Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 20
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 20, April 23, 1997 *
* *
* A translation of *
* *
* ELEKTRONISCHE MITTEILUNGEN ZUR ASTRONOMIEGESCHICHTE *
* *
* Herausgegeben vom Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte *
* in der Astronomischen Gesellschaft *
* *
* Nr. 20, 27. Maerz 1997 *
* *
* Redaktion: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. History of Astronomy at the XXIIIrd General Assembly
of the International Astronomical Union
2. The 6th SEAC Conference, Gdansk 1997: First Circular
3. Annual Meeting of the North American Sundial Society: Announcement
4. Exhibitions
5. Conferences 1997/98
Imprint
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Item 1 ENHA No. 20, April 23, 1997
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History of Astronomy at the XXIIIrd General Assembly
----------------------------------------------------
of the International Astronomical Union
---------------------------------------
Date and place: August 18-30, 1997, Kyoto International Conference Hall
(KICH), Takaraga-ike, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606, Japan
JD = Joint Discussion
JD 8: STELLAR EVOLUTION IN REAL TIME
Among Co-Supporting Commissions: 41 (History of Astronomy)
Contact Address: Dr. Edward F. Guinan, Dept. of Astronomy and
Astrophysics, Villanova University, Villanova, PA 19085, USA, Phone: 1 610
519 4823, Fax: 1 610 519 6132 (University) & 1 610 325 9788 (Home),
E-mail: guinan@ucis.vill.edu, and Robert Koch, e-mail:
rhkoch@sas.upenn.edu
From the preliminary programme:
Friday August 22 afternoon
Part I - Stellar Evolution - Observation, Theory, and History
Stellar Evolution from Historical Data: J. Hearnshaw (New Zealand)
The Problem of "Red" Sirius- Evolutionary or Spurious? K. Brecher (USA)
and other papers
Because of the the severe time limitations of this JD, some important
topics could not be included. To help alleviate this problem and to
broaden the scope of the JD, there will be a poster session connected with
this meeting. Papers are invited on topics that relate to the theme of
observational and theoretical aspects of stellar evolution that can be
discerned from the scrutiny of historical data as well as telescopic
observations made over the last 200 yrs. In particular papers on historic
supernovae and novae, the problem of the "Red Sirius", Eta Carinae, P
Cygni, and related topics, as well as solar variability will be especially
welcome. An appreciation of the poster papers will made during the oral
sessions.
JD 17: HISTORY OF ORIENTAL ASTRONOMY
Supporting Commission: 41 (History of Astronomy): a joint commission of
IAU and IUHPS
Co-Supporting Commission: 46 (Astronomy Education)
SOC: S. M. R. Ansari (Chairperson, India), S. Debarbat (France), S. J.
Dick (USA, Co-Chairperson), B. Hidayat (Indonesia), O. Gingerich (USA), Y.
Maeyama (Germany), Il-S. Nha (Korea), D. Pingree (USA), Y. Sobouti (Iran)
& Xi Zezong (China)
Contact addresses: Prof. S. M. R. Ansari, c/o Physics Dept. Aligarh Muslim
University, Aligarh 202002, India, Phone: 91 571 40 1952 (res.), Fax: 91
571 40 0105, 40 0848 or 40 0466, Telex: 564 230 AMU IN
or
Dr. S. J. Dick, US Naval Observatory, Washington, DC 20392-5420, USA,
Phone: 1 202 762 1438, Fax: 1 202 762 1461, E-mail:
dick@ariel.usno.navy.mil
Preliminary programme:
Monday August 25 morning: Sessions I & II
Oriental Astronomy during the Ancient and Medieval Period
Development of Astronomy in Ancient China: Y. Maeyama (Germany)
Islamic Astronomy in in China: B. van Dahlen (Netherlands/Japan)/
An Arabic commentary on al-Tusi's
Tadhkirah and its Sanscrit translation: T. Kusuba (Japan)
Assimilation of observational instruments
of Islamic Astronomy in Indian Astronomy: V.N. Sharma (USA)
Ancient Indian Astronomy in China: J. Xiao-Yuan (China)
Korean Star Maps of the 18th Century: Il-S. Nha (Korea)
Eclipse records in early Korean History: F.R. Stephenson (UK)
The Samguk Sagi and Koryo-sa Knowledge of Starry Sky
and agricultural activities in Indonesia:
A review: B. Hidayat (Indonesia)
The Projection Method of the Star Map
in the Song Dinasty: K. Miyajima (Japan)
Monday August 25 afternoon: Session III
Oriental Astronomy during the Ancient and Medieval Period (Cntd)
Astronomical development in the Orient
down to the 12th-13th centuries: Kwan-Yu Chen (USA)
On the Vedanga Astronomy: Y. Ohashi (Japan)
Spherical trigonometry in the Astronomy
of Medieval Kerala School: K. Plofker (USA)
The solar altitude below horizon at dusk and
dawn according to Ancient Chinese
astronomical records: W. Shou-Xian (China)
Burmese Star maps: M. Nishiyama (Japan)
Session IV: Modern Astronomy in the Orient
The Drkpaksasarani: A Sanskrit version
of de la Hire's Tabulae Astronomicae D. Pingree (USA)
Modern Astronomy in Indo-Persian sources: S.M.R. Ansari (India)
Takamine and Saha: Contacts with western Astrophysics: D.H. DeVorkin (USA)
East Asian historical records and modern Astronomy: Xi Zezong (China)
Astronomy education in the East: S. Isobe (Japan)
Tuesday, August 26, 9:00-10:30: Session I
Keplers's Laws in China: K. Hashimoto (Japan)
Possible identification of some periodic comets
before AD 1760: Zh. Weifeng (China)
Contemporary Astronomy in Iran: A status report: Y. Sobouti (Iran)
Changing historical trends in Astronomy education
in Australia and New Zealand: W. Orchiston (New Zealand)
History of Oriental Astronomy: An overview: S. Nakayama (Japan)
JD 20: ENHANCING ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES
Among Co-Supporting Commissions: 41 (History of Astronomy)
Contact Address: Dr. A. H. Batten, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory,
5071, W. Saanich Rd, Victoria, B.C., Canada V8X 4M6, Phone: 1 250 363
0009, Fax: 1 250 363 0045, E-mail: batten@dao.nrc.ca
JD 23: THE LEONID METEOR STORMS: HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
AND UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Among Co-Supporting Commissions: 41 (History of Astronomy)
Contact address: Prof I.P.Williams, Astronomy Unit, Queen Mary & Westfield
College, Mile End Rd, London E1 4NS, UK, Phone: 44 171 975 5452, Fax: 44
181 981 9587, E-mail: I.P.Williams@qmw.ac.uk
From the preliminary programme:
Wednesday August 27 morning
History of the Leonid Meteor Storms
Early observations of the Leonids
and other storms in east Asia: I. Hasegawa (Japan)
Observations of the Leonids over the last millennium: S. Dick (USA)
Comet 55P/Tempel-Tuttle: its orbit and history: D.K. Yeomans (USA)
The Leonids and the comet history and theory: I.P. Williams (USA)
For inquiries concerning the XXIIIrd General Assembly in general and the
Scientific Programme, please contact:
Prof. Immo Appenzeller, General Secretary, International Astronomical
Union (IAU), 98 bis, bd Arago, F 75014 Paris, France,
Phone: 33 1 43 25 8358, Fax: 33 1 43 25 2616, E-mail: iau@iap.fr
For all inquiries concerning registration and local arrangements in Kyoto
except hotel/tour reservations, please contact:
Prof. T. Fukushima, Chair, Local Organizing Committee, the XXIIIrd General
Assembly of the IAU, National Astronomical Observatory, 2-21-1, Ohsawa,
Mitaka, Tokyo 181, Japan, Phone: 81 422 34 3027, Fax: 81 422 34 3027,
E-mail: iau97@tenmon.or.jp
The URL of the LOC WWW page is: http://www.tenmon.or.jp/iau97/
For all inquiries concerning hotel/tour reservations in Kyoto, please
contact:
Japan Travel Bureau, Inc., International Travel Division, Convention
Center (CD100993-543), 5-5-2, Kiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo135, Japan,
Phone: 81 3 5620 9429, Fax: 81 3 5620 9499,
E-mail: jtbiau@mxd.meshnet.or.jp
Source (and more information): IAU Information Bulletins No. 78 and 79
URLs: http://www.lsw.uni-heidelberg.de/iau/IB78.html
http://www.lsw.uni-heidelberg.de/iau/IB79.html
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Item 2 ENHA No. 20, April 23, 1997
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The 6th SEAC Conference, Gdansk 1997: First Circular
----------------------------------------------------
Societe Europeenne pour l'Astronomie dans la Culture
European Society for Astronomy in Culture
THE 6TH SEAC CONFERENCE, GDANSK 1997
(Tuesday the 2nd to Saturday the 6th of September, 1997)
First Circular
The Organizing Committee:
Honorary President: M. Andrzej Zbierski, Director of the Central
Maritime Museum, Gdansk
President: Dr. Mariusz Ziolkowski, Warsaw University
Secretaries:
Mgr. Marek Wysoczynski, Central Maritime Museum, Gdansk
Dr. Arnold Lebeuf, Jagiellonian University, Krakow
Arkadiusz Soltysiak, Warsaw University
Members of the Organizing Committee:
Dr. Elzbieta Siarkiewicz, Warsaw University
Dr. Stanislaw Iwaniszewski, State Museum of Archaeology, Warsaw
Mgr Robert M. Sadowski
Contacts:
* Dr. Arnold Lebeuf, SEAC Conference, Department of the Historical
Anthropology, Warsaw University, Krakowskie Przedmiescie 26/28,
Warsaw, Poland
Fax: (48-22) 826-90-30, (48-22) 826-75-20
E-mail:
* Dr. Marek Wysoczynski, SEAC Conference, Central Maritime
Museum, ul. Szeroka 67/68, 80-835 Gdansk, Poland
Fax: (48-58) 31-84-53
* Dr. Mariusz Ziolkowski, phone (48-22) 620-03-81 ext. 129
E-mail
* Arkadiusz Soltysiak
E-mail
Dear Colleagues,
Over the past two decades we, the Europeans, as well as their guests from
other continents had had many opportunities, apart from the Oxford
International Conferences, to meet together to present results of their
work and discuss them in numerous cities and countries, originally solely
on the private and independent initiatives of various organizers. Let us
recall here at least a few of those events:
* 1988: The First National Symposium on Archaeoastronomy, Academy
of Sciences, Tolbukhin, Bulgaria
* 1989: Archeologia e Astronomia, Institute of Archaeology and Oriental
Studies, University of Venice and Astronomical Observatory in
Padova, Italy
* 1990: Current Problems and Future of Archaeoastronomy, State
Archaeological Museum and Department of the Historical
Anthropology, Warsaw, Poland
* 1991: Archaeoastronomy, Lorand Eotvos Astronomical Observatory,
Budapest and King Stephan Museum, Szekesfehervar, Hungary
* 1992: Time and Astronomy at the Meeting of Two Worlds (conference
on the 500th anniversary of the "discovery" of America), Warsaw
University and Town of Frombork, Poland
* 1994: The Inspiration of Astronomical Phaenomena, The Vatican
Astronomical Observatory, Castel Gandolfo, Italy
* 1994: Archeologia e Astronomia, Academia dei Lincei, Rome, Italy
* 1996: Problems of Archaeoastronomy, Academy of Sciences, Moscow,
Russia
However, Prof. Carlos Jaschek who, having already since 1986
established succesfully the regular conferences being held at Strasbourg
Observatory under name of Astronomie et Sciences Humaines, had put
forward many years ago the idea to bring into life an association which
would be able to unite all the hitherto dispersed efforts in order to
preserve records of our past achievements as well as to facilitate current
exchange of thoughts and regular publication of the works of all our
colleagues. For this purpous, he called at Strasbourg for an enlarged
meeting in 1992 where were established the basis of SEAC. That is why,
although it was not until during the next meeting in Bulgaria in 1993
when the said association became officially constituted under the french
name of Societe Europeenne pour l'Astronomie dans la Culture (SEAC)
with the votes of its founding members, we shall justly consider Prof. C.
Jaschek as the founder of our society and the meeting of 1992 at
Strasbourg as the 1st SEAC Conference.
It was our intention to hold conferences each year in different country,
alternatively in the West or in the East, to facilitate contacts between
scholars of the both parts of the continent, so long separated.
* 1992: Astronomie et Sciences Humaine, the 1st founder's SEAC
conference, Strasbourg Observatory and the European Science
Foundation, Strasbourg, France
* 1993: Astronomical Traditions in Past Cultures, the 2nd SEAC
conference, Smolyan Astronomical Observatory, Smolyan, Bulgaria
* 1994: SEAC `94, Astronomy and Culture, the 3rd SEAC conference,
Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
* 1995: SEAC `95, the 4th SEAC conference, Sibiu University, Sibiu,
Romania
* 1996: SEAC `96, the 5th SEAC conference, Salamanca University,
Salamanca, Spain
* 1997: SEAC `97, the 6th SEAC conference is to be held in Gdansk,
Poland on initiative of Dr. Mariusz Ziolkowski of the Department
of Historical Anthropology, Warsaw University and the Central
Maritime Museum in Gdansk
We invite you to take part in that meeting and present the most recent
results of your work in that area. Due to the location and time of our
conference (Gdadsk, the great harbour on the Baltic Sea, will celebrate in
1997 a millenium anniversary of its foundation and of the martyrdom of
St. Adalbertus, the baptist of that land), we believe it only right to
focus its scope on the three principal subjects:
* the stars and the sea
* the celestial maps from antiquity to Johan Hevelius
* medieval astronomy
Of course, the papers on other subjects referring to the astronomy in
culture will also be accepted and located separately in the special session.
As in all previous cases, the conference proceedings will be published.
The conference will be held in english and french.
* the deadline for applications is March 31, 1997
* the confirmations will be mailed back together with a provisional
invitation, necessary for the candidates in their applying for grants or
other sources of financing
* the final approval will be decided upon by the Organizing Committee
and communicated to all the concerned before April 15
* the approval shall not come into effect until reception of the inscription
fee (25 Ecus or equivalent) which should reach us before May 15, the
final date to confirm the hotel reservations.
The 6th SEAC Conference, Gdansk, Poland
Application Form
Full name:
Professional affiliation:
Exact current address, phone, fax, email:
Tentative title (together with a short abstract on the separate sheet, if
necessary)
Taking into account the expected high level of activities in Gdadsk in the
year of its celebration we have managed to book only 50 places in the
hotel, so please let us know your choice as soon as possible.
Accommodations will be provided by MIRAMAR, a three stars class hotel.
* Single room: 22 Ecus
* Double room: 26 Ecus
* Double with bathroom: 34 Ecus
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Item 3 ENHA No. 20, April 23, 1997
...........................................................................
Annual Meeting of the North American Sundial Society: Announcement
------------------------------------------------------------------
Call for Papers
The North American Sundial Society will hold its annual meeting on 11-14
September 1997 in Chicago. Highlights will include visits to the Adler
Planetarium and Astronomy Museum (Chicago) and the Time Museum (Rockford)
in order to inspect their early time-finding instruments. A tour of
modern sundials in the Chicagoland area is also planned. The program
committee invites papers on all aspects of dialling, including the
history, culture, design, fabrication, and science of sundials. Exhibits
and short show-and-tell demonstrations are also welcome. Abstracts (up to
500 words) must be submitted by June 1st. For details, please contact:
Sara Schechner Genuth, National Museum of American History, Room 1040, MRC
605, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560; fax (202) 786-2851;
internet sgenuth@sil.si.edu.
The North American Sundial Society was established in 1994 and publishes a
quarterly journal, "The Compendium," in both print and digital formats.
The first two annual meetings were held in Washington, D.C. and Toronto.
Membership is international and currently stands at close to 400. For
more information about NASS and membership, please contact: George
McDowell, 24 Indian Lane, One West, Baltimore, MD 21210; telephone (410)
528-1282 and (410) 435-8306; internet 104076.1373@compuserve.com.
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Item 4 ENHA No. 20, April 23, 1997
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Exhibitions
-----------
Till 26 March 1997 the Museum of the History of Science at Oxford, UK,
displayed the exhibition "The Noble Dane: Images of Tycho Brahe". It was
centred on an historical genre painting from the mid-nineteenth century,
recently restored, but moved on to consider the image of Tycho in a
variety of forms and senses.
An on-line Web version is still availabe at http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/tycho/
The celebration of the Three Galileos will continue through June 15, 1997,
with an exhibition, "Voyage to the Cosmos", in Padua, Italy. The
exhibition is housed in the 13th century Palazzo del Raggion, a medieval
hall with walls covered by an astrological cycle painted in the 15th
century. The show covers our astronomical conquests from the first
telescopic observations by Galileo Galilei, to the technological wonders
of the TNG and other modern telescopes, up to the last astounding feats of
space exploration with spacecraft and probes. Informatics and virtual
reality also have a major role in the exhibition, as well as real-time
connections with astronomical sites for remote conferences. Highlights of
the exhibition include a replica of Galileo's telescope, a 1/10th scale
model of the Galileo spacecraft and a book of Galileo's results, printed
in 1630.
Additional information in Italian about the exhibition is available at
http://tregalilei.interbusiness.it/.
An exhibition based on the pioneering voyage of Captain Cook in the
Endeavour opens at the Queen's House in the grounds of the National
Maritime Museum, Greenwich (London, UK) at Easter 1997. The exhibition -
"Captain Cook and the Endeavour" (24 March to 21 September 1997) - is a
blend of original artefacts used by Cook on his first voyage of discovery
and stunning paintings of newly discovered lands by British artist and
draughtsman, William Hodges. - In July 1768, Cook set sail in Endeavour to
observe the Transit of Venus on Tahiti, but also with secret instructions
to investigate the existence of the Great South Land. By 1769, Cook had
reached New Zealand, where he charted the north and south islands before
continuing west. In April 1770, he sighted the east coast of what we now
know as Australia, anchoring in Botany Bay. Cook was the first European to
accurately chart the Pacific and to open up Australia and New Zealand to
later settlement. His navigational skills were exceptional, even before
the invention of Harrison's chronometer. His concern for the health of his
crew ensured no one died of scurvy and in choosing to convert a Whitby
collier he made a sound decision - Endeavour proved an excellent vessel
for exploration. - Among the exhibits in Cook and the Endeavour are Cook's
personal journal of the voyage; charts so accurate that they can still be
used today; an intricate scale model of Endeavour featuring each crew
member and the stores taken on board. Additional navigational instruments
will be on display at the Old Royal Observatory. - The exhibition
coincides with the arrival at Greenwich of the full-size working replica
of HM Bark Endeavour. The ship will be on display and open for visitors at
Greenwich Pier from 28 March to 13 April 1997, before beginning a 14-port
tour of the UK. Endeavour is currently bound for Britain, sailing from
Australia via South Africa. To mark the opening of Cook and the Endeavour,
a statue of Captain Cook by sculptor Anthony Stones will be unveiled by a
special guest in the Museum grounds.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-17:00
Sourcea: http://www.nmm.ac.uk/ee/exhib/index.html
http://www.nmm.ac.uk/wn/pr/endexhib.html
Until May 11, 1997, the Mainfraenkisches Museum at Wuerzburg, Germany,
shows the special exhibition "Time and space: Sundials and scientific
instruments", which includes also astronomical instruments.
Catalogue: DM 25 + DM 7 postage (to be paid by cheque)
Address: Mainfraenkisches Museum, Festung Marienberg, D-97082 Wuerzburg,
Geermany, Tel. 0931-43016
Opening hours: Tu - So 10 am - 5 pm
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Item 5 ENHA No. 20, April 23, 1997
...........................................................................
Conferences 1997/98
-------------------
Further conferences in the year 1997 and 1998 have already been described
in past issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced up
to now, please see the following WWW address:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
21 March 1997, London, UK
Symposium on the Foundations of Newtonian Scholarship,
including history of astronomy
Place: Royal Society
Information: Prof. M. Nauenberg, University of California,
Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA, e-mail: michael@mike.ucsc.edu
URL: http://physics.ucsc.edu/people/personal/nauenberg.html
4-5 April 1997, Berlin, Germany
Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting on Karl Friedrich Zoellner, the first
German astrophysicist
Place: Archenhold-Sternwarte Berlin-Treptow
Information: Klaus Staubermann, Department of History and Philosophy of
Science, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH, England, Fax
+44-1223-334554, e-mail kbs20@cus.cam.ac.uk
11-12 April 1997, London, UK
Conference "The Centenary of the Electron", sponsored by the British
Society for the History of Science, the Royal Society and the Science
Museum.
Information: Wing Commander Geoffrey Bennett, 31 High St,
Stanford in the Vale, Faringdon, Oxon SN7 8LH, UK,
tel: 01367 710223, fax: 01367 718963,
email: G.Bennett@hidex.demon.co.uk
25-27 April 1997, Pulsnitz und Radeberg, Germany
Regional Meeting of the Vereinigung der Sternfreunde e.V. (VdS)
Prom the programme: J. Hamel "Old cometary prints", K.-G.Steinert
"Johannes Classen and the Pulsnitz Observatory"; Opening of the museum
of meteorits at Pulsnitz (Collection Classen)
Registration: Astroclub Radebeul e.V., Auf den Ebenbergen 10a, D-01445
Radebeul, Germany, Tel./Fax 0351/8381907
28 April - 4 May 1997, Aussois, France
New Perspectives On Solar prominences, A Memorial Colloquium to Lucien
d'Azambuja
Contact address: D.M. Rust, The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics
Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Road, Laurel, MD 20723, USA,
Phone: 1 301 953 5414, Fax: 1 301 953 6670, E-mail: david.rust@jhuapl.edu
30-31 May 1997, Bremerhaven, Germany
Seminar "The development of navigation, coastal und see surveying in the
history of technology"
Fee: DM 120.00
Informationen: VDV-Bildungswerk, FG Geschichte des Vermessungswesens,
Heinz Juergen Lagoda, Westfaelische Str. 30, D-47169 Duisburg, Germany,
Tel. 0203/59 82 47
9-12 September, Mykolayiv, Ukraine
International Conference "The Role of Ground-Based Astrometry in the
Post-HIPPARCOS Period", to be held in honour of the 175th anniversary
of the Mykolayiv [Nikolaev] Astronomical Observatory.
The history of the observatory is one of the programme topics.
Organizing Committee: Ukraine, 327030, Mykolayiv,
Observatorna 1, Mykolayiv Astronomical Observatory,
fax: (380512) 35 25 56, e-mail: mao175@mao.nikolaev.ua
URL: http://aries.usno.navy.mil/ad/iau/nikol.html
26-28 September 1997, Regensburg, Germany
80th Annual Meeting of the German Society for the History of Medicine,
Science and Technology (Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Geschichte der Medizin,
Naturwissenschaft und Technik) on the theme "Experiment - Instrument"
Informationen: Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel,
Lehrstuhl fuer Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Universitaet Regensburg,
D-93040 Regensburg, Germany, Tel. +49-941-943-3661/59,
Fax +49-941-943-4992, E-mail: Christoph.Meinel@psk.uni-regensburg.de
26-28 September 1997, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany
Conference: "Astronomy, Astrology und History"
This interdisciplinary conference will discuss how seriously "astrology"
has to be taken today and which importance it has had from the point of
view of Philipp Melanchthon.
Informationen: Evangelische Akademie Sachsen-Anhalt, Schlossstr. 15,
D-06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany
25-27 September 1998, Wolfenbuettel, Germany
80th Annual Meeting of the German Society for the History of Medicine,
Science and Technology (Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Geschichte der Medizin,
Naturwissenschaft und Technik) on the theme "The reception of antiquity in
medicine, science and technology"
Informationen: Herzog August Bibliothek, PF 1364, D-38299 Wolfenbuettel,
Germany, Tel.: 05331/808-0, Fax: 808-266
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
A translation of "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte"
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
Translated and Co-Edited by: Mr. Donald Bellunduno
<76450.1741@compuserve.com>
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
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Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
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URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
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Tel.: (+6592) 2150, Fax: (+6592) 985140
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Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 21
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 21, April 28, 1997 *
* *
* A translation of *
* *
* ELEKTRONISCHE MITTEILUNGEN ZUR ASTRONOMIEGESCHICHTE *
* *
* Herausgegeben vom Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte *
* in der Astronomischen Gesellschaft *
* *
* Nr. 21, 25. April 1997 *
* *
* Redaktion: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Lectures with relation to history of astronomy at Hamburg, Germany
2. Conference Announcement: Natural Catastrophes during Bronze Age
Civilisations: Archaeological, Geological, Astronomical and
Cultural Perspectives
3. Conference Announcement: The Science and Technology of
Rudolfinian Time
4. Conference Announcement: Philosophy and Imagination
5. Conference Announcement: Guiseppe Toaldo and his Time
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 21, April 28, 1997
...........................................................................
Lectures with relation to history of astronomy at Hamburg, Germany
------------------------------------------------------------------
Lectures in the framework of the seminars "Recent research on history of
science, mathematics, and techology" of the Institute for History of
Science, Mathematics, and Techology (Institut fuer Geschichte der
Naturwissenschaften, Mathematik und Technik) of Hamburg University
(Selection)
The lectures are held on Mondays at 6 pm in Hoersaal 6 of the
Geomatikum (Bundesstrasse 55).
05.05.97
Dipl.-Phys. Juergen Koch (Hamburg):
Johann Georg Repsold (1770-1830), a mechanic at Hamburg
12.05.97
Dipl.-Phys. Karsten Baumann (Mainz):
The history of the Schott company
02.06.97
Dr. Peter Schiller (Siegen):
"History of Sky Lore": A computer program for the
calculating historian
The responsibility for the programme belongs to Christian Huenemoerder
and Jost Weyer.
