Buch, Englisch, 210 Seiten, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 303 g
Buch, Englisch, 210 Seiten, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 303 g
Reihe: Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy
ISBN: 978-1-108-08019-4
Verlag: Cambridge University Press
An Anglican clergyman and fellow of the Royal Society, John Harris (c.1666–1719) was an important promulgator of Newtonian science, through private teaching, public lectures and published writing. His Lexicon Technicum (1704) may be considered the first encyclopaedia in English. In the present work, published in 1719, Harris presents for his well-to-do readership a series of didactic conservations between a gentleman of science and an aristocratic lady. He aims to induce 'persons of birth and fortune' to dedicate some of their 'happy leisure … to the improvement of their minds', and uses quotes from poets such as Samuel Butler and John Dryden to help elucidate scientific concepts. In particular, Harris explains the use of contemporary scientific apparatus (and expensive status symbols) such as terrestrial and celestial globes. The book ends with a description of the ultimate contemporary symbol of scientific refinement: the orrery, a working model of the solar system.
Autoren/Hrsg.
Fachgebiete
- Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtliche Themen Wissenschafts- und Universitätsgeschichte
- Naturwissenschaften Astronomie Geschichte der Astronomie
- Geisteswissenschaften Geschichtswissenschaft Geschichtswissenschaft Allgemein Historiographie
- Interdisziplinäres Wissenschaften Wissenschaften: Allgemeines Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, Formalen Wissenschaften & Technik
Weitere Infos & Material
Preface; Astronomical dialogues; The description of the famous instrument called the orrery, made by Mr John Rowley, master of the mechanicks to the King.
