106 CHRONOMETERS. 



have been brought to such perfection, and reserving my own observations on it for the 

 conclusion of this article, I shall give their answer to my request in their own words. 



4, Change Alley, May 15, 1834. 



Sir, 



In compliance with your desire to be furnished with a report of the condition 

 of the two chronometers of our make, which you took with you in your late Expedition 

 to the Arctic Regions, we have examined them with the most careful and minute 

 attention, and find them in an excellent state: indeed, very far more perfect than could 

 have been expected after such a length of time, and the severe trials which they must 

 have undergone. 



With regard to their peculiar construction, which you at the same time requested 

 us to describe, as you were desirous of publishing it for the benefit of science and 

 navigation generally, we have no hesitation in complying with your wishes ; so far 

 as is consistent with justice to ourselves, and we hope that our communication may 

 prove useful. 



The peculiar principle which we have discovered is of the highest importance in 

 giving the final adjustment to chronometers, as by it we are enabled, in all cases, to 

 give permanence to their rates, within the limits of exactness I'equisite in navigation. 



We beg, in the first place, to disclaim all intention of insinuating that in the 

 mechanical construction of our instruments there is any thing superior to, or materially 

 different from, those made by other respectable makers ; for we are well aware, that 

 all chronometers lately made by intelligent artists, are on the same mechanical 

 principle. But the fact is notorious, that of several instruments made with equal care, 

 reference being had only to their mechanical construction, some are found to perform 

 well, and others indifferently; while nothing can be discovered in the workmanship 

 which will in any way account for the variation. 



Chronometers in general, as at present constructed, are found progressively to 

 accelerate on their rates, and in many instances this takes place to such an extent, 

 that a new rate is required, rendering them ill suited for long voyages; on the 

 contrary, others have a continual disposition to lose on their rates, and are therefore 

 equally unsuited to the wants of the seaman. 



But whether the rates of chronometers were accelerated or retarded in use, there 

 existed no recognised or known remedy for the evil, until we made the discovery, 

 which it is one object of this communication to record our claim to. Some artists 

 have trusted to time for its correction; and a writer in a scientific journal* has recently • 



• Nautical Magazine. 



