A good watch may serve to keep a recconing at Sea for some…
![“A good watch may serve to keep a recconing at Sea for some days and to know the time of a Celestial Observ[at]ion: and for this end a good Jewel watch may suffice till a better sort of Watch can be found out. But when the Longitude at sea is once lost, it cannot be found again by any watch.” quote by Isaac Newton](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/930/isaac-newton-1226_celestial_a-good-watch-may-serve-to-keep-a-recconi_2313411.jpg)
“A good watch may serve to keep a recconing at Sea for some days and to know the time of a Celestial Observ[at]ion: and for this end a good Jewel watch may suffice till a better sort of Watch can be found out. But when the Longitude at sea is once lost, it cannot be found again by any watch.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A watch can help keep track of time at sea, but once longitude is lost, no watch can recover it.
In simple terms: Watches help with time, not lost longitude.
Key Takeaway
Rely on other navigation methods for longitude.
Themes
navigation
timekeeping
maritime
science
Mood
practical
reflective
Type
technical
historical
When to use this quote
- sea voyages
- exploration
- ship navigation
Key Concepts
celestial navigation
longitude
instrument limitation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can sailors ensure accurate longitude without watches?
- What modern tools replace watches for navigation?
A Different Perspective
Watches cannot replace accurate longitude determination.