The Royal Observatory, Greenwich; its History and Work

Abstract

THE history of the Royal Observatory extends over two centuries and a quarter, and its work is certainly not lacking in general interest; yet Mr. Maunder seems to be the first person to produce a popular account of them, and he has left little room for improvement to any one who comes after him in the near future. The history occupies the first 124 pages of the book in five chapters, and the description of the place as it is to-day, and the work as it is now going on, occupy the other 192 pages in eight chapters. This is probably a fair arrangement. Those who would have liked a little more of the history can find it in such works as Bailey's “Life of Flamsteed,” or Rigaud's “Life of Bradley.” A “Life of Halley,” on a scale worthy of him, has long been wanted, and has several times been nearly undertaken, but the project has, for one reason or another, always fallen through.

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich; its History and Work.

By E. W. Maunder. Pp. 320. (London: the Religious Tract Society, 1900.)