Quote:
Originally Posted by Erin
The growth of the railroads led to the abolition of local times, which was determined by when the sun reached the observer’s meridian and differing from city to city, and to the establishment of regional times.
(C) which were determined by when the sun reached the observer’s meridian and differing
If C were correct as written (which is possible grammatically), it would mean this: The growth of the railroads led to the abolition of local times, which were determined by when the sun reached the observer’s meridian and which were differing from city to city, and to the establishment of regional times.
In other words, which were determined would be parallel with which were differing; or, if it were "reduced," determined and differing would be parallel.
I think you'll agree that the verb tense of which were differing is incorrect, so C is out. 
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Hello Erin,
I've read all your impressive explanations about this SC which is still puzzling me after 6 months study and already one attempt few months ago.
I've read this sentence so many times. The problem is that every time I try to answer, I choose C! I simply cannot figure out why C is wrong. The quote above is the ultimate explanation I found for dismissing C.
So you say that C can simply be dismissed because 'which were differing' uses a wrong verb tense. When I look this sentence, I don't see what is wrong in the tense. For example :
'the people were thinking'. I suppose this is a correct sentence which uses an
intransitive verb, like 'differ'.
So can you please explain a little more this point which seems to be so obvious but to me!
Thanks