Astronomical Dialogues between a Gentleman and a Lady
Wherein the Doctrine of the Sphere, Uses of the Globes, and the Elements of Astronomy and Geography Are Explain'd
Published on 13. November 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
210 pages
978-1-108-08019-4 (ISBN)
Description
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.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
5 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
303 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-108-08019-4 (9781108080194)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
John Harris was educated at Rotherham Grammar School and first worked as a reporter on the Sheffield Telegraph. He later joined the Merchant Navy but at the outbreak of the Second World War enlisted in the RAF, serving in Africa and from 1941-45 in air/sea rescue launches. He wrote many bestselling books.
Content
Preface; Astronomical dialogues; The description of the famous instrument called the orrery, made by Mr John Rowley, master of the mechanicks to the King.