Gerhard Wiesenfeldt
Institut fuer Geschichte der
Naturwissenschaften, Mathematik und Technik
Bundesstrasse 55, D-20146 Hamburg
Tel.: (-49/0)-40-4123-2094/-5263
wiesenfeldt@math.uni-hamburg.de
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 21, April 28, 1997
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement:
------------------------
NATURAL CATASTROPHES DURING BRONZE AGE CIVILISATIONS:
ARCHAEOLOGICAL, GEOLOGICAL, ASTRONOMICAL AND CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Fitzwilliam College. Cambridge University. 11th-13th July 1997
The SIS Cambridge conference will bring together historians,
archaeologists, climatologists and astronomers in order to discuss whether
the 'giant comet' hyopothesis brought forward by neo-catastrophist
astronomers such as Victor Clube, Bill Napier, Sir Fred Hoyle, David
Asher, Mark Bailey, Duncan Steel et al. can be substantiated by the
archaeological, climatological and historical record.
Archaeology and Geology
Ever since Claude Schaeffer published his book "Stratigraphie Comparee et
Chronologie L'Asie Occidentale" in 1948, there has been continuous
scientific debate about the nature and extent of the destructions of
Bronze Age civilisations. Schaeffer claimed that the repeated collapses of
Bronze Age cultures were not caused by the action of man but instead by
seismic activity. During the last decade, eminent archaeologists have
substantiated his claim and have linked destruction layers in Aegean and
Near Eastern sites with natural disasters rather than with military
conquests. The interpretation, however, which maintains that destruction
layers are caused by seismic catastrophes, has been disputed due to the
ambiguity of the stratigraphical record. The need for an accurate
methodology of verifying the actual cause, extent and synchronicity of
Bronze Age destructions is therefore essential.
Astronomy
Scholars such as Victor Clube, Bill Napier, Mark Bailey, Sir Fred Hoyle,
David Asher and Duncan Steel claim that a more 'active' and threatening
sky might have caused major cultural changes of Bronze Age civilisations,
belief systems and religious rituals. Can the astronomical evidence
brought forward by these astronomers be substantiated by historical,
archaeological and climatological evidence?
Culture
In light of new astronomical and archaeological theories and the emergence
of scientific neo-catastrophism, it seems necessary to re-assess the
origins and cultural implications of apocalyptic religions and catastrophe
traditions in ancient mythologies and rituals. In particular, the
significant cultural and religious changes at the beginning of the Bronze
Age and those which occurred after its final collapse will be
re-evaluated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organising Committee
* Prof Mark Bailey (Armagh Observatory)
* Prof Trevor Palmer (Nottingham Trent University)
* Dr Benny J Peiser (Liverpool John Moores University)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRESENTATIONS at the Cambridge Conference
Prof Mark E Bailey (Armagh Observatory) Sources and Populations of
Near-Earth Objects: Recent Findings and Historical Implications
Prof Mike Baillie (Queen's University Belfast) Tree-Ring Evidence for
Environmental Disasters during the Bronze Age: Causes and Effects
Dr Victor Clube (University of Oxford) Predestination and the Problem of
Historical Catastrophism
Dr Marie-Agnes Courty (Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon) Abrupt
Climate Change around 2200 BC: Stratigraphical and Geochemical Evidence
from the Middle East
Dr Euan MacKie (Glasgow Museum) The Destruction of Scottish Vitrified
Forts ca. 800/700 BC
Dr Karen Polinger Foster (Yale University) Volcanic Observations in the
Bronze Age
Dr Bas van Geel (University of Amsterdam) and Dr Hans Renssen (University
of Utrecht) The Impact of Abrupt Climate Change around 2650 BP in
North-West Europe: Evidence for Climatic Teleconnections and a Tentative
Explanation
Prof Gunnar Heinsohn (University of Bremen) The Catastrophic Emergence of
Civilisation: The Coming of the Bronze Age Cultures
Dr Bruce Masse (University of Hawaii) Earth, Air, Fire, and Water: The
Archaeology of Bronze Age Cosmic Catastrophes
Prof William Mullen (Bard College) The Agenda of the Milesian School: The
Post-Catastrophic Paradigm Shift in Ancient Greece
Dr Bill Napier (Armagh Observatory) Cometary Catastrophes, Cosmic Dust and
Ecological Disasters in Historical Times
Prof Amos Nur (Stanford University) The Collapse of Ancient Societies by
Great Earthquakes
Prof David Pankenier (Lehigh University) Heaven-sent: Understsanding
Disaster in Chinese Mythology and Tradition
Dr Benny J Peiser (Liverpool John Moores University) Comparative
Stratigraphy of Bronze Age Destruction Layers around the World:
Archaeological Evidence and Methodological Problems
Prof Gerrit Verschuur (University of Memphis): Our Place in Space: The
Implications of Cosmic Catastrophes on Human Thought and Behaviour
Prof Irving Wolfe (University of Montreal) The 'Kultursturz' at the Bronze
Age-Iron Age Boundary
--------------------------------
For further details, contact
Dr Benny J Peiser
Liverpool John Moores University
School of Human Sciences
Byrom Street
Liverpool L3 3AF
United Kingdom
Tel +44 151 231 2490
Fax +44 151 298 1261
Email: B.J.Peiser@livjm.ac.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOKING/REGISTRATION FORM can be obtained from:
The The SIS Secretary, Innisfree, Highsted Valley, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9
0AD, United Kingdom
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAMBRIDGE-CONFERENCE
--------------------
The CAMBRIDGE-CONFERENCE is an e-mail network put together by
B.J.Peiser@livjm.ac.uk in the run-up of the 2nd SIS Cambridge Conference
on "Natural Catastrophes during Bronze Age Civilisations: Archaeological,
Geological, Astronomical and Cultural Perspectives".
Members of this list include astronomers, archaeologists, climatologists,
historians, geologists, sociologists and other people from around the
world who will participate or have shown interest in the SIS Cambridge
Conference.
It is the aim of the CAMBRIDGE-CONFERENCE network to disseminate the
latest information related to the multidisciplinary research areas of the
forthcoming conference and to keep scholars up to date about related
findings, new scientific information and further announcements.
In addition, news items, reviews of new publications and media programmes,
short articles and related announcements are exchanged among the members
of this list.
Should you wish to subscribe to this list, please contact
B.J.Peiser@livjm.ac.uk
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 21, April 28, 1997
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: The Science and Technology of Rudolfinian Time
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
The Science and Technology
of Rudolfinian Time
PRAGUE, AUGUST 24-28, 1997
Announcement - February 1997
The exhibition R u d o l f I I a n d P r a g u e will take
place starting at the end of May and continue until the beginning
of September 1997. The exhibition is organized to have sites all
over the beautiful city of Prague with its main site at the Prague
Castle.
The Society for the History of Science and Technology in the Czech
Republic together with The National Technical Museum in Prague,
with support from the International Union of History and
Philosophy of Science / Division History of Science and the Czech
Committee of ICOM, have organized the International Symposium
intended to cover the problems of scientific and technological
development in Europe during the late Rennaissance.
Special guided excursion will be organized for participants
of the symposium.
Date and Place:
August 24 - 28, 1977
National Technical Museum, Prague (Czech Republic)
Kostelni 42, 170 78 Praha 7
Languages: English and German
Deadline for Application and Contribution Abstract:
A p r i l 20, 1997
All speakers and contributors are asked to submit an abstract
(about 100 - 120 words) in either camera ready form or on floppy
discs in ASCII or WORD format. A booklet of abstracts will be
distributed during the symposium .Organizers would like to publish
submited papers up to the end of 1997. Deadline for their
contribution (in form similar to abstracts) is August 28.
Registration Fee (Deadline May 30) :
The registration fee is 2500 CK (includes lunches on August
25th-28th, excursion and symposium parties). Fee for accompanying
persons is 1800 CK. For late payment the fee is 3000 CK, and 2200
CK for accompanying persons. The exchange rate of the Czech Krown
is stable against the German Mark (approximately 1 DEM to 17 CK)
and the USD (approximately 1USD to 28 CK).
We apologize in advance for not accepting credit cards. Please
send your check or money order in CK to:
Ceska sporitelna a.s., Jugoslavska 19, 120 00 Praha 2
c/o Spolecnost pro dejiny ved a techniky
account #: 391359-028/0800 (R II)
Registration of participants begins on
August 24th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on
August 25th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
at the National Technical Museum in Prague.
Location and Accommodation:
The symposium will be hosted by the National Technical Museum
(NTM) in Prague. The sessions will take place in the Auditorium of
the main NTM building at Kostelni 42, Prague 7. The NTM is located
in the central part of Prague and can be reached by public
transportation at the tram station Letenske namesti. From the Main
(Wilson) Railway Station or Masaryk Station you can take the
number 26 tram which goes directly to Letenske namesti; or take
Metro C to station Vltavska and then numbers 1, 8, 25 trams. From
Holesovice-Railway-Station take Metro C to Vltavska as well. From
Airportbus-stop Dejvicka with number 26 tram.
If you choose to take privat transportation, there are several
attended parking lots near the NTM.
A list of hotels near the NTM (5-10 min walk) and their prices are
listed below. These hotels accept VISA, American Express and other
major international credit cards.
Please, make your own reservation by letter or fax. Note please,
that August is very busy for hotels in Prague, so we advise you to
book your reservations early in the Spring !
For participants who wish to be accomodated in well equiped
student hostels we shall prepare also some rooms which are
relative cheap but are placed about 20-30 min. to NTM with tram.
Hotels Phone & Fax Single/Night Double/Night
SPLENDID,Ovenecka 33 ++422 373351(ph) 1500 CK 2100 CK
170 00 Praha 7 382312(f) ($ 55) ($ 77)
BELVEDERE,M.Horakove 19 ++422 374741(ph) 2350 CK 3150 CK
170 00 Praha 7 370355(f) ($ 86) ($ 115)
379447(f)
PARKHOTEL,Veletrzni 20 ++422 24312376(ph) 3061 CK 3760 CK
170 00 Praha 7 20132862(ph) ($ 112) ($ 138)
24316180(f)
ALBATROS - botel ++422 24810936(ph) 1500 CK 2200 CK
Nabrezi L.Svobody 24811214(f) ($ 55) ($ 88)
Praha 2
The second symposium announcement with the preliminary symposium
programme will be sent in June
The Science and Technology
of Rudolfinian Time
Application form
(Deadline: April 20, 1997)
Name:...........................................................
Address to which the second announcement should be sent:
................................................................
Phone:..................... Fax: .............................
E - mail: ......................
I will attend the symposium with / without submitting a paper:
................................................................
I will use: slides, overhead projector, video....................
Accompanying persons:............................................
................................................................
I have included the registration fee.........(for.....persons)
through the bank ................................................
with money order / check Nr: ....................................
on ..../...../1997 to Ceska Sporitelna.
Abstract of my paper:
Contact address:
Jaroslav Folta, "R-II" fax: ++ (42 2) 379151
National Technical Museum E-mail:iso@ntm.anet.cz
Kostelni 42, Cz-170 78 Praha 7 med@ntm.anet.cz
Czech Republic
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 21, April 28, 1997
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: Philosophy and Imagination
---------------------------------------------------
Call for papers:
PHILOSOPHY AND THE IMAGINATION
Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York
October 24 - 26, 1997
The ALEXANDRIA journal is organizing a panel of papers on "Philosophy and
the Imagination" at the sixteenth annual conference on Ancient and Medieval
Philosophy and Social Thought, which will be held at the State University
of New York, Binghamton, October 24 - 26, 1997.
Potential topics for papers include but are not limited to the following:
* Allegory, myth, and symbolism in ancient or medieval philosophy
* Imagination as a unifying dimension of human experience
* Imagination, myth, and epistemology
* Iconography, philosophy, and the liberal arts
Proposals for the panel should be sent before May 25, 1997 to:
David Fideler, ALEXANDRIA, PO Box 6114, Grand Rapids, MI 49516
Email: phanes@cris.com
Updates and abstracts will appear on our web page at:
http://www.cosmopolis.com/files/imagination.html
Please forward this call for papers to any relevant discussion groups or
interested parties.
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 21, April 28, 1997
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: Guiseppe Toaldo and his Time
-----------------------------------------------------
First announcement February 1997
GIUSEPPE TOALDO AND HIS TIME
(1719-1797)
In the death bicentenary
November 10-14, 1997
Padova, Italy
SCIENCE AND ENLIGHTNMENT
BETWEEN VENETO AND EUROPE
PROMOTERS:
Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova
Dipartimento di Astronomia dell'Universita' di Padova
Centro per la Storia dell'UniversitA' di Padova
Accademia Patavina di scienze, lettere ed arti
C.N.R., I.C.T.M.A. Settore climatologia e microclimatologia (PD)
Seminario Vescovile di Padova
SCIENTIFIC-ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:
ENRICO BELLONE, Universita' di Padova
DARIO CAMUFFO, C.N.R., I.C.T.M.A. Settore climatologia e
microclimatologia (PD)
PAOLO CASINI, Universita' "La Sapienza" di Roma
TREVOR DAVIES, University of East Anglia, Norwich
PIERO DEL NEGRO, Universita' di Padova
GASTON DEMAREE, Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, Brussels
DIETRICH von ENGELHARDT, Universita' di Lubecca
ANTONIO LEPSCHY, Universita' di Padova
GIUSEPPE ONGARO, Accademia Patavina di scienze, lettere ed arti
LUISA PIGATTO, Osservatorio Astronomico di Padova
MARIA LAURA SOPPELSA, Centro per la Storia dell'Universita' di Padova
GIUSEPPE ZANON, Seminario Vescovile di Padova
***************************************************************************
PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE
The objective of the Conference is to celebrate the Bicentenary of the
death of Giuseppe Toaldo. Toaldo was born at Pianezze, near
Marostica(Vicenza), in 1719, and completed his education in the famous
episcopal Seminary of Padua. At the age of 25 he was responsible for
printing the works of Galileo in the "Tipografia del Seminario", adding
many notes in the Dialogo from Galileo's original handwritten copy in the
Seminary Library. He was appointed Rural dean of Montegalda near Vicenza
from 1752 until 1764, when he was made Professor of Astronomy, Geography
and Meteorology at the University of Padua. He was charged by the Senate
of the Republic of Venice with the task of designing and overseeing the
building of the astronomical Specola of the University. The works started
in 1767, and finished ten years later. Toaldo became the first director of
the Astronomical Observatory where, besides starting astronomical
observations, he continued the daily meteorological observations he had
begun in 1766, extending those initiated by Giovanni Poleni in 1725.
These observations continued as an official activity of the Observatory
until the 1940s. Toaldo was one of the few Italian scientists known
throughout Europe. His "Saggio Meteorologico" of 1770 - in which he
evaluated meteorology as a science - and his essay "La meteorologia
applicata all'agricoltura" in 1774 (which won the Prize of the Royal
Society of Montpellier) brought him much approbation. Enthused by the
discoveries of Franklin, in 1773 Toaldo installed a lightning-conductor on
the Observatory Tower, the first such installation on a public building in
the Venetian Republic. In 1776, he installed another on the bell-tower of
"San Marco" in Venice, followed by another on the old University Tower in
1777, until in 1778, the Venetian Senate decreed similar installations on
all Warehouses in the Republic Domain. Amongst Toaldo's scientific
legacies is the "Astro-meteorological Journal", which he started in 1773,
and which was continued to 1848 by his successors as Director of the
Astronomical Observatory, Chiminello and Santini.
SCIENTIFIC ORGANISATION
The subject of "Toaldo and His Time" embraces the history of the
eighteenth-century cultural institutions of which he was a member, or with
which he came into contact in Italy and Europe; and those branches of
science to which he contributed or in which he corresponded, in the Age of
Enlightenment. The Man and the Scientist will be appreciated by
considering his relationships with friends, teachers, correspondents and
pupils. Toaldo was in contact with some of the most influential figures
in the Republic of Venice, evidenced by him completing and equipping the
Astronomical Observatory. Consequently, the timing of the Conference -
coinciding with the Veneto-wide celebrations of the Bicentenary of the
Fall of the Republic of Venice, just months before the death of Toaldo -
is most apposite.
The Conference will be arranged into sessions, with oral contributions
lasting for 15-20 minutes. The Conference languages will be Italian and
English.
***************************************************************************
REGISTRATION
Please compile the Registration form herewith included with the title for
your oral contribution. Send please your form via fax or by E-mail within
May 31, 1997 to the Conference Office. The Registration will be closed
July 31, 1997. Please include a short abstract of your contribution.
PROCEEDINGS
You will be able to book the Proceedings during the Conference by payment
of a fair account to be arranged. Only the contributions presented during
the Conference in a 3.5 inch floppy (Word 6.0 version or compatible) will
be published.
ACCOMODATION
Information will be sent later.
CONFERENCE OFFICE
Luisa Pigatto - CONVEGNO TOALDO - c/o Osservatorio Astronomico
Vicolo dell'Osservatorio, 5 - 35122 PADOVA - ITALY
Tel. / Phone (49) 8293469//Fax (49) 8759840 //
E-Mail Toaldo@astrpd.pd.astro.it
THE INFORMATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE WWW URL:
http://www.pd.astro.it/toaldo
***************************************************************************
Official languages: English and Italian with simultaneous translation in
English
PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME
(i.e. before the appearance of the first announcement; this is the first
call for contributions)
Introductory Session
Giuseppe Toaldo: a biographic profil(LEONIDA ROSINO)
Toaldo e le scienze venete (Toaldo and venetian Sciences)
(M. LAURA SOPPELSA)
Giuseppe Toaldo tra Galileo e l'eta' newtoniana (Giuseppe Toaldo between
Galileo and the newtonian age) (PAOLO CASINI)
La politica scientifico-culturale della Repubblica di Venezia nella 2a meta
del Settecento (Scientific-cultural politic of the Republic of Venice in
the 2nd half of 18th century) (PIERO DEL NEGRO)
Session 1
TEACHERS, FRIENDS, CORRESPONDENTS AND PUPILS OF TOALDO
La formazione scientifica del giovane Toaldo: i maestri (The scientific
formation of young Toaldo: the teachers) (UGO BALDINI)
Il carteggio di Giuseppe Toaldo alla Biblioteca comunale di Siena
(Correspondence of Giuseppe Toaldo at the Municipal Library of Siena)
(MARIO DI GREGORIO)
Vincenzo Chiminello allievo dello zio Toaldo (Vincenzo Chiminello pupil of
the uncle Toaldo) (MICHELA ZAUPA)
Antonio Vallisneri jr. e Giuseppe Toaldo (SANDRA CASELLATO)
Session 2
CULTURAL INSTITUTION IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
La struttura e l'organizzazione dell'Universita di Padova nella 2a meta del
Settecento (Structure and organization of the Padua University in the
2nd half of 18th century) (M. CECILIA GHETTI)
L'Accademia patavina di scienze, lettere ed arti ai tempi del Toaldo
(The Padua Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts at the Toaldo's time)
(PAOLO PRETO)
Il Seminario vescovile di Padova nel Settecento (The Episcopal Seminary of
Padua in the 18th century) (FILIBERTO AGOSTINI)
Toaldo e la stampa padovana nel Settecento (Toaldo and the Press in Padua
in the 18th century) (MARCO CALLEGARI)
Session 3
ASTRONOMY AND ITS INSTRUMENTS, CORRELATE SCIENCES (GEODESIE, GEOGRAPHIE
ETC.) AND PUBLIC OBSERVATORIES IN THE 18TH CENTURY
L'evoluzione degli strumenti di osservazione astronomica nel Settecento
(Evolution of intruments for the astronomical observations in the 18th
century)(FABRIZIO BONOLI)
L'insegnamento dell'astronomia all'Università di Padova nel Settecento
(Teaching of astronomy at the Padua University in the 18th century)
(LUISA PIGATTO)
Toaldo, Cerato e la fabbrica della Specola astronomica di Padova: un
sodalizio esemplare tra astronomo e architetto (Toaldo, Cerato and the
Padua Astronomical Observatory building: an exemplary association
between astronomer and architect) (ALESSANDRA FERRIGHI)
I contributi degli astronomi di Brera alla meccanica celeste nella seconda
meta del Settecento (Contributions to the celestial mechanics by Brera's
astronomers in the in the 2nd half of 18th century) (PASQUALE TUCCI)
L'astronomia nel Regno delle due Sicilie alla fine del XVIII secolo
(Astronomy in the Reign of the two Sicilies at the end of 18th century)
(GIORGIA FODERA' SERIO)
L'insegnamento dell'astronomia nei Collegi dei Gesuiti nel Settecento
(Teaching of astronomy in the Jesuit' Colleges in the 18th century)
(JUAN CASANOVAS)
Le dotazioni scientifiche fiorentine nel tardo Settecento (The scientific
endowments of Florence in late 18th century) (MARA MINIATI)
The Longitude: a long sought Conquest of the 18th century
(MARCELLO PAGLIARI)
Session 4
PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY IN 18TH CENTURY
Il Settecento e le radici della seconda rivoluzione scientifica (The 18th
century and the roots of the 2nd scientific Revolution) (ENRICO BELLONE)
Giuseppe Toaldo e il conduttore elettrico (Giuseppe Toaldo and the
electric conductor) (ANTONIO LEPSCHY)
Francesco Algarotti: il newtonianesimo per le dame (Francesco Algarotti:
the newtonianism for ladies) (GIANFRANCO FRIGO)
Carlo Alfonso Guadagni, i suoi strumenti e i suoi manuali di fisica (Carlo
Alfonso Guadagni and his physics intruments and handbooks)
(ROBERTO VERGARA CAFFARELLI)
Il mecenatismo del patriziato veneziano: Alvise Zenobio e gli strumenti
inglesi (Patronage of the venetian aristocracy: Alvise Zenobio and the
English instruments) (VIRGILIO GIORMANI)
Lo sviluppo della chimica come scienza nel Settecento (The development of
the chemistry as a science in the 18th century)
(DIETRICH VON ENGELHARDT)
La chimica a Padova nel tardo Settecento (The chemistry in Padua in the
late 18th century) (FERDINANDO ABBRI)
Session 5
MATHEMATICS AND PRACTICAL SCIENCES IN 18TH CENTURY
La diffusione del calcolo leibniziano nella prima meta' del Settecento
(The diffusion of the leibnitian calculus in the first half of the 18th
century) (SILVIA ROERO)
Il Settecento e la matematizzazione delle tecniche (The 18th century and
the application of the mathematics to the thecniques)
(EDOARDO BENVENUTO)
Lo sperimentalismo come unificazione di "ars" e "ratio" nel Settecento in
Veneto (The experimentalism as unification of "ars" and "ratio" in the
18th century in Veneto) (PASQUALE VENTRICE)
La meccanica e le sue applicazioni nei seguaci di Newton nel Settecento
(The mechanics and its application among the Newton follwers in the
18th century) (VITTORIO MARCHIS)
From intellectualism to Empirism - the Swedish case (NILS-AXEL MORNER)
Session 6
METEOROLOGY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH SCIENCES OF NATURE (AGRICULTURE,
BOTANY, MEDICINE, PHENOMENA OF NATURE)
Contributions of Giuseppe Toaldo to the 18th century Meteorology
(GASTON DEMAREE)
Aspetti medico-biologici nell'opera di Toaldo (Medical-biological aspects
in the Toaldo's work) (GIUSEPPE ONGARO)
Il sistema meteorologico di Toaldo (The meteorological system of Toaldo)
(STEFANO CASATI)
Giuseppe Toaldo and his repercussion in the Czech Lands (JAN MUNZAR)
Session 7
METEOROLOGICAL INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUMENTAL SERIES IN 18TH CENTURY
Gli strumenti meteorologici a Padova nel Settecento (Meteorological
instruments in Padua in the 18th century) (GIAN ANTONIO SALANDIN)
Toaldo e le origini della serie meteorologica di Padova (Toaldo and the
origin of the meteorological series of Padua)(DARIO CAMUFFO)
Le serie meteorologiche dell'Osservatorio astronomico di Brera dalla sua
fondazione ad oggi (Meteorological series of the Brera's astronomical
Observatory from its foundation to the present) (LETIZIA BUFFONI)
La serie meteorologica dell'Osservatorio astronomico di Palermo dalla sua
fondazione ad oggi (The meteorological series of the Palermo
astronomical Observatory from its foundation to the present)
(LOREDANA GRANATA)
Data Homogeneity in time series: an application to the Tiber Data Set (TDS)
(BERSANI P., PILOZZI L., PALMIERI S., SIANI A.M., VACCARO L.)
Early meteorological measurements in the Czech Lands (JAN MUNZAR)
Session 8
CLIMATOLOGY AND METEOROLOGICAL NETWORKS IN THE 18TH CENTURY
Eighteenth century Meteorological Networks; Introducing the Space-Scale
(TREVOR DAVIES)
Toaldo and the "Meteorologica Societas Palatina" (MICHELE COLACINO)
History of Meteorology in Florence from the beginnings to the present
(GIAMPIERO MARACCHI)
Climate of the 18th century in the Czech Lands: comparison of instrumental
and historical weather records (RUDOLF BRADZIL)
***************************************************************************
SCHEDA DI ISCRIZIONE / REGISTRATION FORM
"Toaldo e il suo tempo / Toaldo and his time"
10-14 novembre 1997 / November 10-14, 1997
PADOVA -ITALY
NOME/NAME...............................................................
COGNOME/FIRST NAME......................................................
ISTITUTO/INSTITUTION....................................................
