Fig. 879.—M. Cadot’s clock.
M. Henri Robert has also invented a very interesting clock, and one calculated to excite much curiosity (fig. 881).
Fig. 880.—1. Front view. 2. Profile. 3. Detail of movement between the glasses. 4. Detail of movable plate. a. Base of clock. b. Framework. c. Space for movement. d. Wheel support. e. Cogwheel.
We can see nothing but a crystal dial, perfectly transparent, upon the surface of which two “hands” move, as upon an ordinary clock face. There is no machinery visible, and electricity may be credited with the motive power, because the dial is suspended by two wires. But they will soon be perceived not to be connected with the hands, and all search for the mechanism will be fruitless.
The hands, moreover, turn backwards or forwards, and may be moved by a treacherous finger, but will always return as by a balanced motion to their position, not the hour which they were at, but to the time which it actually is. They will take their proper place notwithstanding all efforts to the contrary, and will then, if let alone, indicate the time as steadily as ever.
Fig. 881.—M. Robert’s clock.