A new discovery for finding the longitude

In this early‑18th‑century treatise the author tackles the age‑old problem of determining longitude at sea. He explains, step by step, how a specially calibrated spring‑driven clock can keep time to a tenth of a minute, allowing navigators to compare a ship’s local noon with the reference hour at a home port. The exposition blends clear mechanical instructions with simple arithmetic, showing how the slow and fast hands of the device translate into precise longitudinal calculations.

Beyond the technical details, the work offers a glimpse into the scientific enthusiasm of the period, when scholars and parliamentarians were eager for practical solutions to maritime hazards. Readers will find a mix of practical advice—such as how to set the clock, account for solar variation, and record observations—and a glimpse of the broader push for standardized navigation that would later shape global trade. This modest yet ambitious pamphlet captures the spirit of innovation that drove early modern exploration.