INDIRIZZO/ADDRESS.......................................................
CODICE POSTALE/ZIP CODE.................................................
NAZIONE/COUNTRY.........................................................
TEL./PHONE..............................................................
FAX.....................................................................
E-MAIL..................................................................
TITOLO DEL CONTRIBUTO ORALE/ TITLE OF ORAL CONTRIBUTION
nella lingua prescelta/in the select language
........................................................................
INVIARE A/SEND TO:
Luisa Pigatto - CONVEGNO TOALDO
c/o OSSERVATORIO ASTRONOMICO
Vicolo dell'Osservatorio, 5 - 35122 PADOVA-ITALY
Tel./phone (49) 8293469//Fax (49) 8759840
E-mail Toaldo@astrpd.pd.astro.it
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
A translation of "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte"
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
Translated and Co-Edited by: Mr. Donald Bellunduno
<76450.1741@compuserve.com>
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
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***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 22
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 22, May 30, 1997 *
* *
* A translation of *
* *
* ELEKTRONISCHE MITTEILUNGEN ZUR ASTRONOMIEGESCHICHTE *
* Nr. 22, 29. Mai 1997 *
* *
* Redaktion: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Douglas Hoyt: Historical Sunspot Observations by Fink and
Soemmering/Carrington
2. Peter van der Krogt: Identification of Persons on the Title-pages
of Atlases
3. Chris Sterken: Zoellner photometers and spectrophotometers
4. Leos Ondra: Facsimile edition of Tychonis Brahe
Astronomiae Instauratae Mechanica
5. International Conference "Paleoastronomy: Sky and Mankind"
6. Conferences 1997
7. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 22, May 30, 1997
...........................................................................
Historical Sunspot Observations by Fink and Soemmering/Carrington
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Douglas Hoyt, Greenbelt, MD, USA
A paper by Ernst Zinner (Aeltere Beobachtungen von Sonnenflecken,
Naturforschende Gesellschaft Bamberg, 33, pp. 36-37, 1952) lists
"1788-1816 J. G. Fink, Lauenburg Gymnasialbibl. 104".
I am interested in locating these sunspot observations because I am doing a
new reconstruction of solar activity, observations are scarce in the late
1700's, and Wolf did not use these observations in his reconstruction. (See
D. V. Hoyt et al., Geophysical Research Letters, vol. 21, pp. 2067-2070.)
I have looked in the high school in Lauenburg Germany and Leborck Poland
(formerly Lauenburg Prussia) with no luck. Also the Zinner collection in
California has no information. Beyond this brief mention, I have found no
record of J. G. Fink (or Finck). Any further information would be welcome.
In a related matter, there is an article by Carrington on Dr. Soemmering's
sunspot observations in Mon. Notices of the RAS, vol. 20, pp. 71 to 77.
Apparently Carrington copied his solar disk drawings. Are these copies
available anywhere? I think the originals are in some private collection
somewhere. They were in the possession of Dr. Soemmering's son in
Frankfurt in 1860. Do the original drawings still exist somewhere?
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 22, May 30, 1997
...........................................................................
Identification of Persons on the Title-pages of Atlases
-------------------------------------------------------
By Peter van der Krogt, Utrecht, The Netherlands
The first volume of the new Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, the bibliography
of atlases published in the Netherlands, will be published this summer.
This first volume will include all folio atlases published by Gerard
Mercator and his successors the Hondius family, Johannes Janssonius and
their heirs. The engraved title-pages of these atlases will be illustrated
and short described. For this I needed information about the depicted
persons on the title-page of two atlases.
With help of William B. Ashworth, Jr., of the University of
Missouri-Kansas City, and Margriet Hoogvliet of Groningen University, I
have made some progress in the identification.
1. The astronomers on the title page, engraved by F.H. van Hoven, of the
Harmonia Macrocosmica by Andreas Cellarius, published by Johannes
Janssonius, Amsterdam, 1660 and 1661; reprinted by Petrus Schenk and
Gerard Valk in 1708.
Illustration (42 Kb):
http://kartoserver.frw.ruu.nl/HTML/STAFF/krogt/ill/MAPHIST/harmmacr.htm
In the center Urania, personification of Astronony. The most left sitting
person is Tycho Brahe, the sitting person on the right is Copernicus. The
four standing figures are from left to right: Ptolemy, unidentified Arab
astronomer (probably al-Battani), King Alphonsus (most likely, but not
certain) and Philip Lansbergen, who is pointing with a wand to the emblem
of the heliocentric theory (zodiac with in the center the sun, the earth
circles around the sun). The same six figures and the emblem are depicted
on Lansbergen's book "Tabulae Motuum Coelestium Perpetuae" (Middelburg:
Zacharias Roman, 1632).
Ref.: William B. Ashworth, Jr. "Allegorical Astronomy: Baroque Scientists
Encoded Their Most Dangerous Opinions in Art". The Sciences 25, no. 5
(September/October 1985): 34-37.
2. Allegorical figures on title-page of the 1695 Ptolemy edition by Halma.
Illustration (41 Kb):
http://kartoserver.frw.ruu.nl/HTML/STAFF/krogt/ill/MAPHIST/vianen.htm
(including links to two details)
Fame in the clouds
The four female figures around the globe are:
1. kneeling, winged, with a book: Geographia
2. to the right, standing: Geometria
3. standing with painter's palet: Pictura
4. to the left, standing, with lyra and trumpet and with a cloak with
stars: Poesis
Although the book is now in print, any further information is welcome.
For more information about Koeman's Atlantes Neerlandici, see:
http://kartoserver.frw.ruu.nl/HTML/STAFF/krogt/atlantes.htm
Author's address:
Dr Peter van der Krogt
Map Historian, Explokart Research Program
Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Utrecht
P.O. Box 80.115
3508 TC UTRECHT, The Netherlands
http://kartoserver.frw.ruu.nl/HTML/STAFF/krogt/krogt.htm
e-mail: p.vanderkrogt@frw.ruu.nl
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 22, May 30, 1997
...........................................................................
Zoellner photometers and spectrophotometers
-------------------------------------------
By Chris Sterken, Brussels, Belgium
We are compiling a list of "Zoellner" photometers and spectrophotometers.
A preliminary list of such instruments will be published in the Proceedings
of a Workshop on Zoellner and his photometry that has recently been held at
Archenhold Observatory in Berlin. Updated versions of this list will be
published in the Journal of Astronomical Data.
We welcome any information related to whereabouts of these instruments.
Please send replies to Chris Sterken (csterken@vub.ac.be) or
Klaus Staubermann (kbs20@cus.cam.ac.uk).
Author's address:
Dr Chris Sterken
University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Phone 00 32 26293469, Fax 00 32 93623976
The Journal of Astronomical Data: http://www.vub.ac.be/STER/JAD/JAD.html
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 22, May 30, 1997
...........................................................................
Facsimile edition of Tychonis Brahe Astronomiae Instauratae Mechanica
---------------------------------------------------------------------
By Leos Ondra, Brno, Czech Republic
At the occasion of the four hundred fifty years' anniversary of the birth
of Tycho Brahe the publishing house KLP - Koniasch Latin Press, Prague,
prepared a facsimile of coloured old print Tychonis Brahe ASTRONOMIAE
INSTAURATAE MECHANICA, Wandesburgi in arce Ranzoviana prope Hamburgum,
propria authoris typographia 1598. The facsimile is supplemented by a
complete Czech translation and by an enlarged and revised English
translation with numerous explanatory remarks.
From Latin translated by Alena Hadravova (Institute for Classical Studies,
Prague) with the assistance of Petr Hadrava (Astronomical Institute,
Ondrejov) and Jole R. Shackelford (University of Minnesota).
Further info:
KLP - Koniasch Latin Press
Na Hubalce 7
169 00 Praha 6 - Stresovice
Czech Republic
phone: +420 2 2051 1681
fax: +420 2 254 094
Author's address:
Leos Ondra, Skretova 6, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
E-mail: ondra@physics.muni.cz
http://www.sci.muni.cz/~ondra
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 22, May 30, 1997
...........................................................................
International Conference "Paleoastronomy: Sky and Mankind"
----------------------------------------------------------
First Announcement
Dear Colleagues,
We invite you to attend the conference "Paleoastronomy: Sky and Mankind"
to be held in Moscow in the premises of the Moscow University and Sternberg
Astronomical Institute. The conference will be held under the auspices of
the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS) as a part of the science program
of the 4th regular EAAS Meeting (between 22nd of October and the 1st of
November).
The topics of the conference are:
- Ancient Civilizations and SETI Problems
- Archaeoastronomy
- Ethnoastronomy
- The Ancient Sun and the Mankind
- The History of Astronomy in the History of Culture
The working languages of the conference will be Russian and English.
The Proceedings of the conference will be published in English in
the international journal "Astronomical & Astrophysical Transactions".
If you would like to participate in the conference, please, inform us at
your earliest convenience. Please, mail the title of your contribution
before May 31, 1997 and the full text of the abstract, before June 30,
1997.
Organizer of the EAAS meeting
Co-Chairperson, EAAS
N.G.Bochkarev
Mail address:
Euro-Asian Astronomical Society
Sternberg Astronomical Institute
13, Universitetskij prosp.,
Moscow 119899, Russia
Phone/Fax: (7-095) 9328844
Fax (7-095) 9390126
E-mail: boch@astronomy.msk.su
On behalf of EAAS
I.Pustylnik
Research Associate
Tartu observatory
Mail address:
Tartu observatory, To~ravere, EE2444
Estonia
Phone: (372)7- 410265
Fax : (372)7- 410205
E-mail: izold@aai.ee
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 22, May 30, 1997
...........................................................................
Conferences 1997
----------------
Further conferences in the year 1997 and 1998 have already been described
in past issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced up
to now, please see the following WWW address:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
14-15 May 1997, Rome, Italy
International conference "Archaeoastronomy and beliefs in the
ancient world"
Place: Accademia dei Lincei, Via della Lungara, 10
Further information:
Secretariat of the Accademia dei Lincei, Via della Lungara 10, Roma,
Italy, e-mail: lincei@axcasp.caspur.it;
or G. Romano, e-mail: romano@tv.shineline.it
22 May 1997, Oxford, Great Britain
Annual Thomas Harriot Lecture, given by Professor John North of the
University of Groningen, on "Stars and Atoms"
Place: Oriel College
24 May 1997, Manchester, Great Britain
Anglo-Saxon Astronomy: Aelfric's De Temporibus Anni and its Setting
An interdisicplinary day-school on the theory and practice of astronomy
in Anglo-Saxon England, focusing on the first work of astronomy in the
English language.
Further information:
Dr David Hill, Centre for Anglo-Saxon Studies, Department of English,
The University, Manchester, M13 9PL, Great Britain, fax: 0161 275 3256
6 June 1997, Cambridge, Great Britain
Afternoon conference of the Whipple Museum of the History of Science
Among the talks: Adam Mosley on an early armillary sphere and Kemal de
Soysa on a sixteenth century celestial planisphere.
Time: 2.00 to 5.00 pm
Further information:
Curator Dr Liba Taub, Whipple Museum of the History of Science,
Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH, Great Britain; Tel: 01223 334545 or
01223 330906, Fax: 01223 334554, E-mail: lct1001@cam.ac.uk
14 June 1997, Chicoutimi, Canada
4th annual meeting of the Quebec Sundial Society
(La Commission des Cadrans solaires du Quebec)
Contacts: Dr. Andre E. Bouchard, secretaire general,
E-mail: 600009@ican.net,
URL: http://cadrans_solaires.scg.ulaval.ca
1-6 July 1997, Copper Mountain, Colorado, USA
The 50th Anniversary Convention of The Astronomical League
Among the topics: Slide/paper presentations on League history
For more information contact: ALCON '97, c/o Chamberlin Observatory,
University of Denver, Denver, CO 80208-0202, USA
URL: http://www.du.edu/~pryan/alcon97.html
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 22, May 30, 1997
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
Blunck, Juergen: Wilhelm Beer. Genius der Astronomie und Oekonomie,
1797-1850. Ausstellung und Katalog: Dr. Juergen Blunck.
[Wilhelm Beer. Genius of astronomy and Economy, 1797-1850. Exhibition
and catalogue: Dr. Juergen Blunck. - In German]
Berlin: Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preussischer Kulturbesitz, 1997.
156 pp., numerous illus., partly in colour, ISBN 3-88226-928-6, paperback.
(Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - PK, Ausstellungskataloge, N.F., 20)
[DM 19.00 during the exhibition; Distribution: Staatsbibliothek
zu Berlin, Potsdamer Str. 33, D-10785 Berlin, Tel. 030/266-1. Afterwards
DM 42.00 in bookshops; Distribution for bookshops: Dr. Ludwig Reichert
Verlag, Wiesbaden.]
Brush, Stephen G.: A history of modern planetary physics. Vol. 1: Nebulous
Earth. From Laplace to Jeffreys. Vol. 2: Transmuted Past. From Lyell to
Patterson. Vol. 3: Fruitful encounters. From Chamberlin to Apollo.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. Pp. 324 + 144 + 366,
ISBN 0-521-55215-X, GBP 100
Czeike, Felix: Historisches Lexikon Wien, Band 2 (De-Gy). [Historical
encyclopedia of Vienna. Vol. 2 (De-Gy). - In German]
Wien: Verlag Kremayr & Scheriau, 1993. 652 pp.
Review: V.Klimpel: Internationale Zeitschrift fuer Geschichte und
Ethik der Naturwissenschaften, Technik und Medizin
(NTM N.S.) 4 (1996) 1, 57
[Including entries on Doppler, Christian (1803-1853), and Fraunhofer,
Joseph von (1787-1826).]
De Gandt, Francois; Vilain, C. (Eds.): Histoire et Actualite de la
Cosmologie. Vol. I : De Ptolemee a Hubble. Vol. II : De la relativite
generale a la cosmologie contemporaine. Proceedings of the Conference
held at Paris Observatory, 12-16 September 1994.
Paris: Observatoire de Paris, 1996.
[Most articles in French, some in English.]
Dick, Steven J.: The biological universe. The twentieth-century
extraterrestrial life debate and the limits of science. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 1996. Pp. 578, 24 x 16 cm,
ISBN 0-521-34326-7, GBP 40, $ 54.95 (hb)
Review: D.W.Hughes: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1137, 102-103
Review: R.Jastrow: Sky & Telescope 93 (1997) 6, 62-63
Fauvel, John; Flood, Raymond; Shortland, M.; Wilson, Robin (Hrsg.):
Newtons Werk. Die Begruendung der modernen Naturwissenschaft.
Aus dem Englischen von P. Hiltner. Basel: Birkhaeuser Verlag, 1993.
322 pp., ISBN 3-7643-2890-8, DM 68.00
[German translation of: Let Newton Be. Oxford University Press, 1989]
Review: G.Thimm: Sterne u. Weltraum 35 (1996) 4, 325
Gribbin, John: Companion to the Cosmos. London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson,
1996. Pp. 504, 25.5 x 18 cm, ISBN 0-297-81725-6, GBP 20 (hb)
[Something like an introduction to cosmology and modern astronomy,
in the form of an introduction, an A-Z of astronomical terms including
biographies, and parallel timelines of biographies, science and
history.]
Review: F.Vincent: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1136, 65
Hamel, Juergen: Die Vorstellung von der Kugelgestalt der Erde im
europaeischen Mittelalter bis zur Mitte des 13. Jahrhunderts - dargestellt
nach den Quellen. [Ideas on the spherical shape of the Earth in the
European Middle Ages up to the 13th century - described on the basis of
the original sources. - In German] Muenster: Lit, 1996. 112 pp.,
ISBN 3-8258-2751-8, DM 29.80 (Abhandlungen zur Geschichte der
Geowissenschaften und Religion/Umweltforschung, N.F., Bd. 3)
[Collection of sources from the 6th to the 13th centuries, with
commentaries; ca. 60 authors plus anonymous treatises.]
Haramundanis, Katherine: Celilia Payne-Gaposchkin: an autobiography and
other recollections. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
Pp. xxii, 277, ISBN 0-521-48251-8, GBP 35.00 (hb), GBP 12.95 (pb)
Review: J.Bell Burnell: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 106 (1996) 6, 346
Hearnshaw, John B.: The measurement of starlight: Two centuries of
astronomical photometry. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.
Pp. xiv, 511, 23.5 x 16 cm, ISBN 0-521-40393-6, GBP 65.00, $ 89.95 (hb)
Review: F.G.Watson: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 106 (1996) 6, 345
Review: D.Jones: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1137, 108-109
Review: S.Kenyon: Sky & Telescope 93 (1997) 6, 64/66
Heilbron, John L.: Weighing imponderables and other quantitative science
around 1800. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1993. Pp. 337,
ISBN 0-918102-17-0, $ 20 (Berkely Papers in History of Science, Vol. 13)
[Also on Ramsden's und Borda's angle measuring devices.]
Review: K.Hentschel: NTM N.S. 4 (1996) 1, 60
Herrmann, D.B.: 100 Jahre Archenhold-Sternwarte. Die Geschichte der
Archenhold-Sternwarte. [100 years Archenhold Observatory. The history of
the Archenhold-Sternwarte. - In German.] 2nd, enlarged ed.
Berlin: Paetec Gesellschaft fuer Bildung und Technik, 1996. 91 pp.,
ISBN 3-89517-314-2, DM 19.80 (hb)
[1st edition (1994) was entitled: Blick in das Weltall]
Hoyt, W.G.: Lowell and Mars. Second printing. Tucson: The University of
Arizona Press, 1996. Pp. 376, 23 x 15 cm, ISBN 0-816-50514-4,
$ 24.95 (pb)
Review: D.W.Hughes: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1137, 100
Kitchin, C.R.: Optical astronomical spectroscopy. Bristol (England):
Institute of Physics Publishing, 1995. Pp. 272, ISBN 0-7503-0345-X,
GBP 65.00 (hb); ISBN 0-7503-0346-X, GBP 20.00 (pb)
[The first part gives a brief historical introduction beginning with
Newton's experiments in 1666 trough the end of the 19th century.]
Review: M.Gavin: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 106 (1996) 6, 345
Lang, Kenneth R.; Whitney, Charles A.: Planeten. Wanderer im All.
Aus dem Englischen von Thomas Buehrke.
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York etc.: Springer-Verlag, 1993. XVI, 393 pp.
[German translation of: Wanderers in space: exploration and discovery in
the solar system. Cambridge Unievrsity Press, 1991;
contains numerous historical remarks.]
Review: W.Martin: Sterne u. Weltraum 35 (1996) 10, 796
Lindberg, David C.: Von Babylon bis Bestiarum. Die Anfaenge
abendlaendischen Wissens. Stuttgart, Weimar: Verlag J.B. Metzler, 1994.
XXIII, 482 pp., 50 illus., ISBN 3-476-00958-0, DM 78.00 (hb)
[German translation of: The beginnings of Western science: The European
scientific tradition in philosophical, religious, and institutional
context, 600 B.C. to A.D. 1450. University of Chicago Press, 1992.]
Longair, Malcolm S.: Our evolving Universe.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. Pp. 185, 28 x 25 cm,
ISBN 0-521-55091-2, GBP 24.95, $ 34.95 (hb)
[Introduction to astrophysics, including some historical facts and
character-sketches of astronomers.]
Review: H.Couper: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1137, 103
Luminet, Jean-Pierre: Les poetes et l'univers. Paris: Le Cherche-Midi
Editeur, 1996. Pp. 428, ISBN 2-86274-473-5, FF 148
[A history of astronomy and cosmology through poetry and literature; an
essay and a collection of astronomical poems, from Hesiode to Rene
Char. In French. More information and abstracts on-line at
http://darc.obspm.fr/~luminet/Books/Antho.html]
Messpunkt Leipzig. Herausgegeben von der Kulturstiftung Leipzig und der
Stadt Leipzig, Staedtisches Vermessungsamt. [Measuring point Leipzig.
Edited by the Cultur Fund of Leipzig and the Surveying Office of the
City of Leipzig. - In German] Leipzig: Leipziger Blaetter, 1996.
112 pp., numerous illus., partly in colour, DM 20.00 + shipping
(Leipziger Blaetter, Sonderheft)
[History of geodesy, cartography, meteorology and other geosciences
in Leipzig; contains also "The geodetic activities of the astronomers
of the Leipzig University Observatory" by G.Muenzel and H.-J.Ilgauds]
Petersen, Carolyn Collins; Brandt, John C.: Hubble vision: Astronomy with
the Hubble Space Telescope. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Pp. xx, 252, 24.5 x 28 cm, US$ 39.95 (hb)
[Begins with a history of the HST, extended back to Lyman Spitzer's
1946 proposal for a space telescope (Chapter 1).]
Review: D.P.Hube: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 90 (1996) 5/6, 362-363
Rauschenbach, Boris: Ueber die Erde hinaus. Hermann Oberth, 1894-1989. Eine
Biographie. [Beyond the Earth. Hermann Oberth, 1894-1989. A biography. -
In German] Wiesbaden: Dr. Boettiger Verlag, 1996. 286 pp.,
ISBN 3-925725-23-7, DM 28.80 (pb)
Review: T.Mueller: Sterne u. Weltraum 35 (1996) 5, 408
Rettig, Terrence W.; Hahn, Joseph M. (Eds.): Completing the inventory of
the solar system. A symposium held in conjunction with the 106th Annual
Meeting of the ASP held Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, Arizona, 25-30 June
1994. San Francisco, Ca.: Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 1996.
Pp. xxiii, 395
[Contains also: C.W.Tombaugh: Struggles to find the ninth planet;
S.A.Stern: The historical development and status of Kuiper Disk studies]
Richter, Peter H. (Ed.): Sterne, Mond, Kometen: Bremen und die
Astronomie. [Stars, moon, comets: Bremen and astronomy. - In German]
Bremen: Verlag H. M. Hauschild, 1995. 327 pp., 150 illus.,
ISBN 3-929902-84-2, DM 64.00 (hb)
Review: W.Martin: Sterne u. Weltraum 35 (1996) 10, 793
Schaaf, Fred: Comet of the century: From Halley to Hale-Bopp.
Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1996. Pp. 384, $ 29
[Recounts also the history of cometary research.]
Review: A.Fitzsimmons: Nature 386 (1997) 13 March, 140-141
Sheehan, William: The planet Mars. Tucson: The University of Arizona
Press, 1996. Pp. 270, ISBN 0-8165-1640-5, $ 45.00 (hb),
ISBN 0-8165-1641-3, $ 19.95 (pb)
Review: L.J.Martin: Sky & Telescope 93 (1997) 3, 65-66
Sis, Peter: Starry Messenger: A book depicting the life of a famous
scientist, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, physicist Galileo
Galilei. Frances Foster Book (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), 1996. $ 16.00
[Juvenile book, one of the winners of the Scientific American Young
Readers Book Award]
Review: P.Morrison: Sci. Amer. 275 (1996) 6, 92-93
Wallenwein, Eckhard H.: Das altaegyptische Universum. Fruehgeschichte der
Astronomie und Kosmologie, Urspruenge des modernen Bildes von Raum und
Zeit. [The ancient Egypt Universe. The early history of astronomy and
cosmology, origins of the modern picture of space an time. - In German]
Heidelberg: Julius Groos Verlag, 1995. 198 pp., 18 tabs., 18 illus.,
partly in colour, ISBN 3-87276-743-7, DM 40.00
Review: R.Fockenbrock: Sterne u. Weltraum 35 (1996) 5, 408-409
Warner, Deborah Jean; Ariail, Robert B.: Alvan Clark & Sons - artists in
optics. Richmond, VA: Willmann-Bell, 1996. Pp. 298, 23.5 x 16 cm,
ISBN 0-943-39646-8, $ 24.95
Review: R.V.Willstrop: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1137, 110-111
Wetterer, Margaret K.: Clyde Tombaugh and the search for planet X.
Minneapolis: Carolrhoda Books, 1996. Pp. 48, ISBN 0-87614-893-3,
$ 13.13 (hb), ISBN 0-87614-969-7, $ 5.95 (pb)
[This biography of Tombaugh is for children ages 5 to 8. For more
information, see Sky & Telescope, April 1997, p. 65.]
Williams, Sheridan: UK solar eclipses from the year 1.
Leighton Buzzard: Clock Tower Press, 1996. Pp. 109, 23 x 19 cm,
ISBN 1-851-42093-2, GBP 11.95 (pb)
[solar eclipses of the year 4 to 2974 for the British Isles and Ireland]
Review: G.A.Wilkins: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1136, 63
Zimmer, Harro: Der Rote Orbit - Glanz und Elend der russischen Raumfahrt.
[The red orbit - glory and misery of the Russian space travel. - In German]
Stuttgart: Franckh-Kosmos Verlag, 1996. 159 pp., 49 illus.,
ISBN 3-440-07226-6, DM 24.80 (Kosmos Report)
Review: H.J.Nitschmann: Astronomie + Raumfahrt 34 (1997) 2, 44
Zimmermann, V.; Bottanzi, U.; Howald-Haller, M. (Eds.): Die Werke von
Daniel Bernoulli. Band 1. Medizin und Physiologie, Mathematische
Jugendschriften, Positionsastronomie. [The works of Daniel Bernoulli.
Vol. 1. Medicine and psychology, early mathematical writings, positional
astronomy. - In German] Basel: Birkhaeuser Verlag, 1996.
