As we mentioned before, the sundial was a great invention except for the problem of telling what time it is on cloudy days, at night time, or indoors.  If the word “Clepsydra” does not resonate for you, maybe you know it better as a “water clock”.  In its simplest form a “water clock” could be just a pot with a hole for a constant drip.  With a know volume of water placed in the pot, a unit of time was created that was used for activities as far flung as timing lawyers in courtrooms so they didn’t speak too long, doctors measuring a patient’s pulse, to those enterprising folks in the “oldest profession” timing customers stays (if that one gets by you, drop us note and we will give a further explanation).  But as with all instruments of time, the basic design has flaws and man’s creativity comes to the fore.  Ensuring a constant water flow for more accuracy created constant tinkering with designs.  Over the years a variety of ancient water clocks with complications to rival any of today’s timepieces have been developed by many ancient civilizations including those of Egypt, Babylon, India, China, Greco-Roman, and Islamic-Arabic. For more info on water clocks, click on this link:  Clepsydras