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Maritime history

Engraving of sailors and naturalists inspecting a net and recovered material on Challenger’s deck.

The Challenger Expedition: The Labor Behind a Global Ocean Survey

Between 1872 and 1876, Challenger transformed ocean science through repeated measurements, dangerous deck work and a worldwide network of sailors, local experts and specialists.

Categories Science, Invention & Exploration
The gold-colored movement of Harrison’s H4 sea watch, with pierced metal covers, small blue screws, and exposed wheels.

John Harrison’s Long Passage to Longitude

Harrison’s sea watch crossed an ocean, but its journey to acceptance took much longer. Clocks, lunar tables, public money, and repeated trials together changed navigation.

Categories Science, Invention & Exploration
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