528 pp., ca. 82 illus., ISBN 3-7643-5272-8
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Juergen Hamel (Berlin), Klaus-Dieter Herbst (Jena), Jean-Pierre Luminet
(Paris), Gisela Muenzel (Leipzig), G. Romano (Rom).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
A translation of "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte"
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
Translated and Co-Edited by: Mr. Donald Bellunduno
<76450.1741@compuserve.com>
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
The electronic newsletters are complement the printed "Mitteilungen zur
Astronomiegeschichte" (in German) which currently appear semi-annually:
Price: DM 1.50 / issue plus postage and packing costs
outside Germany: free
Subscription: Send in DM 2.50 (one issue) or DM 5.00 (Nos. 10-11) in
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Editor: Dr. W. R. Dick, Otterkiez 14,
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Please ask for a free trial issue.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (+6592) 2150, Fax: (+6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Institut fuer Angewandte Geodaesie,
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Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 23
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 23, October 2, 1997 *
* *
* A translation of *
* *
* ELEKTRONISCHE MITTEILUNGEN ZUR ASTRONOMIEGESCHICHTE *
* Nr. 23, 17. Juni 1997 *
* *
* Edited by: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
* Translated by: Mr. Donald Bellunduno <76450.1741@CompuServe.COM> *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
Editor's Note
1. Meeting of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in Innsbruck
2. Conference Announcement: Sixth Annual Convention of the Antique
Telescope Society at Mt. Wilson Observatory, Sept. 12-15, 1997
3. Museums and Exhibits
4. Memorials
5. Historical Sunspot Observations by Fink and Soemmering/Carrington:
Addendum to ENHA No. 22, Item 1
6. Conferences 1997
7. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Editor's Note
-------------
Unfortunately, due to several circumstances Number 23 of ENHA appears with
a considerable delay. Therefore, most of the conference announcements are
now out of date. The editor and the translator apologize for this.
To avoid delays in the future, the German and the English editions will be
separated. All subscribers will be informed about the details, which have
still to be worked out.
Wolfgang R. Dick
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 23, October 2, 1997
...........................................................................
Meeting of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in Innsbruck
----------------------------------------------------------------------
[Abridged and updated version of the announcement]
The meeting in the framework of the Fall Meeting of the Astronomische
Gesellschaft in Innsbruck was held on Monday, September 22, 1997. In
conclusion, a meeting of the members of the working group took place.
The coordinator of the meeting at Innsbruck was Dr. Anneliese Schnell. She
can be reached at the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Vienna,
Tuerkenschanzstrasse. 17, A-1180 Vienna, Tel.: (0043 1) 470 68 00 25 or
470 66 83 25 or 479 82 72 25, Fax: 470 68 00 15 or 470 66 83 15 or 479 82
72 15, e-mail: schnell@astro.ast.univie.ac.at.
Summaries of the lectures (mostly in English) are published in
"Astronomische Gesellschaft Abstract Series" No. 13, 1997.
For the programme, including translated titles of most papers, please see
our web site: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/treffen1997.html .
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 23, October 2, 1997
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement:
------------------------
Sixth Annual Convention of the Antique Telescope Society
at Mt. Wilson Observatory, Sept. 12-15, 1997
The Antique Telescope Society, an international society of collectors,
researchers, students, museums and librarians with an interest in the
history of the telescope and related astronomia will host its 6th annual
convention in Southern California. Venues include: Mt. Wilson
Observatory, Griffith Observatory, Hale's Solar Lab, Cal Tech & Palomar
Observatory. The convention is open to members and guests of the society,
including the general public. You do NOT have to be a member of the
society to attend (although it is more economical to do so). In the past,
ATS conventions have been first class gatherings in such places as Bath,
England, Washington D.C. (USN Observatory), Yerkes, Lick, Ricard, Sproul,
Chabot observatories and others.
"Will we get to use any of the large historic instruments?" - Yes,
currently, we have time reserved on the 60" Reflector at Mt. Wilson -
weather permitting.
"What do we do at these conventions?" - See great telescopes and
observatories with significant historical records ... Hear great
presentations related to telescopes, telescope makers, observatories, and
related topics ... Eat good food ... See members' collectible telescopes
... Observe with large, historic instruments ... Get the "insider's" tour
of these historic locations (you will get to see what the general public
rarely gets to see) ... Make acquaintances from all over the country and
other countries as well.
"What does it cost?" - Prices haven't been set, but in every past
convention, the perception of the members is that the value of the
convention FAR exceeded the cost. In all cases, the ATS tries to do things
in a first class manner and it has shown in the increased attendance and
growth of the society.
"How do I sign up?" - Email Bart Fried at nuvista@compuserve.com for
further information. As the convention gets closer, details will be
finalized and a packet will be available for anyone who wishes to consider
attending.
Program: Mt. Wilson Convention - Sept 1997
Friday 12th.
15.00 --- Registration at the Holiday Inn. 303 E. Cordova Street,
Pasadena, CA 91101.
Reservations Toll-free 1-800-457-7940
19.00 Reception. Apperitifs. Holiday Inn.
19.30 Dinner.
21.00 Keynote Speaker.
22.00 Adjourn, informal gathering at the hospitality suite
Saturday 13th.
Early departure for Mount Wilson.
9.30 Arrive and assemble at Mount Wilson. At this time the party
will divide into four or five smaller groups for tours of the
Observatory complex. Mount Wilson Docents will accompany groups
on guided tours throughout the morning. Refreshments will be
provided between 10.00 and 11.30
12.30-13.30 Buffet Lunch will be available in the auditorium.
14.00 First Paper Session.
15.30 Coffee / tea / break in the foyer.
15.50 Second Paper Session.
17.30 Adjourn. Free time until Dinner.
19.00 Buffet Dinner
20.30 Guest Lecture.
22.00 ******* Observing with the 60" Ritchey reflector.******
Sunday 14th.
9.00 A.T.S. Business Meeting (Annual General Meeting for Members
only) at the Holiday Inn.
10.15 Coffee / Tea / biscuits will be available outside the meeting
room.
10.30 Third Paper session at the Holiday Inn.
12.30 Break for Lunch.
14.00 Fourth Paper Session.
15.30-18.00 Visit to the Hale Solar Laboratory, where we will see
Hale's original setup and have a small reception and then a
visit to Caltech to see the collection of original Porter
drawings of the 200" etc.
18.00 Informal dining at local restaurants
19.30 (or later) Assemble at the Griffith Observatory. See the Planetarium
show at the Griffith Observatory and visit the Zeiss 12"
Refractor until 22.00 hrs.
*****Special Tour of the 200" Hale telescope at Palomar Observatory*****
Monday 15th
14.00 Assemble at Palomar Mountain Observatory (Maps will be
provided). We will be having a private tour inside the building,
usually off limits to visitors. Conclusion of our visit with a
brief gathering under the Hale Telescope.
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 23, October 2, 1997
...........................................................................
Museums and Exhibits
--------------------
The special exhibit "Earth, Sun, Moon & the Stars: Globes, Sundials, and
Astronomical Instruments," of the Historischen Museum [Historical Museum]
of Frankfurt am Main will be available to the public from November 1996 to
about November 1997. In this exhibit, put together by Reinhard Glasemann,
the museum will display, for the first time, its complete collection of
astronomical instruments, mainly from the early modern history. The
exhibit was enhanced through pieces from the collections belonging to the
Physikalischer Verein and the Institute for History of Science.
The list of items exposed includes: 12 globes (Terrestrial globe by
Schoener from 1515 and globes by van Langren, Homann, Andreae, Doppelmayr,
Klinger and Franz); 29 sundials (by Ritter, Scriba, Nieborg, Willebrand,
Feriary, Baradelle, Vogler, Mueller, Grassl, Keller, Neringer); 5
instruments used in the construction of sundials; 10 astrolabes and related
instruments (among them Islamic from the 12th c., Islamic from the period
around 1700, two French pieces from the 15th c., from the Lower Rhine from
the 16th c.); 5 instruments from Erasmus Habermel around 1600 (sundials, a
horological slide rule and a theodolite); 3 "Aequatorien"; 6 planetariums
and world models; 9 telescopes and observational instruments (by
Semitecolo, Deregni, Willson, Utzschneider and Fraunhofer, Steinheil,
Brander and Breithaupt); 11 instruments used in positioning (by Volckmer,
Schmalkalder and Huson); 8 books; 7 paintings and drawings (technical
schematics, portraits, a bridge tower with sundial, temperaments and
planets and their influence on people, as well as an allegory). A
catalogue of the exhibit is available in manuscript form. Unfortunately,
because of financial reasons, the manuscript could not yet be printed.
Some pictures of items of the exhibit are available at the cash desk as
post cards.
Address: Historisches Museum, Saalgasse 19, D-60311 Frankfurt a. M.,
Germany, Tel. 069/212-35599, Fax 069/212-30702; Tours on appointment at
069/212-34611. With U-Bahn (subway): U4, station Roemer
Opening hours: Tues, Thurs - Sun 10 am - 5 pm, Wed 10 am - 8 pm;
Mon closed.
The Bezirksmuseum [District Museum] Brigittenau in Vienna will show from
the 3rd April up until the end of October 1997 the exhibit "Carl Friedrich
Gauss. Mathematician - Astronomer - Surveyer".
Address: Bezirksmuseum Brigittenau, Dresdner Str. 79, A-1200 Wien, Austria
Opening hours: Thurs 5-7 pm, Sun 10-12 am; free admission.
On August 30, 1997, the Wilhelm-Foerster-Sternwarte Berlin will
re-inaugurate in a ceremony the restored Bamberg Refractor. Carl Bamberg
(150th anniversary of his birth on Juli 12, 1997) built this 12-inch
telescope in 1889 for the newly founded Berliner Gesellschaft Urania, a
society for the popularization of science.
Address: Wilhelm-Foerster-Sternwarte, Munsterdamm 90 (am Insulaner),
D-12169 Berlin, Germany, Tel. (030) 79 00 93-0, Fax 79 00 93-12
From the 15th September until the 14th December 1997 an exhibit in
Lutherstadt Wittenberg entitled "Melanchthon and Astrology" will be shown.
Location: Lutherhalle, Collegienstr. 54, D-06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg,
Germany
Opening hours: Tues - Sun 10 am - 5 pm
(Source: http://www.sgi.de/melanchthon/expo_2.htm)
The Mainfraenkisches Museum in Wuerzburg is housing an extended collection
of ring, pocket, travel, table and other sundials, in addition single
calendars as well as mathematical, geodetic, optical and related
instruments, including hand-held telescopes. In the spring of 1997 the
museum had the collection situated in the special exhibit entitled "Time
and space: Sundials and scientific instruments" (See ENHA No. 20, Item
4). From this exhibit a catalogue is available (see section "New Books").
Specific examples from the collection are also on view to the public in the
permanent exhibit which will be reopened shortly. By arranging in advance,
the other instruments can be inspected for scientific purposes.
Address: Mainfraenkisches Museum, Festung Marienberg, D-97082 Wuerzburg,
Germany, Tel.: (0931) 4 30 16.
Opening hours: April-October Thurs-Sun 10 am - 5 pm, otherwise 10-16 pm
On September 13, 1996, after long reconstruction efforts the Archenhold
Observatory in Berlin-Treptow was reopened. On the 12th October the
observatory celebrated its 100th anniversary. The astronomical museum
could not yet be opened again, however there are display cases in the hall
in which the history of the observatory and the history of astronomy in
general are depicted. On exhibit are three instruments from the workshop of
R. Toepfer (Potsdam) from around 1950 (Hartmann microphotometer, plate
measuring instrument, spectroscope), the telescope of the Berlin "street
astronomer" Max Kutscher from 1950 and one theodolite.
Address: Archenhold-Observatory, Alt-Treptow 1, D-12435 Berlin, Germany,
Tel. 030/5 34 80 80
Public Tours: Wed 6 pm, Sat / Sun 3 pm; special events;
The observatory opens 30 minutes before the beginning of the
tours or events; reservations by telephone are recommended (Mon-Fri
8 am - 3 pm)
The Orgelbaumuseum Schloss Hanstein [Organ Museum Castle Hanstein] in
Ostheim (Rhoen) commemorates also Cuntz von der Tann (1567-1639), a
knighted captain and inhabitant of the castle. He owned astronomical
instruments and built an observational room in the castle's attic. From
his diarys, it is clear that he was in contact with both Tycho Brahe und
Johannes Kepler. - The museum would be interested in acquiring more
information on the activities of Cuntz von der Tann. His diarys have up
until today not been completely evaluated. The archives of the family von
Tann are located in Deutsches Adelsarchiv, Schwanalle 21, 3D5037 Marburg,
Germany.
Address: Orgelbaumuseum Schloss Hanstein, Paulinenstr. 20, 97645 Ostheim,
Germany, Tel. 09777/1743.
Opening hours: Wed - Sat 10 - 12 am and 1 - 5 pm, Sun 1 - 5 pm
In the hall of the Ministry for Science, Research and Culture of the Land
of Brandenburg [Ministeriums fuer Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kultur des
Landes Brandenburg] stands a display containing nine historical instruments
on permanant loan from the collection of the Babelsberg Observatory of the
Astrophysical Institute Potsdam.
Address: Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 4, D-14467 Potsdam, Germany, Tel. 0331/866-0.
The entrance is from "Staudenhof".
Opening hours: Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 23, October 2, 1997
...........................................................................
Memorials
---------
In June 1993 a memorial plaque was erected at the birth house of Friedrich
Simon Archenhold (1861-1939) in Lichtenau (Westfalen, Germany; Lange
Strasse 22) in memory of the founder of the Treptow Observatory.
Source: D. B. Herrmann, Blick in das Weltall, Berlin 1994, p. 79.
On April 21, 1995, on the occasion of the 500th birthday of Peter
Apian a memorial plaque was finally put in place at the house Markt 13 in
Leisnig (Sachsen, Germany). It is the site, most likely, where Apian was
born. The original building is said to have been burned to the ground by
fire in 1700. The exact location of his birth is not known. However,
there were several reasons why Leisnig was chosen. At the same house a
coat of arms dating back to May 23, 1870, is put up, with an
inscription pointing at Apian. In Leisnig also public places have been
dedicated to the astronomer and cartographer: Peter-Apian-Platz and
Peter-Apian-Mittelschule. - The Grossgemeinde [united municipality]
Seubersdorf (Oberpfalz, Germany) named in 1995 a small street in
Ittelhofen, in the vicinity of the church, after Apian; in April 1995 a
street sign was erected at Apianstrasse. The Hofmark [farm march]
Ittelhofen belonged to Apian since 1544. In the church of Ittelhofen can
be found an epitaph for Apian's son Claudius as well as one for his son
Karl (Carolus) and Karl's wife Ursula.
Source: K. Roettel (Ed.), Peter Apian, Eichstaett 1995, pp. 26f., 64f.,
284, 336.
On March 20, 1996, a memorial plaque was erected on the director's house of
the Jena University Observatory (Schillergaesschen 3) for Hermann Lambrecht
(1908-1983), which was donated by the Gesellschaft der Freunde und
Foerderer [Society of Friends and Patrons] of the Friedrich Schiller
University at Jena.
On the occasion of the 400th anniversary of the discovery of Mira in
Resterhafe (Ostfriesland) the local parish has placed a memorial plaque
on the outside of the church in Resterhafe in memory of David Fabricius
(1564-1617). The unveiling took place on August 31, 1996.
On September 13, 1996, a bronze relief of Tycho Brahe was unveiled in
Rostock on the building used by the Rostocker Volksbank (Glatter Aal). The
relief was done by Jo Jastram, and was funded by the Volksbank. A sundial
was also commemorated on the same day. On the sundial the world system of
Tycho Brahe is depicted as well as the symbols of the zodiac.
Source: Ostseezeitung, September 14, 1996.
On November 19, 1996, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the
Carl Zeiss enterprise, the reconstructed monument to Ernst Abbe was
rededicated on the Carl-Zeiss-Platz in Jena, Germany.
Source: Potsdamer Neueste Nachrichten, November 20, 1996, p. 20.
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 23, October 2, 1997
...........................................................................
Historical Sunspot Observations by Fink and Soemmering/Carrington:
------------------------------------------------------------------
Addendum to ENHA No. 22, Item 1
-------------------------------
Please send your replies to Douglas V. Hoyt (Greenbelt, MD, USA),
e-mail: Douglas_V_Hoyt_at_2-TAG4-HSTX@ccmail.stx.com
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 23, October 2, 1997
...........................................................................
Conferences 1997
----------------
Further conferences in the years 1997 and 1998 were reported in the recent
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all previously announced
conferences see the following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
7 June 1997, Calgary, Canada
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory 25th anniversary celebration
Further information: Dr. Eugene F. Milone, Physics & Astronomy Dept.,
The University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr., N.W.,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, E-mail: milone@acs.ucalgary.ca
URL: http://www.ucalgary.ca/~milone/raomeet.html
29-30 June 1997, Chicago, IL, USA
History Sessions at the 109th Annual Meeting of the
Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Further information: Dr. Joseph S. Tenn, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy,
Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609, USA,
(707) 664-2594, Fax: (707) 664-2505, E-mail: joe.tenn@sonoma.edu
URL: http://yorty.sonoma.edu/people/faculty/tenn/ASPHistory97.html
14 September 1997, Cittadella (PD), Italy
Unione Astrofili Italiani, XXIX Congresso Nazionale,
Sessione I: Storia e Cultura Astronomica
Chairman: Francesco Azzarita, Via Fanelli 206 M, 70125 Bari, Italy
ULR (of the Congresso Nazionale):
http://www.mclink.it/mclink/astro/uai_cong.htm
3-5 October 1997, Porto San Giorgio (Ascoli Piceno), Italy
Annual meeting of the Italian gnomonists
Further information: Francesco Azzarita, azzarita.f@teseo.it
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 23, October 2, 1997
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
Graf-Stuhlhofer, Franz: Humanismus zwischen Hof und Universitaet. Georg
Tannstetter (Collimitus) und sein wissenschaftliches Umfeld im Wien des
fruehen 16. Jahrhunderts. [Humanism between court and university. Georg
Tannstetter (Collimitus) and his scientific environment in Vienna of the
16th century.] Vienna: WUV-Universitaetsverlag, 1996. 212 pp.,
22 ilus., 23 x 15.6 cm, ISBN 3-85114-256-X, Pb ATS 268.00, DM 37.00
[About Tannstetter, called Collimitius (1482-1535), and his work as
mathematician and astronomer als well as a pionier of the historiography
of science, physician, cartographer and astrological adviser.]
Grigull, Ulrich: Sechzig Jahre Kepler-Kommission. [The 60th anniversary
of the Kepler Commission.] Munich: Verlag der Bayerischen Akademie der
Wissenschaften, 1996. 39 pp., ISBN 3-7696-4739-4
(Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Mathematisch-
naturwissenschaftliche Klasse, Sitzungsberichte 1996, Sonderdruck 1)
Krafft, Fritz (Ed.): Otto von Guericke. Neue Magdeburger Versuche ueber
den leeren Raum. [Otto von Guericke. New Magdeburg experiments about the
empty space.] 2nd, enl. ed. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1996. CVIII,
306 pp., 52 illus., 18 tabs., ISBN 3-540-62248-9, Hb DM 68.00 (VDI-Buch)
[Complete German translation (1968) of the Latin work published in 1672,
being also of importance for the history of astronomy. With an extended
introduction "Otto von Guericke in his time".]
Schenkel, Peter Michael: Gesammelte Werke. Register zu
Band I: Mysterium Cosmographicum, De Stella Nova. [Johannes Kepler,
Collected works. Index to Vol. I: Mysterium Cosmographicum, De Stella
Nova.] Munich: Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1997. 60 pp.
(Berichte der Keplerkommission, Heft 8)
[Distribution through exchange of publications only.]
Wagner, Gerhard G.: Sonnenuhren und wissenschaftliche Instrumente. Aus den
Sammlungen des Mainfraenkischen Museums Wuerzburg. [Sundials and
scientific instruments. From the collections of the Mainfraenkisches Museum
Wuerzburg.] Wuerzburg: Mainfraenkisches Museum Wuerzburg, 1997. 280 pp.,
numerous illus., partly in colour, ISBN 3-932461-00-2,
Pb DM 25.00 + DM 7.00 postage
[Catalogue of the museum's collection of sundials and single mathematical,
geodetic, optical (including hand-held telescopes) and other instruments
(see above, Item 3). Published on occasion of the special exhibit "Time
and space: Sundials and scientific instruments", Spring 1997 (see ENHA
No. 20, Item 4). Distribution: Mainfraenkisches Museum, Festung
Marienberg, D-97082 Wuerzburg, Germany, Tel.: (0931) 4 30 16. Please
enclose cheque.]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we are indebted to:
Volker Bialas (Munich), Reinhard Glasemann (Frankfurt a.M.), Willi
Knuelle (Cologne), Wolfgang Meirich (Ilsede), Leopold Mersich
(Muerzzuschlag), Rolf Riekher (Berlin), Reinhard Schielicke (Jena),
Burkhard Stautz (Frankfurt a.M.), Bernhard Zimmermann (Warnemuende),
Mainfraenkisches Museum Wuerzburg, Orgelbaumuseum Schloss Hanstein.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
A translation of "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte"
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
Translated and Co-Edited by: Mr. Donald Bellunduno
<76450.1741@compuserve.com>
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
The electronic newsletters are complement the printed "Mitteilungen zur
Astronomiegeschichte" (in German) which currently appear semi-annually:
Price: DM 1.50 / issue plus postage and packing costs
outside Germany: free
Subscription: Send in DM 2.50 (one issue) or DM 5.00 (Nos. 10-11) in
stamps to the editor
Editor: Dr. W. R. Dick, Otterkiez 14,
D-14478 Potsdam, Germany, Tel.: (+331) 863199
Please ask for a free trial issue.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (+6592) 2150, Fax: (+6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Institut fuer Angewandte Geodaesie,
Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam, Germany,
Tel.: (+331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 24
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 24, December 4, 1997 *
* *
* A translation of *
* *
* ELEKTRONISCHE MITTEILUNGEN ZUR ASTRONOMIEGESCHICHTE *
* Nr. 24, 3. Dezember 1997 *
* *
* Edited by: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. The International Spring Meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft 1998
2. Introducing the "Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage"
3. Axel D. Wittmann: Catalog of Naked-Eye Sunspot Observations and
Large Sunspots, 165 BC to AD 1918
4. Thomas B. Settle: Mechanical Marvels: Invention in the Age of Leonardo
(Announcement of an Exhibition)
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 24, December 4, 1997
...........................................................................
The International Spring Meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft 1998
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gotha, Germany, May 11 - 15, 1998
The conference will take place in commemoration of the first astronomical
congress held in 1798 at the Seeberg observatory. Therefore history of
astronomy is one of two special fields of the meeting, with a natural focus
on the 18th and 19th centuries. The other field is astrometry. We expect
results from the satellite Hipparcos and the discussion of successing
projects. The language will be the "lingua franca" of our times, English.
Especially characteristic quotations in French and German may be presented
in the original version as well. There will be invited lectures as well as
short oral and poster contributions.
Scientific Organizing Committee:
Peter Brosche (Daun/Bonn), Wolfgang R. Dick (Potsdam), Roland Wielen
(Heidelberg)
Registration for the conference:
Information and registration - chairman of the Local Organizing Committee:
Oliver Schwarz, Uthmannstr. 8, D-99867 Gotha, Germany
E-mail: SternwGTH@aol.com
Other information (e.g., about travel to Gotha and accomodation) may be
downloaded from URL http://members.aol.com/SternwGTH . Later also the
preliminary programme will be placed there.
The Organizing Committee asks for registration as early as possible, not
later than by March 15, 1998. Registered participants will receive a
list of hotels and bed & breakfast in Gotha. O. Schwarz may help you
with organizing your accomodation.
Fees:
Members of the Astronomische Gesellschaft: DM 60, students DM 40,
non-members DM 80. Excursion to Inselsberg: DM 25
In case that your conference fee will be received by January 15, 1998,
the excursion will be free for you.
Please make your payments to Acct # 750 003 715, Sparkasse Gotha,
BLZ 820 520 20, indicating "Fruehjahrstagung". Requests for re-funding
of fees received later than one week prior to the conference may be
granted only at 50 %.
Scientific programme:
Please send your requests concerning the programme as well as your
abstracts of papers and posters by March 15, 1998, to Prof. Peter Brosche,
University of Bonn, Observatorium Hoher List, D-54550 Daun, Germany. We
ask for your understanding that contributions submitted later may not be
accepted.
In difference to other meetings of the Astronomische Gesellschaft, no
abstract book will be published due to a lack of funds. However, we
intend to publish the abstracts together with the invited papers in the
Proceedings to appear after the meeting. For this you may edit your
abstracts later. Prior to the meeting the abstracts will be published
in the WWW (URL see above). For this, authors are asked to submit
machine-readable abstracts, either on diskette together with the hardcopy
to Prof. Brosche (any formats, also Word or WordPerfect, except Macintosh
formats), or by e-mail to the LOC at SternwGTH@aol.com (ASCII, HTML or
LaTeX), or by ftp to ftp.potsdam.ifag.de into the directory
pub/incoming/wdi with a short e-mail notice to wdi@potsdam.ifag.de (any
formats, except Macintosh).
