An Introduction to Practical Astronomy: Containing Tables For Facilitating The Reduction Of Celestial Observations, And A Popular Explanation Of Their ... 1 (Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy)
Cambridge University Press
Edition: Reissue, 9/5/2013
EAN 9781108064057, ISBN10: 1108064051
Paperback, 568 pages, 29.7 x 21 x 2.9 cm
Language: English
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.
Preface
Refractions
Precessions
Zach's constants
New general table
Universal tables by Delambre
Differential tables by Zach
Diurnal aberration
General tables by Gauss
Longitudes and latitudes
Meridian
Terrestrial graduation
Time
48 principal stars
Bessel's table of 1818
Solar tables
Lunar tables
Zodiacal tables
Circle
Planetary tables
Pole star
Catalogues
Additional tables
Appendix.