{"product_id":"an-original-theory-or-new-hypothesis-of-the-universe-founded-upon-the-laws-of-nature-and-solving-by-mathematical-principles-the-general-phaenomena-of-the-visible-creation-and-particularly-the-via-lactea-paperback-9781108073745","title":"An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature; And Solving by Mathematical Principles the General Phænomena of the Visible Creation, and Particularly the Via Lactea (Paperback \/ softback) 9781108073745","description":"\u003cfont face=\"Georgia\"\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"6\"\u003eAn Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe, Founded upon the Laws of Nature\u003c\/font\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\r\n\u003cfont size=\"5\"\u003eAnd Solving by Mathematical Principles the General Phænomena of the Visible Creation, and Particularly the Via Lactea\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis illustrated work of 1750 is notable for its early description of the Milky Way as being disc-shaped.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"4\"\u003eThomas Wright (Author)\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e9781108073745, Cambridge University Press\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003ePaperback \/ softback, published 6 November 2014\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003e142 pages, 32 b\/w illus.\u003cbr\u003e25.4 x 17.8 x 0.8 cm, 0.26 kg\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003cp align=\"justify\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eAlthough his yeoman father is said to have burnt his books to discourage excessive studiousness, Thomas Wright (1711–86) nevertheless acquired considerable knowledge in the fields of mathematics, navigation and astronomy. Later benefitting from the patronage of wealthy families, he also surveyed estates, designed gardens, and tutored aristocrats. He is best known, however, for his contribution to astronomy: this illustrated work of 1750 was his most famous publication. Written in the form of nine letters, the book quotes both poets and scientists in the opening discussion as Wright sets out to fuse, rather than separate, science and religion. Combining his observations of the Milky Way with his theological belief in a universe of perfect order, he notes, among other things, that our galaxy appears to be disc-shaped. While largely ignored by contemporary astronomers, Wright's ideas can be seen as a forerunner to more sophisticated conceptions of our galaxy's configuration.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003ePreface\u003cbr\u003e Letters 1-9.\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cfont size=\"3\"\u003eSubject Areas: History of science [\u003ca title=\"See our other books on History of science\" href=\"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/search?q=%22History%20of%20science%20%5BPDX%5D%22\"\u003ePDX\u003c\/a\u003e]\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\r\n\u003c\/font\u003e","brand":"Cambridge University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46003014238488,"sku":"9781108073745","price":23.79,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0730\/2037\/5320\/products\/9781108073745i.jpg?v=1696751474","url":"https:\/\/freshlyprintedbooks.co.uk\/products\/an-original-theory-or-new-hypothesis-of-the-universe-founded-upon-the-laws-of-nature-and-solving-by-mathematical-principles-the-general-phaenomena-of-the-visible-creation-and-particularly-the-via-lactea-paperback-9781108073745","provider":"Freshly Printed Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}