Astronomical Dialogues between a Gentleman and a Lady: Wherein the Doctrine of the Sphere, Uses of the Globes, and the Elements of Astronomy and Geography Are Explain'd

di John Harris (Autore)

Cambridge University Press, 2014

An Anglican clergyman and fellow of the Royal Society, John Harris (c.1666-1719) was an important promulgator of Newtonian science, through private teaching, public lectures and published writing. His Lexicon Technicum (1704) may be considered the first encyclopaedia in English. In the present work, published in 1719, Harris presents for his well-to-do readership a series of didactic conservations between a gentleman of science and an aristocratic lady. He aims to induce 'persons of birth and fortune' to dedicate some of their 'happy leisure ... to the improvement of their minds', and uses quotes from poets such as Samuel Butler and John Dryden to help elucidate scientific concepts. In particular, Harris explains the use of contemporary scientific apparatus (and expensive status symbols) such as terrestrial and celestial globes. The book ends with a description of the ultimate contemporary symbol of scientific refinement: the orrery, a working model of the solar system.

• Autore: John Harris
• Editore: Cambridge University Press
• Collana: Cambridge Library Collection - Astronomy
• Anno: 2014
• Rilegatura: Paperback / softback
• Pagine: 210 p.
• Dimensioni: 216 x 140 mm
• Peso: 270 gr.
• EAN: 9781108080194

Testo in English