Preliminary schedule:
May 11 2 pm opening ceremony, opening of a special exhibition
7 pm informal gathering in Hotel Lindenhof
May 12 9 am presentations on history of astronomy
7 pm public evening lecture held by Dr. Oliver Schwarz
entitled "Die Vermessung des Weltalls"
May 13 9 am history of astronomy
astrometry
7 pm reception by the mayor of the city of Gotha
May 14 9 am astrometry
May 15 10 am astronomical-geodetic excursion to the Inselsberg, the
highest mountain of the Thuringian Forest
Invited speakers (with short titles):
Suzanne Debarbat: Astronomy at the Paris Observatory
Jean-Claude Pecker: The diary of Lalande
Peter Brosche: Astronomy in Gotha
Karin Reich: Astronomy - the leading discipline
Manfred Schneider: Astrometry and geodesy
Leslie V. Morrison: Sands of Time and Tidal Friction
Adriaan Blaauw: History of the HIPPARCOS project
Roland Wielen: The FK6 and the double stars
Helmut Jahreiss: HIPPARCOS and the nearby stars
Wilhelm Seggewiss: Distance scale and HIPPARCOS
Michel Mayor: Radial velocities and extra-solar planets
Jacques Colin: The automatic meridian circle of Bordeaux
Christian de Vegt: HIPPARCOS for wide field astronomy
Alain Fresneau: Carte du Ciel and HIPPARCOS
Michael Geffert: CCD astrometry
Lennart Lindegren: HIPPARCOS and the future
Ulrich Bastian: The astrometric satellite DIVA
Michael H. Soffel: Relativity and space astrometry
Erik Hog: [title not yet defined]
General information about Gotha
Gotha is one of the Thuringian residence towns, which, despite being the
capitals of only small states, were of great importance for the cultural
development in Germany. The reigning dukes supported the arts, and one of
the last, Ernst II (1745-1804) had a great passion for astronomy. He
founded an observatory and made Franz Xaver von Zach (1754-1832) the first
director. Following astronomy also related sciences were developed:
Justus Perthes' "Geographische Anstalt" made significant contributions to
cartography.
A great share of the cultural heritage of Gotha is concentrated in the
large castle Friedenstein which was the residence of the dukes. There are
the Science and State Library Gotha, the Thuringian State Archives,
several museums and a unique baroque theater. The collections include
astronomical instruments, globes and clocks.
Many of Johann Sebastian Bach's ancestors lived in the area surrounding
Gotha. However, he was born in Eisenach about 30 km to the West of Gotha.
The centre of German classical literature, Weimar, is 40 minutes by train
to the East. Inbetween lies Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia and one of
the most remarkable German medieval cities.
Not second to the cultural highlights is the possibility to explore the
beauties of nature: the foot of the Thuringian Forest can be reached by
tram and the ridge by buses. From the Inselsberg (which we shall visit)
one can see the stage of the opera "Tannhaeuser", the Wartburg, in the
North-West.
More about Gotha at http://www.gotha-online.de/
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 24, December 4, 1997
...........................................................................
Introducing the "Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage"
--------------------------------------------------------------
Following extensive discussions at the recent General Assembly of the IAU,
a research publication titled the "Journal of Astronomical History and
Heritage" is to be launched in 1998. This will go some way towards
providing an alternative outlet for those who liked to publish in the
"Quarterly Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society" and in "Vistas in
Astronomy".
JAH2 will be published twice-yearly, in June and December, and will feature
review papers, research papers, short communications, and book reviews.
Papers on all aspects of astronomical history will be considered, including
studies which place the evolution of astronomy in political, economic and
cultural context. Papers on astronomical heritage may deal with historic
telescopes and observatories, conservation projects (including the
conversion of historic observatories into museums of astronomy), and
historical or industrial archaeological investigations of astronomical
sites and buildings. All papers will be refereed prior to publication.
Managing Editor of the new journal is John L. Perdrix, from Perth,
Australia, who is closing down the "Australian Journal of Astronomy" in
order to activate the new journal. Papers Editor is Dr Wayne Orchiston,
Executive Director of the Carter Observatory (the National Observatory of
New Zealand). An international Editorial Board is in the process of being
formed, and Dr Bambang Hidayat (Indonesia, and IAU Vice-President),
Professor Rajesh Kochhar (India), Professor Brian Warner (South Africa),
Commander Derek Howse (England), Dr Wolfgang Dick (Germany), Dr David
Andrews (Northern Ireland), Dr Alan Batten (Canada), Dr Steve Dick (USA,
and Chairman of IAU Commission 41), Professor Ben Gascoigne (Australia),
and Professor Don Osterbrock (USA) have already agreed to join.
The annual subscription, for individuals, is just $US20. Queries regarding
subscriptions, book reviews and the production of the new journal should be
directed to Mr J. Perdrix at Astral Press, PO Box 107, Wembley, WA 6014,
Australia (or e-mail: geochem@techpkwa.curtin.edu.au). Queries regarding
papers should be directed to Dr W. Orchiston at the Carter Observatory, PO
Box 2909, Wellington, New Zealand (or e-mail: Wayne.Orchiston@vuw.ac.nz).
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 24, December 4, 1997
...........................................................................
Catalog of Naked-Eye Sunspot Observations and Large Sunspots
------------------------------------------------------------
165 BC to AD 1918
-----------------
By Axel D. Wittmann, Goettingen, Germany
Large ('naked-eye') sunspots may serve as one of the primary indicators of
solar activity; their distribution shows the typical features of solar
activity (11-year cycle, butterfly diagram, bimodal maxima, Maunder-type
maxima and minima, etc.). Historical naked-eye sunspot observations are
one of the very few direct (non-proxy) means of studying solar activity
during the past.
This cataloge contains observations of large sunpots (or what may possibly
have been a large sunspot!) with the naked eye. 'Modern' spots (more
recent spots observed telescopically) are only included if they were large
enough to be (in principle, at least) visible to the naked eye.
When trying to interpret the data, and in particular the ancient Chinese
observations, note that they are not at all systematic, i.e. 'dense' in
time (or statistically 'complete'), but were made more or less by chance,
or were often cited inaccurately in the chronicles! In particular, the
ancient astronomers were trying to determine the phase of the new moon
(for calendar purposes), and that is why often sunspots were preferrably
detected near the day of new moon (whereas their actual 'maximum' was
sometime else): So be careful and don't mis-interpret the meagre
statistics!
Data from 165 BC to AD 1684 were compiled by Axel D. Wittmann, University
Observatory, Goettingen, Germany, and Zhen-Tao Xu, Purple Mountain
Observatory, Nanjing, China; cf. Ref. [1].
This data has been updated and expanded (in particular for the time from
1685 to 1918) by data taken from the catalog of Kevin K.C. Yau and F.
Richard Stephenson, University of Durham (cf. Ref. [2]) by A.D. Wittmann
in 1988.
The 'modern' observations (after AD 1764, and in particular those of the
20th century) were compiled by A.D. Wittmann; if possible they include the
measured area and the observed heliographic latitude. The date usually is
that of the CMD passage.
Electronic copies of the catalogue are available from the author upon
request. A downloadable version is available from the WDC-A for Solar-
Terrestrial Physics at Boulder (for more information please contact
Dr. Helen Coeffey, Editor Solar-Geophysical Data, hcoffey@ngdc.noaa.gov).
References:
[1] Wittmann,A.D., Xu,Z.T.: 1987, Astron. Astrophys. Suppl. 70, pp. 83-94.
[2] Yau,K.K.C., Stephenson,F.R.: 1988, Quart. J. Roy. Astron. Soc. 29, 175.
Author's address:
Dr. A.D. Wittmann, University Observatory, Geismarlandstr. 11,
D-37083 Goettingen, Germany, Phone: +(49)-551-395045,
Fax: +(49)-551-395043, E-mail: wittmann@uni-sw.gwdg.de
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 24, December 4, 1997
...........................................................................
Mechanical Marvels: Invention in the Age of Leonardo
----------------------------------------------------
Announcement of an Exhibition
-----------------------------
By Thomas B. Settle, Brooklyn, NY, USA
24 October, 1997 - 1 March, 1998
World Financial Center in lower Manhattan, New York, USA
This show is the most recent edition of two previous ones entitled
"Renaissance Engineers from Brunelleschi to Leonardo da Vinci" held at
the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence a year ago and in Paris before that.
It was organized by a team at the Istituto e Museo di Storia della Scienze
of Florence under the direction of Prof. Paolo Galluzzi, the Director
of the Istituto.
The show has three major sections: on "Filippo Brunelleschi" and
various aspects of the design and construction of the Cupola of the
Florentine Cathedral; on the "Sienese Engineers", including Taccola
and Francesco di Giorgio; and on Leonardo da Vinci. Featured are
excellent and large working models of both real and imaginary
machines figured in the original documents.
There will be catalogs and CDs available on site.
For an introduction to the show you might want to visit:
http://galileo.imss.fi.it/news/mostra/index.html
Also availabe by a link through the World Financial Center Page:
http://www.worldfinancialcenter/com/art/fall97/page2.html
For location of and directions to the World Financial Center
as well as other information:
http://www.worldfinancialcenter.com/
Author's address:
Thomas B. Settle Tel. +1 718 260 3406 (w)
History of Science and Technology Fax. +1 718 260 3136
Polytechnic University Em. tsettle@duke.poly.edu
Brooklyn, NY 11201 tsettle@galileo.imss.firenze.it
Web. http://galileo.imss.firenze.it/~tsettle/index.html
(Note: This is an informal and unofficial announcement. Please excuse
cross-posting; but feel free to pass the information on to others.)
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank:
Peter Brosche (Bonn/Daun), Wayne Orchiston (Wellington), Oliver Schwarz
(Gotha/Daun), Reinhard Schielicke (Jena).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
A translation of "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte"
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
The electronic newsletters are complement the printed "Mitteilungen zur
Astronomiegeschichte" (in German) which currently appear semi-annually:
Price: DM 1.50 / issue plus postage and packing costs
outside Germany: free
Subscription: Send in DM 2.50 (one issue) or DM 5.00 (Nos. 10-11) in
stamps to the editor
Editor: Dr. W. R. Dick, Otterkiez 14,
D-14478 Potsdam, Germany, Tel.: (+331) 863199
Please ask for a free trial issue.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (+6592) 2150, Fax: (+6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: (+331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 25
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 25, January 28, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Editor's note
2. Journal for the History of Astronomy
3. Announcement of a New Journal: Culture and Cosmos
4. XVII International Scientific Instrument Symposium
5. Conferences 1998/99
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 25, January 28, 1998
...........................................................................
Editor's note
-------------
No. 25 of the Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
will be the first one being not a complete translation of Elektronische
Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte (EMA). From now on ENHA will appear
independently, but will contain selected contributions from EMA translated
from German into English. All contributions which were submitted in English
will appear in both newsletters, but not necessarily first in EMA as it
was the case up to No. 24. When a contribution appeared first in the other
newsletter this will be indicated. The advantage will be that both
newsletters may contain rapid information without waiting for a complete
translation of the previous issue of EMA.
Donald Bellunduno has agreed to continue doing the translations. However,
any additional help in translating single contributions would be much
appreciated. In each case the translator will be indicated. Please
contact me if you would like to help.
W.R.D.
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 25, January 28, 1998
...........................................................................
Journal for the History of Astronomy
------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 25,
16. Januar 1998, Item 2)
Journal for the History of Astronomy was founded in 1970 and is now in its
twenty-ninth year. Originally published every six months, it now appears
quarterly, together with an annual supplement devoted to archaeoastronomy.
Each issue consists of 96 pages, and is printed at Cambridge University
Press on paper suitable for high-quality reproduction of artwork. To
private subscribers purchasing copies direct for their personal use, the
annual subscription is GBP 35 ($ 70 in the Americas and Japan) for the five
issues, GBP 29 ($ 58) for the quarterly issues without the supplement.
Articles for publication should be sent to the Editor, Dr Michael Hoskin,
Churchill College, Cambridge CB3 0DS, UK (e-mail: MAH15@CUS.CAM.AC.UK);
books for review to Professor Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center
for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; and subscriptions to Science
History Publications Ltd, 16 Rutherford Road, Cambridge CB2 2HH, UK (phone
and fax: +44 1223 565532; e-mail: shpltd@aol.com). Further information
can be obtained from http://members.aol.com/shpltd/index-page3.html.
A Table of Contents for the latest issues can be found at
http://members.aol.com/shpltd/index-page6.html .
M.A.H.
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 25, January 28, 1998
...........................................................................
Announcement of a New Journal: Culture and Cosmos
-------------------------------------------------
Culture and Cosmos
A Journal of the History of Astrology and Cultural Astronomy
ISSN 1368-6534
PO Box 1071, Bristol BS99 1HE, UK, E-Mail: culture@caol.demon.co.uk
Editor: Nicholas Campion
Deputy Editor: Patrick Curry PhD
Publication: twice a year in Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter
Subscriptions for two issues are:
Individuals: GBP 13 UK and Europe, GBP 15 overseas
Institutions: GBP 22 UK and Europe, GBP 15 24 overseas
Single issues: GBP 6.50 UK and Europe, GBP 7.50 overseas
Subscriptions: Culture and Cosmos, PO Box 1071, Bristol BS99 1HE, UK;
E-mail: subs@caol.demon.co.uk
Payment must be in sterling.
Visa and Mastercard accepted: we need your card number and expiry date,
the full name on the card and your mailing address.
Culture and Cosmos is a peer-reviewed journal devoted to the study of the
history of cultural astronomy and astrology. If astrology is the use of
celestial phenomena to provide meaning for human life, then cultural
astronomy is the broader use of astronomical beliefs and theories to
regulate and inform society, politics, the arts and every aspect of human
life. This encompasses the new disciplines of ethno-astronomy and
archaeo-astronomy.
The journal is independent and has been launched as a result of a feeling
for at least the last ten years that the increasing amount of research into
the history of astrology, together with the argument that the history of
astrology makes an important contribution to the history of religion, ideas
and science, now justifies a new publication. Astrology though, cannot be
narrowly defined, and has no existence outside of a broader philosophical,
religious, scientific, cosmological and social context. Hence it is felt
that the journal's scope should extend beyond the strict study of
astrology itself.
We will consider articles on any aspect of the history of astrology or
cultural astronomy, from earliest times down to the present day. Our
subjects may vary from the development of astrology in ancient Sumer, to
astral alignments in central America or the British Isles, astral mythology
in the Renaissance, the function of astrology in the arts and literature,
the political consequences of the Copernican revolution and contemporary
belief in alien abduction. We will also carry news and reviews.
Our editorial board is drawn from every area of the study of the history of
astronomy and astrology from ancient times to modern, covering all
perspectives, from scientific to religious.
Editorial Board
Dr. Silke Ackermann, Professor Anthony F. Aveni, Dr. Guiseppe Bezza,
Professor. J. Bruce Brackenbridge, Dr. David Brown, Dr. Charles
Burnett, Dr. Hilary M. Carey, Dr. ohn Carlson, Professor Robert
Ellwood, Dr. Germana Ernst, Dr. Ann Geneva, Dr. Jacques Halbronn, Robert
Hand, Professor Norris Hetherington, Professor Michael Hunter, Professor
Ronald Hutton, Annabella Kitson MA, Dr. Nick Kollerstrom, Dr. Edwin C.
Krupp, Dr. J. Lee Lehman, Professor Kenneth Negus, Professor John North,
Professor P. M. Rattansi, Professor Francesca Rochberg, Professor James
Santucci, Robert Schmidt, Professor Richard Tarnas, Dr. David Ulansey,
Robin Waterfield, Dr. Charles Webster, Dr. Graziella Federici Vescovini,
Dr. Paula Zambelli, Robert Zoller.
Contents, Vol 1 no 1:
Robin Heath (Cardigan): An Astronomical Basis for Solar Hero Myths
Norris Hetherington (California): Ancient Greek Cosmology and Culture: A
Historiographical Review
Alan Weber (State University of NY, Binghamton): The Development of
Celestial Journey Literature, 1400 - 1650
Ken Negus (Princeton, New Jersey), Kepler's Tertius Interveniens
John Durant (Imperial College, London) and Martin Bauer (London School of
Economics): British Public Perceptions of Astrology: An Approach from
the Sociology of Knowledge
Future articles will feature:
Alexander Militarev and Lara Bobrova (Moscow): The Origin of Semitic and
Greek Star Names
Nick Kollerstrom (London): The Original Starry Zodiac
Robert Zoller (New York): The Hermetica as Ancient Science
Jurgen Hoppman (Berlin): Melanchthon's horoscope of Luther
Edgar Laird (State University, Texas): Christine de Pizan and courtly
controversy concerning Astronomia
Elizabeth Heine (New Jersey): W.B.Yeats, Poet and Astrologer
Milky Way Dreaming: contemporary aboriginal art of the stars
N.C.
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 25, January 28, 1998
...........................................................................
XVII International Scientific Instrument Symposium
--------------------------------------------------
20-25th July 1998, Soro, Denmark
Conference announcement and call for papers
The Scientific Instrument Commission (SIC) will visit Scandinavia for the
first time in 1998 when it holds its XVII International Scientific
Instrument Symposium in Denmark. The Conference will be held at Soro
Academy. Soro Academy houses Hauchs Physiske Cabinet, one of Europe's
largest cabinets of physics and chemistry from about 1800.
The conference will include three full days of papers, a full-day museum
trip to Copenhagen, a post-conference tour to the Steno Museum in Aarhus,
besides social activities. Participation by and contributions from persons
who have not previously attended the meetings of the Commission are
welcome and encouraged.
Call for papers and posters:
The Commission and the Local Organising Committee strongly encourage
suggestions for papers and posters for the Conference. There will be two
main themes for the Conference: 1. Cabinets of Physics and Chemistry, 2.
Instruments- and Instrument Makers in Scandinavia. Although these themes
will be given priority, we also welcome papers in other areas. The
language of the conference is English, although papers in other languages
may be accepted. Speakers will have 20 minutes for their paper, and there
will be an additional 5 minutes for questions. There will be provisions
for posters next to the conference room and recreational area. The titles
and abstracts of papers and posters should be sent to the conference
Office. They will be considered by the Academic programme Committee after
the closing of the deadline. The deadline for submission of titles and
abstracts is April 1st 1998. Please contact the Conference Office if you
have any queries.
The Scientific Instrument Commission
The SIC is a commission under the Division of History, of the
International Union of History and Philosophy, of Science, which is an
organisation affiliated to UNESCO. The SIC seeks to promote interest and
encourage research in the history of scientific instruments.
President: Dr. Jim Bennett, Keeper, Museum of the History of Science,
Oxford. Vice-president: Dr. Paolo Brenni, CNR - Istituto e Museo di Storia
della Scienza, Firenze. Secretary: Dr. Peter de Clercq, Museum Boerhaave,
Leiden
The Local organising Committee: Chairman: Jan Tapdrup, History of Science
Dept., Univ. of Aarhus/Magdalen College, Oxford. General Secretary: Jorgen
From Andersen, Soro Academy. Secretary: Hanne Wagner, Soro Academy.
Committee members: Mogens Bencard, Director, Rosenborg; Dr. Kristian Peder
Moesgaard, Director, the Steno Museum; Professor Helge Kragh, History of
Science Dept. Univ of Aarhus; Jon Villadsen, Soro Academy.
Academic Programme Committee: Chairman: Professor G.L'E. Turner, Imperial
College, London. Vice-chairman: Dr. Jim Bennett, Keeper, Museum of History
of Science, Oxford. Secretary: Jan Tapdrup, History of Science Dept.,
University of Aarhus/Magdalen College, Oxford.
Further information:
Please write to the conference office for the first circular. Further
information is also avaliable on the web-page for the conference.
http://www.sic.iuhps.org/symposium98/
Deadlines:
The second circular for the conference will be sent out in February 1998.
The deadline for registration will be April 1st 1998. Registration after
this date will be subject to a surcharge. Registration by letters received
later than 20th June 1998 is unfortunately not possible due to booking of
accommodation and staff considerations. The deadline for offering papers
and posters is April 1st 1998
Conference Office:
Please send any queries or letters to the conference office:
XVII International Scientific Instrument Symposium,
Soro Academy, Postbox. 37,
DK-4180 Soro, Denmark
Phone: +45 5782 0135 E-mail: ievhjan@dfi.aau.dk
Fax: +45 5782 0136
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 25, January 28, 1998
...........................................................................
Conferences 1998/99
-------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 25,
16. Januar 1998, Item 6. Partial translations by the editor.)
Further conferences in the year 1998 were reported in previous issues of
ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the following
URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
6-10 January 1998, Washington, DC, USA
191st Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
Among the sessions:
Jan. 6, 1:00-5:00pm:
LeRoy E. Doggett Memorial Session (HAD I)
Jan. 7, 10:00-11:30am and 2:00-3:30pm:
Historical Astronomy Division, II & III
These sessions are organized by David DeVorkin, nasdsh03@sivm.si.edu
URLs: http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas191/program/
http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas191/program/had1.html
http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas191/program/had23.html
24-27 February 1998, Trier, Germany
Conference: "Historical-thematic cartography: concepts, methods,
applications"
Information: Martin Schmidt, schmidtm@uni-trier.de
URL: http://hsozkult.geschichte.hu-berlin.de/termine/trier.htm
13-14 March 1998, London, Great Britain
Harmony of the Heavens
Conference organized by the British Museum and the Warburg Institute.
Invited papers from historians working in astronomy, art and music with a
strong emphasis on scientific instruments.
Information: Silke Ackermann, Department of Medieval and Later
Antiquities, British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG,
phone 0171-323 8395
21-23 May 1998, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Science and travels, 35th Symposium of the German "Gesellschaft fuer
Wissenschaftsgeschichte" [History of Science Society], in cooperation
with the Dutch "Genootschap voor Geschiedenes der Geneeskunde, Wiskunde,
Natuurwetenschapen en Techniek" [Society for the History of Medicin,
Philosophy, Science and Technology]
From the programme: H. Hecht (Potsdam): New dimensions of scientific
travels in the 18th century. Maupertuis' expedition to Lapland. -
R. H. van Gent (Utrecht): The German Clergyman Johan Maurits Mohr and his
private astronomical observatory in Batavia (Java).
Registration: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang U. Eckart,
President of the Gesellschaft fuer Wissenschaftsgeschichte,
Institut fuer Geschichte der Medizin,
Ruprecht-Karls-Universitaet Heidelberg,
Im Neuenheimer Feld 368, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany,
e-mail: Wolfgang.eckart@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
URL: http://hsozkult.geschichte.hu-berlin.de/termine/reisen.htm
21-24 May 1998, Weil am Rhein, Germany
27th Annual Meeting of the Arbeitskreis Sonnenuhren [Sundial Working Group]
in the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Chronometrie [German Chronometric
Society]
Place: Atlas-Hotel Weil am Rhein, 1500 m from the suburbs of Basel
Fee: Non-members DM 55.00, speakers DM 35.00 (including excursion)
Cultural programme: Visits to museums and sundials in Basel (Switzerland)
and surroundings
Deadline: 31 January 1998
Organisation: Margrit und Robert Felix, Kleinhueningerstr. 170, CH-4057
Basel, Switzerland, Tel. + Fax +41 61 631 10 34,
e-mail: rfelix@compuserve.com
25 June - 1 July 1998, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
110th Annual Meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Sunday, June 28: History Session: invited lectures on Astronomy in New
Mexico and on Cosmology 1948 - 1998
Inquiries to: Joe Tenn, e-mail: joe.tenn@sonoma.edu
URL:
http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/people/faculty/tenn/ASPHistory1998.html
20-25 July 1998, Soro, Denmark
XVII International Scientific Instrument Symposium of the Scientific
Instrument Commission of the International Union of the History and
Philosophy of Science
Main themes: Cabinets of Physics and Chemistry, Instruments and Instrument
Makers in Scandinavia. Papers not related to these subjects will also be
considered. Opening lecture on Tycho Brahe by Owen Gingerich.
Tours: To Copenhagen with visits to Rundetaarn (Astronomical Observatory),
the Danish National Museum and Rosenborg (the Royal Chronological
Collections); to the Steno Museum at Aarhus.
Information: XVII International Scientific Instrument Symposium, Soro
Academy, Postbox 37, DK-4180 Soro, Denmark, Phone: +45 5782 0135, Fax +45
5782 0136, e-mail: ievhjan@dfi.aau.dk
URL: http://www.sic.iuhps.org/symposium98/
[See also the extended announcement in Item 3 of this issue.]
22 July 1998, Brighton, Great Britain
The History of Measurement. Symposium of the FIG (the International
Federation of Surveyors) ad hoc History Commission during the FIG XXI
Congress.
Themes: 18th century; introduction of the metric system in the 1790s;
introduction of the electronic distance measurement in the 1940s
Information: J.R.Smith Esq FRICS, FIG ad hoc Commission, 24 Woodbury Ave,
Petersfield, Hants GU32 2EE, England, phone/fax +44 1730 262 619,
e-mail: 101765.332@compuserve.com
18-27 August 1998, Berlin, Germany
International Congress of Mathematicians,
Section 19: History of Mathematics
Chairman of the Program Committee: Phillip A. Griffiths,
Institute for Advanced Study, Olden Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540-0631, USA
Phone: +1/609/734-8200, Fax: +1/609/683-7605, E-mail: pg@math.ias.edu
URL: http://elib.zib.de:8000/ICM
23-28 August 1998, Berlin, Germany
8th International Conference on the History of Science in China (ICHSC)
Contact Address: Welf H. Schnell
Technische Universitaet Berlin,
Institut fuer Philosophie, Sekr: 14 - 7,
Ernst-Reuter-Platz 7, 10587 Berlin, Germany
URL: http://station4.kgw.tu-berlin.de/
3-7 October 1998, Berlin, Germany
IXth Symposium of the International Coronelli Society
Theme: Everything related to old globes, armillary spheres, planetaria
and their makers.
Conference languages: German and English
Place: Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (State Library at Berlin)
Further programme: Excursion to Dresden to visit a special exhibition
on maps, globes, and instruments; visits to globe collections in Berlin
Contacts: Internationale Coronelli-Gesellschaft, Dominikanerbastei 21/28,
A-1010 Vienna, Austria, Fax +43 1 532 08 24.
