Title: Edmond Halley : charting the heavens and the seas /
Authors: Cook, Alan H.
Publisher: Clarendon,
Year: 1998
Subjects: Halley, Edmond,; Astronomy; Biography; Astronomy England History.; Astronomers Great Britain Biography
Abstract: "Edmond Halley (1656-1742), MA, LLD, FRS, Capt. RN, Savilian Professor of Geometry and Astronomer Royal, stands pre-eminent among Oxford, English, and European scientists." "Now more widely known for his prediction of the return of "his" comet, Halley discovered the proper motion of stars, made important studies of the moon's motion, and his investigations of the Earth's magnetic field and of tides were unrivalled for centuries. His prediction of the transit of Venus led to Cook's voyage to Tahiti. He was far more than a cloistered academic; his exploits as a naval captain led to perilous adventures, and he was also a notable servant of the State. Much material about his eventful career has come to light in recent years, making this a timely new account of the life, scientific interests, and continuing influence of this engaging and adventurous scholar."--BOOK JACKET.
Contents: Machine derived contents note: 1. Halley's world -- 2. Formation of an astronomer -- 3. Skies of the south -- 4. Into Europe -- 5. A wedding and two funerals -- 6. Achilles produced -- 7. Improving natural knowledge -- 8. Celestial architecture -- 9. Uses and practice of the contemplation of nature -- 10. Far seas and new prospects -- 11. Upon the Dalmation shore -- 12. In the Savillian Chair -- 13. The matter of the moon -- 14. Astronomer royal -- 15. The advancement of natural knowledge -- Appendix 1: The eliptic orbit -- Appendix 2: Genealogical notes -- Appendix 3: The personal estate of Halley's father -- Appendix 4: Chronology of Edmond Halley -- Appendix 5: Determinaiton of positions from sextant observations -- Appendix 6: Halley's verses prefixed to Principia -- Appendix 7: Correspondence of Halley not listed by MacPike (1932) -- Appendix 8: Halley's library -- Appendix 9: The manuscript ULC RGO 1/74 and its implications -- Appendix 10: Halley's memorial to the Emperor -- Index.