Question

Why were some people against John Harrison claiming the prize for solving the problem of longitude? A. Harrison failed to prove how his clock would solve the problem of longitude. B. They thought his clock would not remain accurate once it was aboard a ship. C. Someone else claimed that he had invented an accurate clock before Harrison did. D. They wanted an astronomical solution and did not want the prize to go to a watchmaker.

Answer 1

I think the correct answer would be option D. Some people were  against John Harrison claiming the prize for solving the problem of longitude because they wanted an astronomical solution and did not want the prize to go to a watchmaker. During the 17th century, identifying longitudes are important for navigators and sailors in when they are out in the sea however identifying longitude requires them to know the exact time at that particular point. Although they have the pendulum clocks at that time, they could not get accurate time due to the changes in temperature and humidity. This problem was solved by John Harisson by the invention of portable clocks. With this invention, many scientists where envious and doubtful. Also, they cannot accept that a simple watchmaker could do such great achievement.