ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Corpus Clock

Have you ever seen a big clock with lots of numbers on it that helps you tell the time? Well, there is a special kind of clock called a "corpus clock" that is like a regular clock but it is very unique and special.

A "corpus clock" is a clock that was created by a very smart man named Dr. John Taylor. He wanted to make a clock that would show not only the time, but also the idea of the passing of time and how that can be different depending on where you are in the world.

This clock is a big metal clock with a golden face and lots of intricate details. But what makes it so special is its "grasshopper escapement." This means that the clock uses a special mechanism to move the hands of the clock in small, precise steps that make the clock accurate and reliable.

The clock also has something called a "chronophage," which is a fancy word for a "time-eater." This time-eater is a strange-looking creature that is sitting on top of the clock and moves its mouth every 5 seconds, as if it's constantly eating away at time.

The corpus clock also has lots of symbols and things on it that remind us of the idea of time passing by. For example, there are lots of symbols of death and decay, like a skeleton and a dead mouse. This means that time is passing and everything in the world eventually dies.

So, the next time you see a regular clock, remember that there is a special kind of clock called a corpus clock that is even more special and helps us understand the passing of time in a unique and interesting way!