1-7 July 1999, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
111th Annual Meeting of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
Sunday, July 4: History Session: invited lectures
Monday, July 5: History Session: contributed papers
Inquiries to: Joe Tenn, e-mail: joe.tenn@sonoma.edu
11-16 July 1999, Athens, Greece
18th International Conference on the History of Cartography
'The Cartography of the Mediterranean World' - and any other aspect of
the history of cartography.
Further Information: Tony Campbell, Map Librarian and Chairman of Imago
Mundi Ltd, British Library, Map Library, Great Russell Street,
London WC1B 3DG, UK, Phone: 0171 412 7525, International: +44 171 412 7525,
Fax: 0171 412 7780, International: +44 171 412 7780,
email: tony.campbell@bl.uk
URL: http://ihr.sas.ac.uk/maps/confmnu.html (under construction)
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For contributions and information we thank:
Nicholas Campion (UK), Margrit und Robert Felix (Basel, Switzerland),
Klaus-Dieter Herbst (Jena, Germany), Michael A. Hoskin (Cambridge, UK),
Jan Tapdrup (Aarhus, Denmark, Oxford, UK), Joe Tenn (Rohnert Park, CA,
USA).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (++6592) 2150, Fax: (++6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: (++331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 26
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 26, March 6, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Colloquium: Harmony of the Heavens
2. Exhibitions
3. Conferences 1998/99
4. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 26, March 6, 1998
...........................................................................
Colloquium: Harmony of the Heavens
----------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 28,
6. Maerz 1998, Item 2.)
13th and 14th March 1998
The British Museum and the Warburg Institute, London
This interdisciplinary colloquium will consider the interaction of
astronomy and other disciplines, the crafts of mathematical practitioners,
music and art, and how this interaction contributed to changing perceptions
of the world. It will involve the discussion of both text-based and
object-based studies.
THE BRITISH MUSEUM
LECTURE THEATRE
Friday 13 March 1998
9.30 Doors open: registration
10.00 FIRST SESSION
Welcome by Robert Anderson
Chaired by Nicholas Mann
Rob van Gent
The unknown author of the 'Harmonia Macrosmica' (1600);
the life and career of the Dutch cosmographer Andreas Cellarius
10.45 Coffee
11.15 Benno van Dalen
Islamic astronomical tables and their transmission to Europe
and China
Silke Ackermann
Heaven and earth in harmony: calendars on scientific instruments
12.45 Lunch
2.00 SECOND SESSION
Chaired by W.F. Ryan
David King
Sacred geography of Islam: from folk astronomy to Mecca-centred
world maps
Anthony Turner
Henrician heavens: clocks, instruments and alien craftsmen at
the court of Henry VIII
3.30 Tea
4.00 Koen Van Cleempoel
The Louvain school of instrument makers, 1540-1600
Gerard Turner
Humphrey Cole and Elizabethan instrument-making
5.30 Reception (Gallery 69a, with view of the Humphrey Cole exhibition)
7.00 Buffet supper (Warburg Institute, for invited guests)
THE WARBURG INSTITUTE
LECTURE ROOM
Saturday 14 March 1998
9.45 Doors open: registration
10.00 THIRD SESSION
Chaired by Silke Ackermann
Bruce Stephenson
Musica mundana in Kepler's astronomy
Penelope Gouk
Changing musical models: cosmic and human harmonies in
the Scientific Revolution
11.30 Coffee
11.45 John North
Holbein's The Ambassadors. Is time really out of joint?
Kristen Lippincott
Astronomy, astrology and the problem with pictures
1.15 Lunch
2.15 FOURTH SESSION
Chaired by Martin Kemp
Alison Morrison-Low
A heavenly library: early instruments in the Crawford Library
Liba Taub
Astrometeorology in antiquity: tradition and prediction
3.45 Tea
Guenther Oestmann
In the service of astrology: instruments belonging to
Count Heinrich Rantzau (1526-1598)
Final discussion
Full fee: GBP 20; students and unwaged: GBP 10 (proof required).
Lunch, Friday 13 March: GBP 10
Conference fee includes coffee, tea and biscuits on both days, entry to
reception and exhibition on Friday and lunch on Saturday. Lunch on Friday
13 March is by ticket only and must be booked by 1 March.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Title (Prof., Dr, Mr, Mrs, Ms):
Name (capital letters):
Institution (if applicable):
Home address:
daytime tel no:
I wish to attend the colloquium/*and the lunch
on Friday 13 March/ and enclose my cheque for GBP
made payable to "British Museum".
*delete as appropriate
Signed:
Date:
Please return completed form and payment to:
Sovati Smith, Dept of Medieval and Later Antiquities,
The British Museum, London WC1B 3DG
tel. 0171 323 8626
fax 0171 323 8496
email MLA@British-museum.ac.uk
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 26, March 6, 1998
...........................................................................
Exhibitions
-----------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 25,
16. Januar 1998, Item 5. Translations by Donald Bellunduno and the editor.)
On May 11, 1998, during the conference of the Astronomische Gesellschaft in
Gotha, two exhibits will be opened. In the Spiegelsaal [Mirror Hall] of
the Forschungs- und Landesbibliothek Gotha [Research and State Library
Gotha] in Schloss [Palace] Friedenstein, the exhibit "Gotha Astronomers"
will be on display approximately until the 31st of August. The biographies
of the most important astronomers and their work pertaining to the Gothaer
observatories will be on display both in manuscript and publication form.
The materials for the exhibit come from the library's collection. For
more information about the library and its collection of globes, please see
also ENHA 14, Item 2.)
Opening hours of the library: Monday 1-5 pm, Tuesday-Thursday 9 am - 5 pm,
Friday 10 am - 7 pm. With exception of lunch time (12 am - 1 pm) the
exhibit can be visited up until 4 pm. Entrance is free of charge.
For more information: Forschungs-und Landesbibliothek Gotha,
Postfach 30, 99851 Gotha, Germany, Phone: (03621) 3080-0,
Fax: (03621) 3080-38
"Sternstunden in Gotha" [Great Moments in Gotha] is the title of the second
exhibit in the Museum der Natur [Natural Museum] in Gotha which is devoted
to the history of the observatories. Observational instruments, as well as
original documents from the Thueringer Staatsarchiv [Thuringian State
Archives] in Gotha and from other institutions will be on display. The
exhibition focuses on the astrometric research carried out at Gotha.
Another item will be the first astronomical conference held at Gotha in
1798. The exhibit can be seen up until August 23.
For more information: Museum der Natur, Parkallee 15, Gotha, Germany,
Phone (03621) 8230-0.
Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10 am -5 pm
At least up until the end of February 1998 the small exhibition
"Astronomische Instrumente - gestern und heute" [Astronomical instruments -
yesterday and today] will be on display in the Zeiss-Grossplanetarium in
Berlin. Historical instruments from the collection of the Archenhold
Observatory are among the items shown.
For more information: Zeiss-Grossplanetarium, Prenzlauer Allee 80,
D-10405 Berlin, Germany, Phone (030) 42 18 45 12
The Heimat- und Palitzsch-Museum [Local and Palitzsch Museum] in Dresden
celebrates its 10th anniversary on June 6, 1998.
For information: Heimat-und Palitzsch-Museum, Gamigstr. 24,
D-01239 Dresden, Germany, Tel. (0351) 2843030
"Poder y Tecnologa en el Siglo XVI: Lovaina como centro de difusion de los
instrumentos cientificos" [Power and Technology in the XVIth Century:
Louvain as the centre of diffusion of scientific instruments] was the title
of an exhibition at the Real Diputacion San Andres de Los Flamencos,
Fundacion Carlos de Amberes, Claudio Coello 99, 28006 Madrid, Spain, which
was open from November 25, 1997, to February 2, 1998. Several scientific
books, engravings and manuscripts formed the backdrop for about 60 Flemish
and Spanish scientific instruments from the 16th and the beginning of the
17th centuries. A catalogue is available in Spanish, possibly also in
English.
Further information: Phone +34 (9) 1 4352201, Fax +34 (9) 1 5781092.
From April 16 to May 30, 1998 , the Staats- und
Universitaetsbibliothek Hamburg [State and University
Library in Hamburg] will house an exhibition displaying information and
events on the life of Johann Georg Repsold. The exhibition was formed by
Juergen Koch.
Inauguration: April 15, 5 pm.
Place: Staats- und Universitaetsbibliothek Hamburg, Von-Melle-Park 3,
20146 Hamburg, Germany, Phone (040) 4123-2233; for information, please
contact Frau Dr. Engelhorn, Phone 4123-5857.
Opening hours: Mo - Fr 9 am - 9 pm, Sa 10 am - 1 pm
From May 28 and up until October 1998 the special exhibition "The Art of
Mapmaking - of Globemaking - and of Instrument Making from the 16th to the
18th centuries", a choice of artifacts from the Mathematisch-Physikalischer
Salon, the State Library of Saxonia, Dresden, and the collections of Rudolf
Schmidt and Heide Wohlschlaeger, Vienna, will be on display at the
Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon in Dresden.
Address: Staatlicher Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon, Zwinger,
D-01067 Dresden, Germany, Phone: +49 (3 51) 4 95 13 64
Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri - Son: 9.30 am - 5.00 pm
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 26, March 6, 1998
...........................................................................
Conferences 1998/99
-------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 26,
18. Februar 1998, Item 3. Partially translated by the editor.)
Further conferences in the years 1998 and 1999 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
17-19 April 1998, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Midwest Junto for the History of Science
Contacts: Ed Layton, Chair of Local Arrangements, c/o Barbara Eastwold,
Program in History of Science and Technology,148 Tate Laboratory of
Physics, University of Minnesota, 116 Church Street SE, Minneapolis,
MN 55455, USA, E-mail: eastwold@physics.spa.umn.edu
URL: http://www.physics.umn.edu/groups/hsci/junto.html
17-21 May 1998, Grand Junction, Colorado, USA
The Seventy Fourth Annual Meeting of the Southwestern and Rocky Mountain
Division, American Association for the Advancement of Science
A scientific session "In Search of Extraterrestrial Life: Past, Present
and Future" will take place on Wednesday, May 20.
Contacts: Alexander A Gurshtein, E-mail: alex@MESA7.MESA.COLORADO.EDU
22-23 May 1998, Wittenberg, Germany
"Geodesy, Surveying und Belief". The influence of religion and
Reformation on education, science and technology. Working Meeting of the
Fachgruppe Geschichte des Vermessungswesens [Division for the History of
Surveying] in the Bildungswerk des Verbandes Deutscher
Vermessungsingenieure [Education Foundation of the Association of
German Surveying Engineers]
Informationen: Dipl.-Ing. Heinz Juergen Lagoda, Westfaelische Str. 30,
D-47169 Duisburg, Germany, Phone 0203/59 82 47
August 14-16, 1998, Paderborn, Germany
International Conference on the History of Computing (ICHC'98)
Contacts: Prof. Dr. Raul Rojas, ICHC'98, Freie Universitaet Berlin,
Takustr. 9, 14195 Berlin, Germany, Tel.: 49/30/83875100,
FAX: 49/30/83875109, E-mail: rojas@inf.fu-berlin.de
URL: http://www.inf.fu-berlin.de/~widiger/ICHC/
14 September 1998, Heidelberg, Germany
Splinter Meeting "History of Astronomy" in the framework of the Annual
Meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft. The Annual Meeting of the AG
will be held in Heidelberg on occasion of the 100th anniversary of the
Landessternwarte [State Astronomical Observatory] Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl
(1898 to 1998).
Coordinator: Dr. Reinhold Bien, Astronomisches Rechen-Institut,
Moenchhofstr. 12-14, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany, Phone: (06221) 405-120,
Fax: (06221) 405-297, E-mail: reinhold@relay.ari.uni-heidelberg.de
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/treffen1998.html
September 17-20, 1998, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Mephistos 1998: 17th Annual Graduate Student Meeting for the History,
Philosophy, and Sociology of Science, Technology, Medicine, and
related fields
Contacts: Mark Largent, Program in History of Science and Technology,
Tate Laboratory of Physics, 116 Church Street S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455,
USA, Tel.: (612) 626-8722, Fax: (612) 624-4578,
E-mail: larg0007@tc.umn.edu
URL: http://home.att.net/~Olorin/mephistos/meph2.htm
28-29 September 1998, Stockerau, Austria
Annual Meeting of the Working Group for Sundials in the Austrian
Astronomical Society (Arbeitsgruppe Sonnenuhren im Oesterreichischen
Astronomischen Verein)
Information: Frau Dr. Ilse Fabian, Hietzinger Hauptstr. 152/2/8, A-1130
Vienna, Austria, Phone: 01 - 713 44 23/Kl. 29; Mag. Franz Vrabec,
Giessergasse 4/16, A-1090 Vienna, Austria, Phone: 01-408 40 98 (at
evenings only)
10 October 1998, Weida, Germany
Colloquium about Georg Samuel Doerffel
Information: Georg-Samuel-Doerffel-Gymnasium, Ernst-Thaelmann-Str. 23,
D-07570 Weida, Germany, Phone: (036603) 62272
15-17 January 1999, Vinius-Kaunas, Lithuania
19th Baltic Conference on the History of Science
Among the subjects: History of mathematics and astronomy
Language: English, other languages in special cases (in workshops if
motivated by the subject matter)
Deadline: May 1, 1998
Contacts: Prof. J.A. Krikstopaitis, Saltoniskiu 58, 2600 Vilnius,
Lithania, Fax: 370-2-751898, 370-2-749719, e-mail: lfsi@ktl.mii.lt
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 26, March 6, 1998
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 26,
18. Februar 1998, Items 4 and 5. Partial translations by the editor.)
Baiada, Enrica; Bonoli, Fabrizio; Braccesi, Alessandro: Museo della
Specola. Catalogo. Italiona - Inglese. Bologna: Bologna University
Press, 1995. Pp. 204, numerous illus., partly in colour,
ISBN 88-7794-073-5, Lire 40,000
[Catalogue of the museum of the Bologna Astronomical Observatory. With an
introduction on the history of astronomy in Bologna. All texts in Italian
and English.
Distribution: Editrice Compositori s.r.l., via Stalingrado 97/2,
I-40128 Bologna, tel. (0039) 51 327811, fax 327877. Credit cards are
accepted.]
Bialas, Volker: Vom Himmelsmythos zum Weltgesetz. Eine Kulturgeschichte
der Astronomie [From the celestial myth to the world law. A cultural
history of astronomy; in German] Wien: Ibera Verlag, 1998. ca. 600 pp.,
ISBN 3-900436-52-5, DM 75.00 (hb)
Brack-Bernsen, Lis: Zur Entstehung der babylonischen Mondtheorie :
Beobachtung und theoretische Berechnung von Mondphasen. [On the origin of
the Babylonian lunar theory : Observations and theoretical calculations
of lunar phases; in German] Stuttgart: Franz Steiner Verlag, 1997.
VIII, 142 pp., ISBN 3-515-07089-3, DM 48.00 (pb) (Boethius, vol. 40)
[Also: Frankfurt (Main), University, Habilitations-Schrift (Dissertation
for the Venia Legendi), 1997.]
Chapman, Allan: Astronomical instruments and their users. Aldershot:
Variorum, 1996. Pp. 332, 23 x 15 cm, ISBN 0-860-78584-X, GBP 52.50 (hb)
[Collection of previously published papers.]
Review: C.Jenkins: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1140, 318-319
Christianson, Gale E.: Edwin Hubble: Mariner of the Nebulae. Chicago: The
University of Chicago Press, 1996. Pp. 420, ISBN 0226105210, $ 18.95 (pb)
Christianson, Gale E.: Edwin Hubble: Mariner of the Nebulae. Bristol:
Institute of Physics Publishing, 1997. Pp. xi, 420, 24 x 16.5 cm, ISBN
0-7503-0423-5, GBP 19.50 (hb)
Review: I.Howard-Duff: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 107 (1997) 5, 288-289
Review: D.Stickland: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1140, 325-326
Cocks, E.E.; Cocks, J.C.: Who's who on the Moon. A biographical dictionary
of lunar nomenclature. Greensboro, NC (USA): Tudor Publishers, 1995.
Pp. ix, 600, ISBN 0-936389-27-3, US$ 45.00
[Biographical sketches, 1,586 entries. Appendix: Key lists, including the
women who have been honored, the countries of birth and the professions of
all the honorees; two lists of lunar features by size and by location;
maps of the Moon.]
Doering, Detlef: Der Briefwechsel zwischen Gottfried Kirch und Adam A.
Kochanski : 1680-1694. Ein Beitrag zur Astronomiegeschichte in Leipzig
und zu den deutsch-polnischen Wissenschaftsbeziehungen. [The
correspondence between Gottfried Kirch and Adam A. Kochanski : 1680-1694.
A contribution to the history of astronomy in Leipzig and the German/
Polish scientific relations; in German] Berlin: Akademie-Verlag, 1997.
94 pp., 3 illus., ISBN 3-05-003223-5, ca. DM 48.00 (pb)
(Abhandlungen der Saechsischen Akademie der Wissenschaften zu Leipzig,
Philologisch-Historische Klasse, Bd. 74, H. 5)
Fischer, Daniel; Duerbeck, Hilmar W.: Hubble: A new window to the
Universe. Berlin, Heidelberg, New York: Springer-Verlag, 1996.
Pp. x, 175, ISBN 0-387-94672-1, DM 48.00
[Translation of: Hubble: Ein neues Fenster zum All (1995); contains also a
short history of telescopes in general and of the HST.]
Review: J.Rendtel: Sterne 72 (1996) 5, 306
Forbes, Eric G.; Murdin, Lesley; Willmoth, Frances (Eds.): The
correspondence of John Flamsteed, first Astronomer Royal. Vol. 2:
1682-1703. Bristol: Institute of Physics Publishing, 1997. Pp. xlvii,
1095, 25 x 19 cm, ISBN 0-750-30391-3, $ 280.00, GBP 140.00 (hb)
Review: D.W.Hughes: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1139, 234
Review: T.Mahoney: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 117 (1997) 4, 223
Grant, Edward: Planets, Stars, and Orbs. The Medieval Cosmos, 1200-1687.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996. xxiii, 816 pp., 16 x 30 cm;
ill., bibl., index, GBP 45.00/$ 69.95 (hb)
Review: R.C.Brooks: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 91 (1997) 5, 233-234
Hentschel, Klaus: The Einstein Tower : an intertexture of dynamic
construction, relativity theory, and astronomy. Translated by Ann M.
Hentschel. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 1997.
Pp. xiv, 226, ill., bibliographical references (p. [191]-219), index,
ISBN 0-8047-2824-0, $ 45.00 (hb) (Writing science)
[Extended and revised English translation of "Der Einstein-Turm", 1992]
Hernschier, Wolfgang: Ich wollte, ich waere ein guter Schuhflicker: Das
unglueckliche Leben des bayerischen Astronomen Johann Nepomuck Fischer
(1749-1805). Eine dokumentarische Biographie. [I wished I was a good
cobbler. The unfortunate live of the Bavarian astronomer Johann Nepomuck
Fischer (1749-1805). A documentary biography; in German]
Bassum: Verlag f. Geschichte d. Naturwiss. u. d. Technik, 1997.
77, XXIII pp., ISBN 3-928186-34-5, DM 25.00 (pb)
Hoskin, Michael A. (Ed.): The Cambridge illustrated history of astronomy.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Pp. ix, 392, 26 x 21 cm,
ISBN 0-521-41158-0, GBP 24.95 (hb)
Review: A.J.Kinder: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 107 (1997) 2, 94-95
Review: P.D.Hingley: Astronomy and Geophysics 38 (1997) 1, 32
Review: R.Argyle: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1140, 323
Lankford, John; Slavings, Ricky L.: American astronomy : community,
careers, and power, 1859-1940. John Lankford ; with the assistance of
Ricky L. Slavings. Chicago, London: The University of Chicago Press,
1997. Pp. xxvi, 447, ill. ; 24 cm, ISBN 0-226-46886-0, $ 65.00 (hb)
Lorenz, Martina (Ed.): Im Turm, im Kabinett, im Labor. Streifzuege durch
die Regensburger Wissenschaftsgeschichte. [In the tower, in the chamber,
in the laboratory. Excursions through the history of sciences at
Regensburg.] With contributions by Michaelo Haberkorn, Martin Kirschke,
Michael Klein, Martina Lorenz, Petra Schachtner, Markus Tanne, Willi
Unglaub, Sandra Wilde und Klaus Zeitler. Regensburg: Universitaetsverlag
Regensburg, 1995. 183 pp., ISBN 3-930480-60-3, DM 19.80 (pb)
[Contains also several remarks on the history of astronomy, as well as
a chapter on "Johannes Kepler in Regensburg".]
Luminet, Jean-Pierre (Ed.): Alexandre Friedmann, Georges Lemaitre :
"Essais de Cosmologie". Preceded by Jean-Pierre Luminet : "L'invention du
Big Bang". Paris: Ed. du Seuil, 1997. Pp. 320, ISBN 2-02-023284-7,
169 French Francs
[Presentation, translation and comments on "The universe as space and
time" by A. Friedmann (1923), Friedmann's cosmological articles (1922,
1924), cosmological papers by Georges Lemaitre (1927, 1931, 1946), various
letters and historical material. General introduction by J.-P. Luminet.
In French.]
Mett, Rudolf: Regiomontanus. Wegbereiter des neuen Weltbildes.
[Regiomontanus. Pioneer of the new world view; in German] Stuttgart,
Leipzig: B.G.Teubner Verlagsgesellschaft, 1996. 204 pp., 38 illus., ISBN
3-8154-2510-7, DM 24.80 (pb) (Series: Einblicke in die Wissenschaft :
Wissenschaftsgeschichte)
[also: Zuerich: vdf, Hochschulverlag an der ETH. ISBN 3-7281-2311-0]
Review: H.-J.Felber: Astron. Nachr. 318 (1997) 3, 172
North, John D.: Viewegs Geschichte der Astronomie und Kosmologie.
Braunschweig, Wiesbaden: Friedrich Vieweg & Sohn Verlagsgesellschaft,
1997. XIII, 463 pp., ISBN 3-528-06644-X, DM 78.00 (hb)
[German translation of: "Fontana history of astronomy and cosmology", 1994]
Review: T.Buehrke: Physik in unserer Zeit 28 (1997) 5, VIII-IX
Schaldach, Karlheinz: Roemische Sonnenuhren. Eine Einfuehrung in die antike
Gnomonik. Geschichte und Vielfalt der roemischen Sonnenuhren. [Roman
sundials. An introduction into ancient gnomonics. History and variety of
Roman sundials; in German] Frankfurt am Main: Verlag Harri Deutsch, 1997.
123 pp., 66 illus., tables, ISBN 3-8171-1537-7, DM 29.80 (pb)
[This books gives an insight into the history and variety of the types of
Roman sundials, as well as into the scientific foundations needed for an
assessment of a Roman sundial. The possibilities and limits of a
mathematical analyses are demonstrated with the help of selected examples.]
Schroeder, Wilfried; Treder, Hans-Juergen (Ed.): Theoretical meteorology,
weather prediction, cosmology, and general applications. Selected
scientific papers by Hans Ertel. Bremen-Roennebeck, 1995. Pp. 156
(Newsletter of the Interdivisional commission on history of IAGA, No. 29)
[p. 108-129: H.-J. Treder, W. Schroeder: Hans Ertel und die Kosmologie.
p. 130-154: H. Ertel's publications in astronomy. All these publications
are in German.]
Taton, Rene; Wilson, Curtis (Eds.): Planetary astronomy from the
Renaissance to the rise of astrophysics. Part B: The eighteenth and
nineteenth centuries. Cambridge, New York, Melbourne: Cambridge
University Press, 1995. Pp. xiii, 281, ISBN 0-521-35168-5, GBP 45.00,
US$ 69.95 (hb) (The General History of Astronomy, Vol. 2B)
Review: S.J.Dick: Sky & Telescope 92 (1996) 2, 54-55
Review: M.Connors: J. Roy. Astron. Soc. Can. 90 (1996) 5/6, 365-366
Thurston, Hugh: Early astronomy. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1996.
Pp. X, 268, 23.5 x 15.5 cm, ISBN 0-387-94822-8, DM 48.00, GBP 22.50 (pb)
[Paperback edition; first published in 1994.]
Review: A.F.Aveni: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1139, 244-245
Zenkert, Arnold: Bruno Hans Buergel (1875-1948). Ein Lebensbild. [A
biography; in German] Velten: Reinhardt Becker Verlag, 1996.
