Welsh Journals

John Tibbot's Inventions By IORWERTH C. PEATE, M.A., D.Sc., F.S.A. In 'John Tibbot, clock and watch maker,'1 I referred to Tibbot's in- vention of a clock which he had submitted to the Royal Society of Arts but with- out satisfaction. At the time of writing, the records of the Society were not available for reference. Now, through the kindness of the Secretary and Libra- rian of the Royal Society of Arts, whose courteous co-operation is gratefully acknowledged, I have been able to obtain photostatic copies of the minutes of the Society's Committee of Mechanics for March-April, 1817. The Committee met on the 20th March, 18 17, and the following are extracts from its minutes:- A watch. Mr. Tibbot. Took into consideration a letter and model from Mr. Tibbot dated Machynlleth Oct. 8th, 1816, on a watch of his construction, referred to this Committee Feby. 12th, 1817. The complicated nature of this watch precludes the possibility of explaining its construction by words alone. It appears from Mr. T's letter to have been executed about 30 years ago; and contains with many imperfections some hints which, if duly published at the time, might have obtained some credit for the in- ventor; but which at present are wholly superseded by the more accurate and refined contrivances of modern artists. Resolved It appears to this Committee that Mr. Tibbot's watch although ingenious is not new in principle or equal to others now in use they cannot therefore recom- mend it to the further attention of the Society. A Clock. Mr. Tibbot. Took into consideration a clock and description of the same by Mr. Tibbot dated Machynlleth Oct. 1816 referred to this Committee, Feby. 12th, 1817. Examined the clock and postponed the further consideration of the subject to this day fortnight April 3rd. 1 Mont Coll. XLVTII, 1944, pp. 176-185.