 Machine to cut wheels |
This room illustrates the origin and development of the mechanical clock, which began to appear in the Western world between 1250 and 1270. The mechanical clocks were driven by a solid weight controlled by gearwheels and by a special device for adjustment. During the fourteenth century, mechanical clocks of the same type as those exhibited here were installed in the bell towers, turrets, and on the inside and outside of buildings, and were usually provided with bells to mark the hours with sounds as well. Frequently they were embellished with astronomical and zodiacal signs, or with automatons. Linked to the development of the mechanical clock were the automatons -which met with great success in the eighteenth century- such as the "hand that writes", by the master craftsman Friedrich von Knauss (XVIII century), displayed in this room. |