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The word clock comes from the Latin word 'clocca' which means a bell. That explains why clocks and bells always go together.

Also, castration was not uncommon for people who broke the law in the 14th century.

First part of the book is a history of Oxford's humble beginnings, an introduction to the astrolabe (complicated), and the political climate (read: uneasy) of early 14th century England.

The intersection of Richard's education first as the son of a blacksmith, then adopted into the religious orders, then Oxford to where he discovered maths is one of those fun and unique coincidences of history.