
amount of his reward. It was not until the year 1773, or
forty-five years after the commencement of his experiments, that
he succeeded in obtaining it.
Pages:
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146