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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 12: A Tale of Two Portraits.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What was Huygens best known as?
(a) The first great astronomer.
(b) The first great horologist.
(c) The first great philosopher.
(d) The first great scientist.

2. Due to the astronomers' ______________, Harrison would face much resistance after he finished his greatest work.
(a) Classism.
(b) Egos.
(c) Elitism.
(d) Racism.

3. What could have avoided the tragedy near the Scilly Islands?
(a) If the admiral had listened to a sailor who kept his own navigation.
(b) If the lead ship had followed the directions of the admiral.
(c) If the stars had been out so the captains could utilize them for navigation.
(d) If the rudder on the ship hadn't been broken, the captain could have steered away from the islands.

4. Were Harrison's clocks in working order before being taken for tests at the Royal Observatory?
(a) Maskelyne said they "appeared to be" in working order.
(b) Maskelyne said they "were not" in working order.
(c) Maskelyne said they "most definetly" were in working order.
(d) Maskelyne said they "needed a tune up" to be in working order.

5. Why was it remarkable for Harrison to build his first pendulum clock?
(a) He came from a very poor family with no means to build a clock.
(b) His design was stolen midway through building the clock.
(c) He wasn't a watchmakers apprentice.
(d) He was an adamant believer in the astronomical solution to longitude.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main difference in measuring longitude and latitude?

2. The moon travels a distance roughly equal to its own width every _________.

3. When Harrison was asked to hand his plans over to the British government, what was his reaction?

4. Which of the following people were not members of the Board of Longitude?

5. What did the Longitude Act of 1714 establish?

(see the answer key)

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