Astronomy notes circa 1804
Scope and Contents
The bound manuscript volume contains notes on 'Astronomy' and 'Spherical Trigon[ometry]'. There are a number of sketches within the notes.
Dates
- Creation: 1800-1806
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access
Open to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance of visit.
Biographical / Historical
This manuscript volume is contemporary with the period in which John Playfair (1748-1819), scientist and mathematician, was a Professor at Edinburgh University. Playfair had become Professor of Mathematics after Dugald Stewart (formerly holding the Mathematics chair) succeeded Adam Ferguson as Professor of Moral Philosophy in 1785. In 1802, he published his Illustrations of the Huttonian Theory of the Earth, and in 1805 he exchanged the chair of mathematics for that of natural philosophy in succession to John Robison, whom also he succeeded as general secretary to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
The notes were probably taken down by a student.
Extent
1 volume
Physical Location
CLX-A-618
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Material acquired through purchase. Accession no: E2014.32.
Processing Information
Catalogued by Graeme D. Eddie 6 June 2014
- Title
- Manuscript astronomical book - astronomy and mathematical notes, c. 1804
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk