Abstract
We analyzed the manufacturing procedure, specifications, repair history, and details of celestial movements of the water-hammering type $Honsang$ (celestial globe). Results from our study on the remaining $Honsangs$ in China and Japan and on the reconstruction models in Korea were applied to our conceptual design of the water-hammering type $Honsang$. A $Honui$ (armillary sphere) and $Honsang$ using the water-hammering method were manufactured in $Joseon$ in 1435 (the 17th year of King $Sejong$). $Jang$ $Yeong-Sil$ developed the $Honsang$ system based on the water-operation method of $Shui$ $y{\ddot{u}}n$ $i$ $hsiang$ $t'ai$ in China. Water-operation means driving water wheels using a water flow. The most important factor in this type of operation is the precision of the water clock and the control of the water wheel movement. The water-hammering type $Honsang$ in $Joseon$ probably adopted the $Cheonhyeong$ (天衡; oriental escapement device) system of $Shui$ $y{\ddot{u}}n$ $i$ $hsiang$ $t'ai$ in China and the overflow mechanism of $Jagyeongnu$ (striking clepsydra) in $Joseon$, etc. In addition to the $Cheonryun$ system, more gear instruments were needed to stage the rotation of the $Honsang$ globe and the sun's movement. In this study, the water-hammering mechanism is analyzed in the structure of a water clock, a water wheel, the $Cheonhyeong$ system, and the $Giryun$ system, as an organically working operation mechanism. We expect that this study will serve as an essential basis for studies on $Heumgyeonggaknu$, the water-operating astronomical clock, and other astronomical clocks in the middle and latter parts of the $Joseon$ dynasty.
