Christiaan Huygens' Pendulum

Origin
Christiaan Huygens was a defining polymath, dabbling in science and mathematics at a ludicrous rate. Huygens formulated the correct theories to calculate centripetal motion and elastic collisions. Work alongside other capable minds led to their early versions of the gunpowder engine, calculator and probability theory. He even spotted Saturn’s rings and its moon Titan with his very own telescope.

One of his most important discoveries was the theory light moved as waves instead of particles. Subsequent tests by later scientists proved the wave theory explained results better than particle behavior. His studies also extended to horology, trying to reinvent time with the pendulum clock in Horologium Oscillatorium. The period for a pendulum to swing was not consistent between repetitions, as wider swings took longer. He also created his own pocket watch to mixed accuracy.

Effects
Swinging allows the user to increase or throttle the speed which light reaches them. It is currently unclear if the pendulum actually changes the constant velocity light travels under, or whether it alters the speed at which people process and react to images. Slowing down incoming light waves shows actions occurring at a slower pace, making it easier to spot details. Users will speak of seeing events happen seconds earlier than recorded and calmly preparing for out-of-the-blue surprises. Some have even reported interpreting separate speeds from each eye, causing slight imbalance and nausea.

Will keep moving of its own accord, even when in a position gravity should not affect. Continual usage splinters the user from the regular pace of time around them. They will be able to move forwards and backwards several minutes from an event, but have difficulty experiencing life at the rate of actual time. Causes frustration and isolation from not being able to interact with the world, even though having minor control over a key element.

Collection
Was collected during a reconnaissance mission from a French countryside chalet in the later 1740s. Was stolen during a Warehouse 12 security breach by Colin Moriarty. The pendulum was used alongside Francis Galton's Dog Whistle, allowing Moriarty to utilize its full range of abilities for premonition purposes without losing his sanity. In an attempt to regain access to the entire Warehouse collection, Moriarty took hostages and Caretaker Balcomb subdued him for Bronzing. The cache of collected artifacts was absorbed by the Warehouse; the whistle and pendulum are now kept far apart, just in case.