On a New Class of Oscillations

Abstract

This publication was motivated by Krafft’s accidental observation of a suspended clock setting itself in constant motion as a pendulum. His analysis of the phenomenon led him to conclude that the vibration of the clock was solely due to imbalances in the clock's balance wheel. Next, he conceives a 'little machine' as he called it, in which a straight bar loaded by small weights at its extremities is free to oscillate about the center of gravity of a regular suspended clock. He then investigates different oscillating conditions, by calculating moments with different weights and lengths of the bar arms, to find conditions to attain oscillating excursions in a right angle, excursions with maximum amplitude, and showing that the vibrations of the whole clock are rendered more sensible, the shorter is the height of the suspension.