Log Timer c. 1795 - 1812

This log timer was made by Rasmus Dekker from wood and brass. It's an instrument that reflects the Netherlands's powerful maritime history, revealing the importance of accurate navigation. The timer would have been used to measure a ship's speed through the water. Notice the detailed scale and carefully crafted components. These speak to the precision needed in seafaring, where miscalculations could be disastrous. The instrument testifies to the scientific innovations that supported Dutch naval power and trade. Looking at it, one might reflect on the complex economic and colonial structures that were facilitated by such technology. To fully understand its place in history, one could look to archival sources and historical accounts of Dutch maritime expeditions. The timer serves as a reminder that technological advancement is always embedded in a specific social and institutional context.