Abstract
THE aim of this volume of the University Extension Series of text-books is to give “an elementary account of some of the marvels that have been revealed by the use of the telescope and two of its most indispensable adjuncts,—the spectroscope and the photographic camera.” In the space of about 180 pages the author contrives to give an admirable introduction to the study of modern physical astronomy, and the whole is set forth in a manner calculated to awaken a permanent interest in this most fascinating subject. The book is eminently readable, and contains none of the mathematical expressions which are so liable to arrest the progress of the general reader. Astronomical telescopes, including equatorials and meridian instruments, form the subject of the first chapter. Then follow two chapters giving an excellent account of the sun and of the various methods by which our knowledge of that luminary has been gradually accumulated. The reader is next presented with bright and brief pictures of the moon and planets, comets and shooting-stars, and of the various bodies which are met with as we proceed further outwards into “boundless space.” The “Chemistry of Stars and Nebulæ,” and “Celestial Photography,” define the scope of the final chapters. Many novel illustrations are given to assist the reader in comprehending the significance of astronomical data. The subject-matter is quite up-to-date, and in matters not yet quite clear the author has wisely refrained from taking sides in controversies. The historical references are fairly complete, and space is found for some most interesting extracts and diagrams from Galileo's “Sidereal Messenger,” published in 1610.
The Vault of Heaven.
By Richard A. Gregory (London: Methuen and Co., 1893.)
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Our Book Shelf. Nature 49, 291 (1894). https://doi.org/10.1038/049291a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/049291a0