Astronomical Instruments and Their Users: Tycho Brahe to William Lassell

by Allan Chapman

A collection of 17 reprinted articles written by Chapman describing particular persons in history who have grappled with problems in astronomy which could only be solved by instruments, or as the author states in his preface, a "human-cum-instrument biography." The studies include examinations of the work of Tycho Brahe, Jeremiah Horrocks, Jeremy Shakerley, George Graham, William Herschel, Sir George Airy, and William Lassell. The professional biographies span the 18th and 19th centuries and provide insights into the social and historical contexts of the scientific work. Includes photographs and illustrations. Distributed by Ashgate. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1996