A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century

This classic example of Victorian popular scientific literature is key to understanding the place of astronomy in nineteenth-century society.

Agnes Mary Clerke (Author)

9781108014328, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 June 2010

488 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.8 cm, 0.62 kg

Agnes Mary Clerke (1842–1907) first published A Popular History of Astronomy in 1885. The work was received with widespread acclaim and brought Clerke an international reputation as a science writer. The History surveys the progress made in the field of astronomy during the nineteenth century. It is split chronologically into two parts, dealing with the first and the second half of the century. Part 1 focuses on the career of the astronomer William Herschel (1738–1822) and the development of sidereal astronomy; part 2 deals with the discovery of spectrum analysis and the progress of knowledge about sun spots and the magnetic disturbances which cause them. Clerke's work, a classic example of Victorian popular scientific literature, stands alongside Grant's earlier History of Astronomy in its success in popularising the subject. The work is important today for scholars researching the history of the discipline and its place in educated Victorian society.

Preface
Introduction
Part I. Progress of Astronomy During the First Half of the Nineteenth Century: 1. Foundation of sidereal astronomy
2. Progress of sidereal astronomy
3. Progress of knowledge regarding the Sun
4. Planetary discoveries
5. Comets
6. Instrumental advances
Part II. Recent Progress of Astronomy: 1. Foundation of astronomical physics
2. Solar observations and theories
3. Recent solar eclipses
4. Spectroscopic work on the Sun
5. Temperature of the Sun
6. The Sun's distance
7. Planets and satellites
8. Planets and satellites (continued)
9. Theories of planetary evolution
10. Recent comets
11. Recent comets (continued)
12. Stars and nebulae
13. Methods of research
Index.

Subject Areas: Solar system: the Sun & planets [PGS]