Knowledge Physicists, astronomers, architects, geometricians, mathematicians, chronometer-makers, watchmakers: these are just some of the interested people who, through the years, have displayed a passion for the measurement of time. Their research led to major discoveries and inventions that are still relevant today. Whether physical or geometrical theories, natural laws or mechanical applications, their fundamental contributions have all made it possible to measure time with greater accuracy, to create timepieces to ever higher specifications while allowing aesthetic qualities to become more refined, and even to design increasingly efficient and modern production methods.
Galileo
(1564 - 1642)
Eminent Italian physicist and astronomer who made many discoveries in mechanics and astronomy. He built a telescope, a thermometer, the hydrostatic balance and a proportional compass, and formulated the laws governing falling bodies. He is of interest to horologists mainly because he was the first to discover the laws governing the pendulum and to use it for measuring time. He designed a pendulum clock with a special escapement. His son Vincenzo began to build this clock but died before the work was finished.