VIII, 221 pp., ISBN 3-89597-267-3, DM 25.00 (pb)
Review: M.Iven: PUTZ. Die Potsdamer Universitaetszeitung (1996) 5, 26
Review: M.Iven: Sterne 72 (1996) 5, 304-305
Zenkert, Arnold: Zaehl die heitren Stunden nur: Sinnsprueche auf
Sonnenuhren. [Count the bright hours only: aphorisms on sundials;
in Latin/German] Illus. by Rudolf Peschel. 4th ed. Berlin: Eulenspiegel
- Das Neue Berlin, 1996. 96 pp., ISBN 3-359-00317-9, DM 14.80 (hb)
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Silke Ackermann (London, UK), Volker Bialas (Munich, Germany), Juergen
Blunck (Berlin, Germany), Lis Brack-Bernsen (Regensburg, Germany), Peter
Brosche (Daun, Germany), Fabrizio Bonoli (Bologna, Italy), Detlef Doering
(Leipzig, Germany), Hilmar W. Duerbueck (Muenster, Germany), Heino Eelsalu
(Tartu, Estonia), Mrs. Engelhorn (Hamburg, Germany), Klaus Hentschel
(Goettingen, Germany), Klaus-Dieter Herbst (Jena, Germany), Cornelia Hopf
(Gotha, Germany), Juergen Koch (Hamburg, Germany), Siegfried Koge (Dresden,
Germany), Heinz Juergen Lagoda (Duisburg, Germany), Jean-Pierre Luminet
(Meudon, France), Guenther Oestmann (Hamburg, Germany), Elvira Pfitzner
(Chemnitz, Germany), Karin Reich (Hamburg, Germany), Klaus Schillinger
(Dresden, Germany), Oliver Schwarz (Gotha, Germany), Karl Schwarzinger
(Sistrans, Austria), Museum der Natur Gotha.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (++6592) 2150, Fax: (++6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: (++331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 27
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 27, May 8, 1998 *
* *
* A translation of *
* *
* ELEKTRONISCHE MITTEILUNGEN ZUR ASTRONOMIEGESCHICHTE *
* Nr. 29, 30. April 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
* Translated by: Donald Bellunduno *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
Editorial
1. Reimar Luest Grant
2. Conference Announcement: North American Sundial Society Meeting
3. Conference Announcement: On Time: History, Science, Commemoration
4. Tributes to Fritz Zwicky
5. Exhibitions
6. Conferences 1998
7. Other Events
8. [Omitted]
9. Antiquarian's Astronomy Catalog
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Editorial
---------
No. 25 of the Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
was the first one being not a complete translation of Elektronische
Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte (EMA). Since then, EMA Nos. 26 to 29
and ENHA No. 26 appeared. Thanks to Donald Bellunduno, No. 27 is again a
complete translation, with exception of the omitted Item 8 "Author Needed",
which was intended for German readers only.
Wolfgang R. Dick
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Reimar Luest Grant
------------------
The Max-Planck-Institute for the History of Science offers the
Reimar Luest Grant
The time span of the grant is from 1 October 1998 up until the 30 September
2000. It recognizes the efforts of a recent graduate with outstanding
accomplishments in the field of the history of science, and was named after
the former president of the Max Planck Society Professor Dr. Reimar Luest.
The grant will be given for a scientific investigation on "The history
of the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics". The grant can
be applied for by students from all nationalities.
Priority will be given to handicaped with equal qualification. We
encourage applications by women. The amount of the grant is 3,300.00 DM
per month. It is expected that the project will be carried out at the
institute in Berlin.
Candidates are required to provide a curriculum vitae, a list of
publications, a short sample text (for example, a chapter of the
dissertation) and a proposal for two referees. The material is due before
31 May 1998. Please send all materials to:
Max-Planck-Institut fuer Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Abt. I
Wilhelmstrabe 44, D-10117 Berlin, Germany
http://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement
North American Sundial Society Meeting
--------------------------------------
Seattle, USA, 11-13 September 1998
The fourth annual meeting of the North American Sundial Society
(NASS) will be held for the first time on the West Coast. A group of
Seattle diallists promise to put on a great meeting in the beautiful
Pacific Northwest. The meeting will begin with an informal get-together on
the evening of Friday, 11 September, and continue with activities the
entire weekend of 12-13 September (the weekend after Labor Day). September
is a lovely month in Seattle, one of the three months that are *not* part
of the 9-month Seattle rain festival. The meeting will be held in the new
Physics/Astronomy Building of the University of Washington (check
http://www.washington.edu to set the scene and
www.phys.washington.edu/Department/tour/ for the building, including its
large wall dial). The University is on the shore of Lake Washington and
about five miles from downtown Seattle, five miles from Puget Sound, and
two hours' drive from the Olympic and Cascade Mts. Detailed plans are
still developing, but preliminary ideas include a Swap Meet and Show & Tell
session, a bus tour of ~10-12 dials in Seattle (For a list as of 1996 see
www.sundials.co.uk/~seattle.htm), a banquet with live Renaissance music on
the topic of time and sundials (!), a software demonstration session, and
the usual talks on all aspects of gnomonics. For further information,
contact Woody Sullivan at 206-543-7773 (daytime) or 206-784-1052 (evenings)
or woody@astro.washington.edu or 6532 Palatine Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
USA.
Proposals for papers are now being accepted, whether in oral or
display format. The final deadline will be July 15, but expressions of
interest at this time will greatly aid in planning. Please send your
title, a brief summary (100 words max), proposed length of time (if oral)
or required display space, and any audio-visual needs other than an
overhead projector, VCR, or slide projector (all of which will be
available). We also plan on having a swap/sales session of gnomonica
(dials, books, gadgets) - please let us know if you plan to bring more than
a small amount to this session. We will try to accomodate all who wish to
contribute, but time constraints may mean that some proposed oral papers
will have to become display type, and others will have to be shortened.
This meeting is open to nonmembers, but we encourage you to join.
NASS was established in 1994, currently has several hundred members
(including many outside of North America), and publishes a quarterly
journal, "The Compendium." For more information about NASS and membership,
contact: Sara Schechner Genuth (Secretary), sgenuth@aip.org or 1142
Loxford Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20901
There is the possibility that we may be able to charge no
registration fee for persons from overseas. Please inquire if you are
interested in this possibility.
Prof. Woodruff T. Sullivan, III woody@astro.washington.edu
Dept. of Astronomy, Box 351580 tel. 206-543-7773
Univ. of Washington fax 206-685-0403
Seattle, WA 98195
USA
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement
On Time: History, Science, Commemoration
----------------------------------------
CALL FOR PAPERS
On Time: History, Science, Commemoration
at National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside (NMGM), Liverpool, UK
a British Society for the History of Science (BSHS), Royal Historical
Society (RHS) and NMGM conference
16-19 September 1999
The approach of the millenium has heightened awareness of the conventions
and cultures of time. But what is time? This question has been of growing
interest amongst historians. Their research is markedly interdisciplinary,
spilling over the boundaries between social, economic and cultural
historians, and historians of science, technology, medicine and
mathematics. 'On Time', organised by the British Society for the History
of Science (BSHS), Royal Historical Society (RHS) and NMGM responds to this
interdisciplinarity.
The conference will be held at the NMGM (which includes the Merseyside
Maritime Museum, in the heart of Liverpool's historic Albert Dock), a
holder of a highly significant collection of timepieces.
Papers with a wide interest and historiographical scope are invited.
Possible sessions include:
Beginnings and Origin Stories
Commemoration
Maritime Time
Timetables and Technology
Workplaces and Time
Lifetimes and Servitude
Units of Time
Calendars
Time and Political Economies
Scientific Instruments and Time
Cultures of Time and Space
Religion and Time
Nostalgia
Rhythms and Cycles in the Natural Sciences
Evolution
Relativity
Anthropology and Time
Past-Futures
Ends of Time
Immortality
Roughly thirty minutes will be given for each paper chosen. Abstracts
of 50-100 words should be sent before 1 September 1998 to either:
Dr William J. Ashworth (BSHS)
Department of Economic and Social History, The University of
Liverpool, 11 Abercromby Square, Liverpool, L69 3BX,
e-mail: wja@liverpool.ac.uk
or
Dr Roland Quinault (RHS)
School of Historical, Philosophical and Contemporary Studies,
Faculty of HTE, University of North London, 166- 220 Holloway Road,
London N7 8DB, England
Interested speakers will be informed by the end of September 1998 as to
whether their paper has been accepted. The On Time programme
committee are: Dr Jon Agar (University of Manchester), Dr Jeff Hughes
(University of Manchester), Dr Roland Quinault (University of North
London), Dr William J. Ashworth (Liverpool University)
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Tributes to Fritz Zwicky
------------------------
On the memory of his 100th birthday, the astrophysicist and morphologist
Fritz Zwicky will be honored in several different venues in Switzerland.
The Fritz Zwicky Endowment is sponsoring two events: On the 14th of
February, his birthday, a memorial celebration took place in Zwicky's home
town of Mollis (Kanton Glarus). On the 14th of November a morphological
treatment of the theme "unemployment" will be demonstrated during a
conference in Glarus (Prof. R. Groner).
The town museum in Mollis has a long standing memorial exhibit.
Opening times: Tuesday: 3 pm - 5 pm, or after arrangement:
+41 (0)55 6123210/6123860. During school vacation, the exhibit is
closed. Information on the museum can also be obtained by calling
+41 (0)55 612 10 32.
On the 9th of April, from 8 pm to 9 pm, the Swiss radio station DRS1
repeated the broadcast "Fritz Zwicky, Explorer of the heavens", a document
from 1968, showing Zwicky also as a witty man and raconteur. In an
interview, that was done over 30 years ago with Otmar Hersche, Zwicky
reports in the Glarus dialect about his work in astrophysics in Pasadena,
of his successes and failures in rocketry, his many famous acquaintances,
and on his international contracts.
Sources: Neue Zuercher Zeitung, 14./15.2.1998, p. 30 ("Schweiz);
http://www.drs.ch/site/drs1/programm/19980406/092000.html
http://www.fridolin.ch/unterhaltung02.htm
http://www.tbw.ch/ksgl/Kultur.htm
http://www.glarusnet.ch/kultur/ku_htm/ku_samus.htm
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Exhibitions
-----------
From the 3rd of May to the 21st of June 1998 the Staatliches Museum fuer
Naturkunde und Vorgeschichte [State Museum for Natural History and
Pre-History] of Oldenburg will have on display the exhibit "'Welt
erforschen - Welten konstruieren' [Exploring and constructing the world].
Experimentational culture in physics from the 16th to the 19th centuries".
In five separate clusters, the exhibit will portray information on the
lives of individual scientists. Among those depicted are Aristotle,
Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Giordano Bruno, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler,
Newton, John Herschel and Carl Friedrich Gauss. All will be portrayed in
the historical context of their time. On hand, physical experiments will
be performed which will attempt to duplicate and give form to the many
contributions these scientists gave to the world. Among the instruments
which also be on display, a copy of a sextant used by Tycho Brahe. From
"Changing world view" the exhibit will lead through "Electricity in the
salons" to the "French Revolution", and from the "Romantic awareness of
nature" to "Measuring and controlling the world".
Opening: Sunday, 3 May, 11:15 am
Opening lecture: Prof. Dr. Gudrun Wolfschmidt, Universitaet Hamburg
On Thursday, the 7th May, from 3.00 pm up until 5.00 pm, the museum
invites to a guided tour.
Opening times: Tuesday - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm, Friday 9 am - 3 pm,
Saturday/Sunday 10 am - 5 pm.
Information: Staatliches Museum fuer Naturkunde und Vorgeschichte
Oldenburg, Tel.: 0441/9244-300. E-mail: Museum@logiplan.de
URL: http://www.logiplan.de/museum/ (see escpecially
http://www.logiplan.de/museum/info/sonder.html for further information).
"'Lines of Faith' - Instruments and Religious Practice in Islam" is the
tile of an exhibition running from 10 March to 27 June 1998 at the Museum
of the History of Science in Oxford. The 1998 Student Exhibition displays
Islamic scientific instruments from this museum, which houses one of the
best collections of this type in the world. These instruments are
inscribed with many elaborate engravings, which show that they not only had
a scientific role - they also played an integral role in religious
practice. Art and scientific knowledge were cultivated intensively in the
Islamic world during its first six centuries, especially in the 9th and
10th centuries AD. In Islam, the study and practice of astronomy and
astrology were of practical importance and significance for two reasons -
the study of the cosmos could be seen as part of the revelation of the true
meaning of the Qur'an and of God's universe, and secondly for practical
reasons related to the rituals of religious life. The Qur'an states that
Muslims must pray in the direction of Mecca at certain times of the day,
and fast during the Holy Month. Each of these requirements involves
complex astronomical and mathematical problems, which led to the production
of scientific instruments with a clear religious function, displaying
'Lines of Faith'.
Opening hours: 12 noon - 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday, free admission.
Location of the museum: at the very centre of Oxford, on Broad Street,
next to the Sheldonian Theatre and directly opposite Blackwell's Bookshop.
Address: Museum of the History of Science, Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ,
Great Britain, phone (+44) [0]1865 277280, e-mail: museum@mhs.ox.ac.uk
More information: http://www.mhs.ox.ac.uk/students/97to98/exhibits/
The exhibition "Peter the Great in England 1698" is running at the
National Maritime Museum, London, from 2 April to 27 September 1998. It
commemorates the four months Peter the Great spent in England from January
to April 1698, and focus specifically on Tsar Peter's stay in Deptford,
where he learnt about shipbuilding in the adjacent Royal Dockyards and
astronomy at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
Opening times: 10:00-17:00 hours daily. Last admission 16:30
Enquiries: Miss Catherine Sones, Research Group Executive,
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF, UK,
Tel: +44 (0)181 312 6716, Fax: +44 (0)181 312 6722,
E-mail: cesone@nmm.ac.uk
URL of the museum: http://www.nmm.ac.uk/
"'An University Within Ourselves'. Science in Cambridge in the Eighteenth
Century" is on display at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science
until the foreseeable future. This exhibition deals mainly with astronomy
and natural philosophy in the various Cambridge colleges, in particular in
Trinity and St John's College.
Further details: Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Department of
the History of Science, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RH, Great Britain,
Tel: 01223 334545, Fax: 01223 334554, E-mail: lct1001@cam.ac.uk
Source: Scientific Instrument Society, Bulletin No. 56, March 1998, p. 36.
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Conferences 1998
----------------
Further conferences in the years 1998 were already listed in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
12-14 June, Dresden, Germany
Conference "The photographic pioneer Hermann Krone. Photography and
devices. Culture of pictures and photographic technique in the 19 century"
Hermann Krone (1827-1916) took also astronomical pictures. The conference
program contains also a lecture by Prof. Dr. Klaus-Guenter Steinert on
"The beginnings of photographic astronomy in Dresden" and other lectures
related to history of science and technology.
Place: Kulturrathaus, Koenigstr. 15
Conference fee: 100 DM
Reservations up until 1 May: Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Photographie,
Rheingasse 8-12, D-50676 Koeln, Tel. 0221/9 23 20 69, Fax 0221/9 23 20 70
26-28 June, Feucht near Nuremberg, Germany
Celebration exhibit: 75 years "Rockets to the planets, and into space" by Prof.
Hermann Oberth 1923, and colloquium on the History of Space Travel
Information: Hermann-Oberth-Raumfahrt-Museum e.V., Tel.: 09128/3502,
Fax: 09128/14920
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Other Events
------------
26 May, Dresden, Germany
Symposium of the Urania Dresden honouring Manfred von Ardenne (1907-1997)
Among the lectures: Ardenne - the Youth und the Heavens (Prof. Dr.
Dieter B. Herrmann)
Place and Time: Studiotheater des Kulturpalastes, 7 pm
Entrance fee: 7.00 DM
20 June 1998, Potsdam, Germany
Open house day for the Astrophysical Institute in Potsdam
Place and Time: Observatory Babelsberg, An der Sternwarte 16,
D-14482 Potsdam, Tel. +49-331-74990; 10 am - 6 pm
Among the displays for visitors: History of astronomy in Potsdam/Berlin
Further information: http://www.obs.aip.de/Astro-WWW/AIP_tag.html
http://kosmos.aip.de/~lie/publications/plj351.html
6 July 1998, Munich, Germany
Colloquium in the German Museum. Prof. Dr. Helge Kragh,
Aarhus/Denmark: National and scientific styles in mid-20th-century
cosmology.
Place and Time: Filmsaal im Bibliotheksbau des Deutschen Museums,
Museumsinsel 1, 80538 Munich; 4:30 pm
Up-to-date information via the Internet:
http://www.deutsches-museum.de/forsch/wissen/kolloq.htm
...........................................................................
Item 8 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Author Needed
-------------
Omitted here (intended for German readers only).
...........................................................................
Item 9 ENHA No. 27, May 8, 1998
...........................................................................
Antiquarian's Astronomy Catalog
-------------------------------
In February 1998 the antiquarian Gerhard Renner issued as No. 86
"Astronomy" a 92-page illustrated catalog of old to nearly new books and
journals in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics and space flight (62
pages), geodesy, cartography, geophysics, theory of relativity,
meteorology, scientific instruments and clocks. For many of the 1861 items
bibliographical details are given. Some examples: Fontenelle, Dialoge
ueber die Mehrheit der Welten, Berlin 1780 (DM 400.00); Gauss, Theorie der
Bewegung der Himmelskoerper, welche in Kegelschnitten die Sonne umlaufen,
Hannover 1865 (DM 1450.00); Ley, Vorstoss ins Weltall, Wien 1949 (DM
65.00). [The catalog contains also entries in other languages.]
Free copies of the catalog may be requested from:
Antiquariat Gerhard Renner, Postfach 1648, D-72439 Albstadt, Germany,
email: buch@antiquar-renner.com
Gerd Kueveler
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
In addition to the authors, we also thank:
Jon Agar (Great Britain), William John Ashworth (Liverpool), Peter
Brosche (Daun), Klaus-Dieter Herbst (Jena), Jochen Schneider (Berlin),
Klaus-Guenter Steinert (Dresden).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
Translator: Donald Bellunduno
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (++6592) 2150, Fax: (++6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: (++331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 28
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 28, May 20, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Conference Announcement: Peter the Great and the West: New Perspectives
2. The 1998 Annual Meeting of the Antique Telescope Society
3. Second International Conference on "The Inspiration of Astronomical
Phenomena" ("INSAP II")
4. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 28, May 20, 1998
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement
Peter the Great and the West: New Perspectives
----------------------------------------------
International Conference, National Maritime Museum,
Greenwich, London, 9-11 July 1998
This conference is one of a number of events being held in the UK to mark
the three hundredth anniversary of the visit to Britain in 1698 of Tsar
Peter I of Russia (reigned 1682-1725), during which he learnt also about
astronomy at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich. It has been organised
jointly by the National Maritime Museum and the School of Slavonic and East
European Studies, the University of London's specialist institution for the
study of Central and Eastern Europe and the former USSR. The conference
will explore British-Russian relations in the area of shipbuilding and
navigation, but will also address broader questions of modernisation and
Westernisation associated with Peter's reforms.
It will be hosted by eminent lecturers from Russia, the UK and the USA,
Subjects to be covered include `Russia and Europe', `Peter - the man and
his methods', and `the Petrine legacy and its relevance to today's Russia'.
Peter the Great and the West will be of interest to historians, diplomats,
maritime and military specialists, and anyone interested in Russia's past
and present. The conference coincides with the exhibition, Peter the Great
in England 1698, which will be running at the National Maritime Museum from
2 April to 27 September 1998 (see ENHA 27, Item 5). The Conference begins
with an Introductory Lecture in the early evening of Thursday 9 July, and
closes at 4.45pm on Saturday 11 July. In addition, a Conference Dinner
will take place on Friday 10 July.
Conference information: There will be a charge for registration at the
Peter the Great Conference: GBP 60.00. Conference Dinner Tickets:
GBP 35.00. For a conference leaflet with full booking details contact:
Catherine Sones, Research Group Executive, National Maritime Museum,
Greenwich, London, SE10 9NF, UK, Tel: +44 (0)181 312 6716,
Fax: +44 (0)181 312 6722, E-mail: cesone@nmm.ac.uk
For more information, see also: http://www.nmm.ac.uk/rcs/conf/peter.html
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 28, May 20, 1998
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement
The 1998 Annual Meeting of the Antique Telescope Society
--------------------------------------------------------
The 1998 Annual Meeting of the Antique Telescope Society will be held
October 23-25 at Harvard University. Activities include paper sessions,
keynote address by Owen Gingerich, invited lectures by Barbara Welther and
Peter Hingley, tours of the Harvard College Observatory, the Harvard
Collection of Historic Scientific Instruments, and other sites of
astronomical and historical interest, a display of rare books on astronomy
in Widener Library, and displays of instruments by members.
For further information, contact the Secretary of the Society.
Antique Telescope Society
Walter H. Breyer, Secretary
1275 Poplar Grove Lane
Cumming, GA 30041
e-mail: whbreyer@mindspring.com
[Provided by Peter Abrahams, e-mail: telscope@europa.com]
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 28, May 20, 1998
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement
Second International Conference on "The Inspiration of Astronomical
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Phenomena" ("INSAP II")
-----------------------
7-14 January 1999, The Mediterranean Island of Malta
The sky makes up half of mankind's world; the Earth around us makes up the
other half. This meeting will explore mankind's fascination with the
astronomical phenomena that define the sky - the lights in the sky, by day
and by night - which have been a strong and often dominant element in
human life and culture. Scholars from a variety of disciplines (including
Archaeology, Art, Classics, History and Prehistory, Mythology and
Folklore, Philosophy, the Physical Sciences, and Religion) will attend
"INSAP II" to discuss the impacts astronomical phenomena have had on
mankind.
Presentations by attendees will be grouped under four main topics:
Literature; Art; Myth and Religion; History and Prehistory.
The Conference will allow the attendees to address the many and variegated
cultural impacts of the perceptions of the day and night skies, providing
a mechanism for a broad group of artists, historians, philosophers, and
scientists to meet, compare notes, and have the chance to ask those
questions of each other about their work which may have been lying fallow
for decades. Attendance will be by invitation from among those applying.
Full information on the Conference and an application form can be obtained
by contacting the Organizing Committee, or from our Website
(URL: http://ethel.as.arizona.edu/~white/insap.htm).
This Conference is the second to be held on this general theme. Details of
the first meeting (held at Castel Gandolfo, Vatican State, 27 June-2 July
1994), and the publication references that include many of the papers
presented there, may be found also at the above Website (URL as given).
This Conference is sponsored by the OTS Foundation and the Vatican
Observatory.
The Organizing Committee:
Professor Raymond E. White, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona
(Chair) (rwhite@as.arizona.edu)
Rev. George V. Coyne, S. J., The Vatican Observatory
(gcoyne@as.arizona.edu)
Dr. Rolf M. Sinclair, National Science Foundation, Arlington VA
(rsinclai@nsf.gov)
Prof. Frank Ventura, Malta (fven@cis.um.edu.mt)
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 28, May 20, 1998
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 27,
3. Maerz 1998, Item 3. Partial translations by the editor.)
Academy Building. The heart of Leiden University. Leiden: Leiden
University, Press and Information Services, 1996. Pp. 16, NLG 5.00
[A short history of and guide through the Academy Building, now the main
building of Leiden University, and the small University Museum inside. The
use of the building as an observatory in the 17th century is shortly
described.
Distribution: Press and Information Services, Leiden University,
P.O. Box 9500, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.]
Baum, Richard; Sheehan, William: In search of planet Vulcan. The ghost in
Newton's clockwork universe. New York: Plenum Press, 1997. Pp. xiv, 310,
21.5 x 15 cm, ISBN 0-306-45567-6, $ 28.95 (hb)
Review: P.Moore: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 117 (1997) 4, 222
Review: E.A.Whitaker: Sky & Telescope 94 (1997) 4, 68-70
Review: P.Moore: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1141, 382-383
Chown, Marcus: Afterglow of creation: From the fireball to the discovery
of cosmic ripples. Mill Valley, CA: University Science Books, 1996.
Pp. xii, 222, 16.5 x 24 cm, ISBN 0-935702-40-7, $ 28.50, GBP 19.95 (hb)
[Popular account of the discovery of the cosmic microwave background
radiation and thirty years of progress in the field. The book begins
with the 1920s and culminates with the flight of the COBE satellite.]
Review: D.M.F.Chapman: J. Roy. Astr. Soc. Can. 91 (1997) 3, 141-142
Cornelius, Geoffrey: Was Sternbilder erzaehlen. Die Mythologie der Sterne.
[What constellations are telling. The mythology of the stars. - In German]
Stuttgart: Franckh-Kosmos Verlag, 1997. 176 p., 88 illus., 16 x 23,5 cm,
ISBN 3-440-07495-1, DM 29.80 (pb)
Datnow, Claire L.: Edwin Hubble : Discovering of Galaxies. Springfield,
NJ: Enslow Publishing, 1997. Pp. 128, illus., ISBN 0894909347,
$ 18.95 (hb) (Great minds of science)
[Juvenile book. Chronology: p. 113-115. Includes bibliographical
references (p. 125) and index.]
Diacu, F.; Holmes, P.: Celestial encounters. The origins of chaos and
stability. Princeton (New Jersey, USA): Princeton University Press, 1996.
Pp. xvii, 233, ISBN 0-691-02743-9, US$ 24.95
[Account of celestial mehanics, ranging from the birth of chaos theory to
the latest work on the stability of the solar system. The book is leavened
by anecdotes about the pioneering scientists and their discoveries.]
Dimitrijevic, Milan S.; Milogradov-Turin, Jelena; Popovic, Luka C.
(Eds.): Razvoj astronomije kod srba. Developments of astronomy among
Serbs. Beograd (Belgrade): Astronomical Observatory, 1997. Pp. 276
(Publications of the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, No. 56)
[Proceedings of a conference, Belgrade, 7-9 April 1997. In Serbian,
abstracts in English.]
Edmondson, Frank K.: AURA and its US National Observatories. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 1997. Pp. 367, 25 x 18 cm,
ISBN 0-521-55345-8, GBP 65, $ 80 (hb)
Review: D.Stickland: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1140, 322-323
Eisfeld, Rainer: Mondsuechtig. Wernher von Braun und die Geburt der
Raumfahrt aus dem Geist der Barbarei. [Moonstruck. Wernher von Braun and
the birth of space flight from the spirit of barbarism. - In German]
Reinbeck bei Hamburg: Rowohlt Verlag, 1996. 288 p., 24 tabs.,
ISBN 3-498-01660-1, DM 42.00 (hb)
Emter, Elisabeth: Literatur und Quantentheorie. Die Rezeption der modernen
Physik in Schriften zur Literatur und Philosophie deutschsprachiger
Autoren (1925-1970). [Literature and Quantum Theory. The reception of
modern physics in writings on literature and philosophy by German authors
(1925-1970). - In German] Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, 1995. X, 358 p.,
ISBN 3-11-014873-0, DM 168.00 (hb) (Quellen und Forschungen zur
Literaturgeschichte und Kulturgeschichte, Bd. 2)
[Demonstrates also, to which extent Friedrich Duerrenmatt's writings were
indebted to the philosophical studies of Arthur Eddington.]
