Dividing the Circle : Development of Critical Angular Measurement in Astronomy

Dividing the Circle: Development of Critical Angular Measurement in Astronomy 1500-1850

By Allan Chapman

Published by Ellis Horwood, 1990. Hardback with pictorial boards, large 8vo, 209 pages, illustrated.

CONDTION
A very good clean copy throughout. Hardback binding is very good. Pages clean throughout. No writing or names. Overall a very good copy.

ABOUT THIS BOOK
This is a study of the relationship between astronomers and the instrument makers from 1500 to 1850. The need for more accurate measurements produced a close harmony between the users and the makers of the scientific equipment of the time, and on the craft of Tycho Brahe's instrument makers turned the subsequent development of astronomy and navigation. The important questions in astronomy during this period included the issue of the Earth's motion in space, the shape of planetary orbits and the explication of Newton's Laws, all of which hinged on the critical measurement of celestial angles. The rate of astronomical progress was dependent largely on the advancing skills of the instrument makers. This book not only discusses the principle discoveries in astronomical technology but also examines the relationship between scientists and craftsmen; looks at the prices and costs of research, and charts the growth of the scientific instrument making trade.

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