 Flamsteed's Stars
New Perspectives on the Life & Work of the First Astronomer Royal,
1646-1719
Frances Willmoth (Editor)
John Flamsteed played a significant role in maintaining the reputation
of English astronomy for nearly half a century, from his appointment as
"astronomical observator" to Charles II and first director of
the new Royal Observatory at Greenwich, in 1675, through five successive
reigns until his death on the last day of 1719. The Observatory's
innovative instruments enabled him to plot the movements of the heavenly
bodies with unprecedented accuracy.
He was in correspondence with other astronomers, participating in the
controversies of the day and caught up in a lengthy rivalry with Isaac
Newton and Edmond Halley - reflected in the complex publishing history of
the "Historia Coeletis", detailed here.
These studies restore Flamsteed to centre-stage in Restoration science;
they reflect the multi-faceted nature of his achievements as astronomer,
mathematician, instrument maker and writer on optics and they also discuss
more personal issues such as his relations with the Royal society, his
pursuit of professional recognition, and the friction between him and his
eventual successor Halley. |
