An Introduction to Practical Astronomy: Volume 2
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An Introduction to Practical Astronomy: Volume 2 by William Pearson
Although astronomical guides were available in the early nineteenth century, they tended to come from continental presses and were rarely in English. This two-volume work by the clergyman and astronomer William Pearson (1767 1847) aimed, with brilliant success, to compile data from extant sources into one of the first English practical guides to astronomy. Most of the tables were updated and improved versions, and some were wholly reconstructed to streamline the calculation processes. Sir John Herschel dubbed it 'one of the most important and extensive works on that subject which has ever issued from the press', and for his efforts Pearson was awarded the gold medal of the Astronomical Society. First published in 1824, Volume 1 chiefly comprises extensive tables to facilitate the reduction of a range of astronomical observations, including solar and sidereal movements, alongside thorough instructions. In the history of science, Pearson's work reflects the contemporary challenges of celestial study.
William Pearson is a retired design engineer who, for much of his life, has been an amateur historian and archaeologist. Articles by him on these subjects have appeared in the journals of various societies in the north-east of England. He is a former Member of the Institute of Linguists and currently a member of the English Place-Name Society, the Cleveland and Teesside Local History Society, and the Teesside Archaeological Society, having served as chairman of the last. Decades ago, friendships were established with certain Danes in Stockton-on-Tees who were fellow employees of his company. This led to living abroad, including a period in Copenhagen. A growing knowledge of Nordic culture led to awareness that the Scandinavian past consisted of more than the Vikings.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781108064064 |
| ISBN 10 | 110806406X |
| Title | An Introduction to Practical Astronomy: Volume 2 |
| Author | William Pearson |
| Series | Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
| Year published | 2013-09-05 |
| Number of pages | 776 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |