Tools and instruments for measuring time in ancient times

1, sundial (pronounced guǐ), also known as "sundial", is another ancient time-measuring instrument in China. It usually consists of a copper pointer and a stone disk. The pointer made of copper is called "needle" and the disk made of stone is called "face". When in use, you can distinguish different times by observing the shadow position cast on the disk surface. The sundial can be timed accurately to the minute (15 minutes).

2. The leaky cauldron, also known as "leaky carving", is a kind of timer, which shows the time by putting the water drops in the leaky cauldron on the carved arrow. The clepsydra is generally made of copper, and its history can be traced back to Xia and Shang Dynasties. Leakage refers to the leakage of the pot; Carving means carving an arrow. The arrow is a ruler marked with a time scale. Missing carving is to calculate the time by observing the data displayed on the carved arrow in the pot by using the principle of balanced dripping.

3. Guibiao (pronounced guρ) is a simple and important astronomical instrument, which consists of a vertical watch (usually eight feet high) and a horizontal Guibiao. It uses direct facts to measure the length of the sun shadow. The main function is to determine the location of the winter solstice, and then determine the length of the tropical year. In addition, we can also determine the direction and solar terms by observing the changes of surface shadows.

4. The dragon boat incense leak is an instrument for timing with incense, but it also has the function of making noise. There is burning incense on a dragon boat-shaped container, and a thread with metal balls hanging at both ends is placed on the incense at regular intervals. Every once in a while, incense will burn a thread, making the metal ball fall into the container below, making a noise and telling the time. Although it is not accurate, it is simple and easy to operate, and it is extremely suitable for folk use, so it used to be very popular.

Others include, dragon water, equatorial sundial, equatorial theodolite,