Review: M.Springer: Spektrum der Wissenschaft (1997) 7, 116-117
Fischer, Ernst Peter: Aristoteles, Einstein & Co. Eine kleine Geschichte
der Wissenschaft in Portraets. [A short history of science in portraits. -
In German] Muenchen, Zuerich: R. Piper, 1995. 448 p.; 2nd corr. ed. 1996.
442 p., illus., ISBN 3-492-03778-X, DM 42.00 (hb)
[Contents: Aristoteles, Almagest and alchemy, Alhazen and Avicenna,
Albertus Magnus, Nicolaus Copernicus, Francis Bacon, Galileo Galilei,
Johannes Kepler, Rene Descartes, Isaac Newton, Antoine Lavoisier, Michael
Faraday, Charles Darwin, James Clerk Maxwell, Hermann von Helmholtz,
Gregor Mendel, Ludwig Boltzmann, Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, Barbara
McClintock, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Linus Pauling, John von Neumann,
Max Delbrueck, Richard P. Feynman.]
Review: T.Rubitzko: Spektrum der Wissenschaft (1997) 6, 141
Fischer, Ernst Peter: Aristoteles & Co. Eine kleine Geschichte der
Wissenschaft in Portraets von der Antike bis ins 19. Jahrhundert [A short
history of science in portraits from antiquity to the 19th century. -
In German] Muenchen: R. Piper, 1996. 235 p., 12 illus., ISBN 3-492-22326-5,
DM 16.90 (pb) (Serie Piper, Bd. 2326)
Fischer, Ernst Peter: Einstein & Co. Eine kleine Geschichte der
Wissenschaft der letzten hundert Jahre in Portraets [A short
history of science during the last 100 years in portraits . - In German]
Muenchen: R. Piper, 1997. 229 p., ISBN 3-492-22491-1, DM 16.90 (pb)
(Serie Piper, Bd. 2491)
Fischer, Ernst Peter: Einstein. Ein Genie und sein ueberfordertes Publikum.
[Einstein. A genius and his audience which could not cope. - In German]
Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1996. XIV, 243 p., 44 illus., ISBN 3-540-61112-6,
DM 36.00 (pb)
Review: I.Derado: Phys. Bl. 53 (1997) 9, 907
Fox, Mary Virginia: Edwin Hubble: American Astronomer.
New York: Franklin Watts, 1997. Pp. 112, ISBN 053111371X, $ 21.50 (hb)
(Book Report Biographies)
[Juvenile book. Includes bibliographical references and index.]
Godwin, Francis: The Man in the Moon. With a modern introduction by Andy
Johnson and Ron Shoesmith. Woonton Almeley, Herefordshire: Logaston
Press, 1996. Pp. ix, 70 + 8 plates, 22 x 14 cm, ISBN 1-873-82764-4,
GBP 8.95 (hb)
[Francis Godwin (1562-1633) was Bishop of Hereford. He described the idea
of a journey to the Moon, with surprising understanding of gravity.
Distribution: Post free from Logaston Press, Little Logaston, Woonton,
Almeley, Herefordshire HR3 6QH, Great Britain.]
Review: R.F.Griffin: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1138, 155-156
Review: J.H.Rogers: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 107 (1997) 1, 42
Grundmann, S.: Einsteins Akte. Einsteins Jahre in Deutschland aus der
Sicht der deutschen Politik. [Einstein's file. Einstein's years in Germany
from the point of view of German politics. - In German] Berlin, Heidelberg:
Springer-Verlag, 1997. XIV, 550 p., 70 illus., ISBN 3-540-63197-6,
DM 48.00 (hb)
[With documents of the time published here first and with previously
unknown documents about Einstein.]
Haas, M.R.; Davidson, J.A.; Erickson, E.F. (Eds.): From gas to stars to
dust. Proceedings. Airborne Astronomy Symposium on the Galactic
Ecosystem: From gas to stars to dust, Moffett Field, CA (USA), 5-8 July
1994. San Francisco, Ca.: Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 1995.
Pp. xxxii, 737, ISBN 0-937707-92-9, US$ 38.00
(Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series, Vol. 73)
[From the contents: 8. KAO history and education]
Hetherington, Norriss S.: Hubble's cosmology: A guided study of selected
texts. Tucson: Pachart Publishing House, 1996. Pp. xx, 218, ISBN
0-88126-287-0, $ 67.00 (pb) (Pachart History of Astronomy Series, v. 11)
[Eight of Hubble's papers, reprinted in facsimile, with extensive
commentary and annotations.]
Isaac Newton and Woolsthorpe Manor. London: The National Trust, 1997.
Pp. 30, GBP 1.95
Kafatos, Menas; Kondo, Yoji (Eds.): Examining the Big Bang and diffuse
background radiations. Proceedings of the 168th Symposium of the
International Astronomical Union, held in The Hague, The Netherlands,
August 23-26, 1994. Dordrecht, Boston, London: Kluwer Academic
Publishers, 1996. Pp. xi, 586, ISBN 0-7923-3815-4, Dfl. 320.00
(International Astronomical Union, Symposium, No. 168)
[Contains also: Virginia Trimble: Background and Big Bang: Some extracts
from their history]
Kaminski, Heinz: Sternenstrassen der Vorzeit. Von Stonehenge nach
Atlantis [Star ways of prehistoric times. From Stonehenge to Atlantis.- In
German] Muenchen: Bettendorf, 1995. 356 p., ISBN 3-88498-092-0,
DM 39.80 (hb)
[To be used with caution.]
Review: W.Schlosser: Astron. Raumfahrt 33 (1996) 35 (5/96), 45
Kepler, Johannes: Gesammelte Werke, Band 15. Briefe, Band III: 1604-1607.
[Collected works, vol. 15. Letters, vol. III: 1604-1607]
Herausgegeben von der Kepler-Kommission der Bayerischen Akademie der
Wissenschaften. 2nd, unaltered ed. Muenchen: Verlag C.H.Beck, 1995.
563 p., ISBN 3-406-01667-7, DM 168.00 (pb)
Klare, Gerhard (Ed.): Abstracts of contributed talks and posters presented
at the scientific fall meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft at
Bochum, September 27-October 1, 1993. Hamburg: Astronomische
Gesellschaft, 1993. Pp. 212, illus. (Astronomische Gesellschaft Abstract
Series, No. 9)
[Contains also abstracts from the meeting of the Working Group for the
History of Astronomy.]
Kowal, C.T.: Asteroids. Their nature and utilization. 2nd edition
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1996. Pp. xvii, 153, 24.5 x 17 cm,
ISBN 0-471-96039-X, GBP 30.00 (hb)
[Includes a chapter on history.]
Review: D.W.Hughes: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1138, 164
Review: A.J.Hollis: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 107 (1997) 3, 149
Kragh, H.: Cosmology and controversy. The historical development of two
theories of the universe. Princeton (New Jersey, USA): Princeton
University Press, 1996. Pp. xiii, 500, ISBN 0-691-02623-8, US$ 35.00
Moore, Patrick: Eyes on the Universe. The story of the telescope. London:
Springer-Verlag, 1997. Pp. viii, 114, ISBN 3-540-76164-0, GBP 9.95 (pb)
Review: H.McGee: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 117 (1997) 4, 221
Paturi, Felix R.: Harenberg Schluesseldaten Astronomie. Von den
Sonnenuhren der Babylonier bis zu den Raumsonden im 21. Jahrhundert.
[Harenberg key data of astronomy. From Babylonian sundials to the space
probes of the 21st century. - In German] Dortmund: Harenberg Lexikon
Verlag, 1996. 616 p., numerous illus., most in colour,
ISBN 3-611-00537-1, DM 68.00 (hb)
[Chronological history of astronomy, complemented by thematic tables.
p. 585-595: outstanding astronomers. Contains an index of persons and
items. Contains no references and no bibliography.]
Ramsay, John T.; Licht, A. Lewis: The comet of 44 BC and Caesar's funeral
games. Atlanta (Georgia, USA): Scholar's Press, 1996. Pp. 236,
ISBN 0-7885-0274-3, $ 17.95 (pb)
Review: D.W.Hughes: Astronomy and Geophysics 38 (1997) 3, 32-33
Rosen, Dennis; Rosen, Sylvia: London science. Museums, libraries, and
places of scientific, technological & medical interest. London: Prion
(Multimedia Books), 1994. Pp. 224, numerous illus., most in colour,
ISBN 1-85375-140-5, GBP 9.99 (hb)
[Describes museums, teaching centres, learned societies, libraries,
laboratories, works of art, monuments, memorial plaques, graves,
instrument and book dealers. The emphasis is on history of science rather
than modern science. Includes many places of interest for historians of
astronomy.]
Schultz, Uwe (Hrsg.): Scheibe, Kugel, Schwarzes Loch. Die
wissenschaftliche Eroberung des Kosmos. [Disc, sphere, black hole. The
scientific conquest of the universe. - In German] Frankfurt a.M., Leipzig:
Insel Verlag, 1996. 360 p., numerous illus., ISBN 3-458-33504-8, DM 19.80
(pb) (Insel-Taschenbuecher, Nr. 1804)
[Paperback edition. First published in 1990. Popular articles on astronomy
and its history, with contributions by W.Schlosser, W.Saltzer, F.Krafft,
P.Kunitzsch, D.King, H.M.Nobis, M.Schramm, F.Schmeidler, G.D.Roth,
D.B.Herrmann, A.Wittmann, H.-H.Voigt, R.Kippenhahn and others.]
Sobel, Dava: Laengengrad. Die wahre Geschichte eines einsamen Genies,
welches das groesste wissenschaftliche Problem seiner Zeit loeste. Berlin:
Berlin Verlag Arno Spitz, 1996. 239 p., ISBN 3-8270-0214-1, DM 36.00 (hb)
[Translation of: Longitude (1995); on John Harrison (1693-1776) and
the problem of longitude at sea.]
Spitzer Jr., Lyman; Ostriker, Jeremiah P. (Eds.): Dreams, stars, and
electrons. Selected writings of Lyman Spitzer, Jr. Princeton (New
Jersey, USA): Princeton University Press, 1997. Pp. 536, 23.5 x 15 cm,
ISBN 0-691-03702-7, $ 99.50 (hb)
Review: P.W.J.L.Brand: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1141, 377
Springford, M. (Ed.): Electron. A centenary volume. Cambridge: Cambridge
University Press, 1997. Pp. 330, 25 x 18 cm, ISBN 0-521-56130-2,
GBP 37.50 (hb)
[First chapter: details of J. J. Thomson's experiments. Next chapters:
different aspects of the electron, tracing their development during this
century (among these: the electron in the cosmos).]
Review: E.A.Davis: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1141, 384
Stephenson, F. Richard: Historical eclipses and the Earth's rotation.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1997. Pp. xvi, 557,
ISBN 0-521-46194-4, GBP 95.00 (hb)
Review: J.E.Jones: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 117 (1997) 4, 220
van Helden, Anne C.; van Gent, Rob H.: The Huygens Collection. Leiden:
Museum Boerhaave, 1995. Pp. V, 32, ISBN 90-6292-107-8, NLG 10.00 (pb)
(Communication / Museum Boerhave, 264)
[Translation of: De Huygenscollectie. Leiden: Museum Boerhaave, 1995.
(Mededeling / Museum Boerhave, 262)]
Westfall, Richard S.: Isaac Newton - Eine Biographie. [Isaac Newton -
a biography. - In German. Translated from English.]
Heidelberg: Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, 1996. 330 p., numerous illus.,
ISBN 3-8274-0040-6, DM 58.00 (hb)
Review: D.Hoffmann: Physik in unserer Zeit 28 (1997) 2, XIV
Willis, Allan J.; Hartquist, Thomas W. (Eds.): Astrophysical and
laboratory plasmas. A Festschrift for Professor Sir Robert Wilson.
Dordrecht, Boston, London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1996. Pp. 399,
24.5 x 16 m, ISBN 0-792-34151-1, GBP 99, $ 156 (hb)
[Originally published as Astrophysics and Space Science Vol. 237 (1996),
No. 1-2.]
Review: R.J.Tayler: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1137, 115
Wilson, Raymond N.: Reflecting telecope optics I. Basic design theory and
its historical development. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1996. Pp. xiv, 573,
214 figs., 24 x 16 cm, ISBN 3-540-58964-3, DM 128.00 (hb)
(Astronomy and Astrophysics Library)
Review: J.Solf: Sterne Weltraum 35 (1996) 12, 980
Review: C.F.W.Harmer: The Observatory 117 (1997) 1138, 173
Review: [Anonymous:] Messenger (1997) 90, 35
Wright, Helen: Sweeper in the sky: The life of Maria Mitchell.
Clinton Corners, NY: College Avenue Press, 1997. Pp. 270,
ISBN 1-883551-70-6, $ 24.95
[First published in 1949. Unabridged text of the first edition, with new
preface, epilogue, and numerous photographs.]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank: Peter Abrahams, Larry Klaes (Boston),
and Catherine Sones (London).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (++6592) 2150, Fax: (++6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: (++331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 29
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 29, May 29, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. IAU Commission 41 (History of Astronomy)
- IAU Commission 41 on the Web
- Current officers (1997-2000)
- New Resolutions
- IAU Commission 41 50th Anniversary
2. Indian Society for the History of Astronomy
3. Progress Report on the New Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage
4. NCHALADA Meeting in Oakland, CA
5. Meetings and Celebrations
6. Book Review:
Thalheim, Klaus: Katalog der Meteoriten am Staatlichen Museum fuer
Mineralogie und Geologie zu Dresden (Wolfgang Czegka)
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 29, May 29, 1998
...........................................................................
IAU Commission 41 (History of Astronomy)
----------------------------------------
IAU Commission 41 on the Web
----------------------------
Commission 41 (History of Astronomy) of the International Astronomical
Union (IAU) is now on the WWW. You may access it directly at
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/iaucomm41. Or you may link to it
from the IAU Web site Commission page at
http://www.intastun.org/commissions.html. The site contains C 41
officers, members and their current addresses, newsletters, and the
Bibliography on History of Astronomy, compiled by Ruth Freitag of the
Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. The C 41 site also links to the
history of astronomy site maintained for several years by the History of
Astronomy Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft, and now also
maintained on behalf of Commission 41.
Steven J. Dick, Wolfgang R. Dick
Current officers (1997-2000)
----------------------------
President: Steven J. Dick (USA)
Vice-President: F. Richard Stephenson (UK)
Immediate Past President: S. M. R. Ansari (India)
Organizing Committee: Wolfgang R. Dick (Germany)
Alexander A. Gurshtein (Russia)
Il-Seong Nha (Korea)
Wayne Orchiston (New Zealand)
Edoardo Proverbio (Italy)
Woodruff T. Sullivan (USA)
Xi Zezong (China)
The total membership of the Commission stands at 139, plus 19 consultants.
New Resolutions
---------------
New resolutions adopted during the Kyoto General Assembly of the IAU
(August 1997) included the following:
1) Whereas historical astronomical records are important to the heritage
of astronomy and may be essential to applied astronomy
The IAU supports the recovery, inventory and preservation of astronomical
archives of national and international institutions, including
observatories, societies and other institutions.
2) That Commission 41 records its serious concern regarding grave losses
at Pulkovo as the result of fire, and supports the assessment of these
losses to the cultural heritage of astronomy.
3) That, in order to facilitate research into the history of astronomy in
a country (the "host country") that was subjugated or governed by another
country ("governing country"), and where the relevant source material now
resides in the governing country, every attempt should be made to provide
copies of such source material to the host country.
4) Noting that vital primary source material pertaining to history of
astronomy in a country (the host country) that was ruled or governed by
another (the governing country) resides in the governing country, it is
recommended that visiting fellowships be created by IAU, European Union,
and bilateral agreements between countries to enable researchers from a
host country to consult source material in a governing country.
(Source: Report from the Kyoto General Assembly. In: IAU Comm. 41
Newsletter, 1997-2000 Triennium, October 1997, Issue # 1)
IAU Commission 41 50th Anniversary
----------------------------------
Commission 41 was formed at the 1948 meeting of the IAU, and therefore
celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. C 41 member Woody Sullivan
(University of Washington) recently brought to my attention the first
report of Commission 41, in IAU Transactions, 8, page 623, published in
1954. The report shows that Commission 41 had a bit of a rocky start.
Otto Neugebauer, appointed the first C 41 president in his absence,
expressed his conviction that "an international organization in the
history of astronomy has no positive function ... my only activity during
my term of service consisted in iterated attempts to resign." This is
perhaps one of Neugebauer's few statements to have been proven wrong!
Under the circumstances Herbert Dingle acted as President for the 1952
meeting. The first members of the Commission were Armitage, Birkenmajer,
Danjon, Dijksterhuis, Dingle, Dittrich, Hubble, Idelson, Spencer Jones,
Kukarin, Kulikovsky, Lundmark, Marguerat, Nordenmark, Norlund, Pannekoek,
Pelseneer, Pogo, Sadykov, Seydl, Volta, and Zinner.
It is appropriate to give here the complete list of Commission 41
Presidents.
1948-1952 Neugebauer (USA)
1952-1955 Dingle (UK)
1955-1958 Dingle (UK)
1958-1961 Kulikovsky (USSR)
1961-1964 Kulikovsky (USSR)
1964-1967 Rybka (Poland)
1967-1970 Rybka (Poland)
1970-1973 Gingerich (USA)
1973-1976 Gingerich (USA)
1976-1979 Dobrzycki (Poland)
1979-1982 Hoskin (UK)
1982-1985 Pederson (Denmark)
1985-1988 Eddy (USA)
1988-1991 North (UK)
1991-1994 Debarbat (France)
1994-1997 Ansari (India)
1997-2000 S.J. Dick (USA)
Steven J. Dick
(From: IAU Comm. 41 Newsletter, 1997-2000 Triennium, April 1998, Issue # 2)
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 29, May 29, 1998
...........................................................................
Indian Society for the History of Astronomy
-------------------------------------------
The B.M. Birla Science Centre has conducted a One Day National Symposium
on "Indian Astronomy Through the Ages" on October 13, 1997. The symposium
dealt mainly with the ancient Indian and medieval Indian-Islamic
astronomy. Eminent scientists from all over the country participated in
this seminar. During the scientific sessions, some talks were on
researches which dated back the Vedic civilization to more than 5000 B.C.
on the basis of astronomical evidence. Other talks were on medieval Indian
astronomy (Arabic-Persian, Malyalam, Telugu sources).
Though India has the longest continuing tradition of astronomy in the
world, its contribution to the field has not got its due place in the
World History of Science. This is also true for other countries in Asia,
e.g. West Central Asia. Consequently the seminar was concluded by
launching the much awaited 'Indian Society for the History of Astronomy'
(ISHA). The following governing council of the society was elected by the
founder members of the society.
1. President - Prof. S.M.R. Ansari, the first Asian as (former) President
of the International Astronomical Union's Commission for History of
Astronomy. He is retired Professor of Physics of Aligarh Muslim
University.
2. Vice-President - Prof. K.D. Abhyankar, Professor Emeritus, Astronomy
Department, Osmania University, Hyderabad.
3. Secretary - Dr. B.G. Sidharth, Director-General, B.M. Birla
Science Centre, Hyderabad.
4. Joint Secretary - Mr. Y. Ravi Kiron, Assistant Director, B.M. Birla
Science Centre, Hyderabad.
5. Treasurer - D. G.M. Ballabh, Department of Astronomy, Osmania
University, Hyderabad.
6. Counsellor - Dr. B.V. Subbarayappa, President, International Union for
the History and Philosophy of Science, which he is currently holding.
7. Counsellor - Dr. A. Bandyopadhyay, Former Director, Positional
Astronomy Centre, Calcutta.
8. Counsellor - Dr. S.D. Sharma, Physics Department, Patiala University,
Punjab.
The society is to be registered shortly at Hyderabad. Its office will be
located at B.M. Birla Science Centre, Adarsh Nagar, Hyderabad - 500 063
(India).
Some of the main activities of the society will be as follows:
1. To promote research studies of all apects of the history of astronomy
in general, Indian astronomy and astronomy in Asia, in particular.
2. To ensure such publications (e.g. journal, newsletter etc.) from time
to time as may be decided by the executive council of the society.
3. To hold scientific meetings for presentation of original papers, review
talks etc.
4. To keep liaison with other historians of Indian and Oriental astronomy
all over the world, and also with the international groups or
commissions for history of astronomy.
5. To collect all possible literature concerning ancient and medieval
Indian astronomy (Vedic, Islamic and South Indian language sources
etc.) thereby to set up a data base on history of astronomy in Asia.
6. To draw young scholars to the discipline of history of science, to make
them aware of our Indian and Asian astronomical heritage and to
coordinate researches among Indian historians of astronomy.
Dr. B.G. Sidharth
Secretary of ISHA
Director
B.M. Birla Science Centre
Adarsh Nagar
Hyderabad - 500 063 (India)
Prof. S.M.R. Ansari
President of ISHA
C/o Physics Department
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh - 202002 (India)
(From: IAU Comm. 41 Newsletter, 1997-2000 Triennium, April 1998, Issue # 2)
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 29, May 29, 1998
...........................................................................
Progress Report on the New Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
We are making good progress with the JAH2, and expect to see the first
issue off the press on schedule, in June. It will feature the following
research papers:
Brueck, Mary T.: "Mary Ackworth Evershed nee Orr (1867-1949), solar
physicist and Dante scholar"
Dick, Steve: "Observation and interpretation of the Leonid meteors over
the last millennium"
Orchiston, Wayne: "Mission impossible: William Scott and the first Sydney
Observatory directorship"
Pasachoff, Jay: "Williams College's Hopkins Observatory: the oldest extant
observatory in the United States"
We are happy to announce that in addition to papers and book reviews, each
issue of JAH2 will feature Ruth Freitag's on-going bibliographies on the
history of astronomy.
The composition of the Editorial Board has been finalised, and comprises:
Dr Dave Andrews (Northern Ireland), Dr Alan Batten (Canada), Dr Allan
Chapman (England), Dr Steve Dick (USA), Dr Wolfgang Dick (Germany),
Professor Ben Gascoigne (Australia), Professor Bambang Hidayat
(Indonesia), Commander Derek Howse (England), Professor Rajesh Kochhar
(India), Professor Don Osterbrock (USA), and Professor Brian Warner (South
Africa).
Subscriptions information is available from the Managing Editor on
astral@psinet.net.au, while enquiries regarding papers should be directed
to the Papers Editor at: Wayne.Orchiston@vuw.ac.nz. A "Guide for Authors"
is on the WEB at:
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/~bankst/software.html
John Perdrix (Managing Editor), Wayne Orchiston (Papers Editor)
(From: IAU Comm. 41 Newsletter, 1997-2000 Triennium, April 1998, Issue # 2)
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 29, May 29, 1998
...........................................................................
NCHALADA Meeting in Oakland, CA
-------------------------------
The next meeting of the Northern California Historical Astronomy Luncheon
and Discussion Association will occur Saturday, June 6, at Chabot
Observatory, 4917 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619, USA. From 10 AM to
about 12:30 the topic is "Lord Rosse of Birr Castle". After lunch at a
local restaurant, the 2-5 PM discussion will be "Chinese Astronomy".
NCHALADA discussions are informal (no dissertations or tenure at risk) and
often good-humored. Meetings are free and there are no pre-requisites,
though people who bring munchies are very popular. This is the 46th
NCHALADA meeting since beginning in 1985 as a copy of Southern
California's "Society of the History of Astronomy".
For further information about NCHALADA, contact Norm Sperling, Everything
in the Universe, 185 John Street, Oakland, CA 94611, USA. Phone & fax:
510-547-6523. eMail: nsperling@global.california.com.
For SHA, contact Margot Wood, 210 S. Guadalupe Avenue, Redondo Beach,
CA 90277, USA. Phone 310-379-8339.
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 29, May 29, 1998
...........................................................................
Meetings and Celebrations
-------------------------
Early Astronomy in Sydney, July 4, 1998
C 41 OC member Wayne Orchiston, Director of Carter Observatory (the
National Observatory of New Zealand) reports that on 1998 July 4, the
Colonial Science Club in Sydney will host a seminar on "Colonial
Astronomy in Sydney". Shirley Saunders with speak on the topic of her Ph.D
thesis, Parramatta Observatory, which Governor Brisbane established in
1821. Dr Raymond Haynes from the Australia Telescope National Facility
(and an author of Explorers of the Southern Sky) will examine the
development of astronomy in Australia, but particularly the interrelations
of science in the colonies to the management from London. Wayne Orchiston
will speak on William Scott and the early years of the Sydney Observatory,
based on his paper to appear in the Journal of Astronomical History and
Heritage. The final speaker, Dr Nick Lomb, Curator of Astronomy at the
Sydney Observatory, will present a paper about the history of the
Observatory between 1870 and 1900. This paper will relate directly to the
major new display at the Observatory titled "By the Light of the Southern
Stars". After closing as a research institution in 1982, the Observatory
became a branch of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.
Alfraganus 1200th Anniversary, Uzbekistan, October 23-24, 1998
C 41 member Dr. Shuhrat Ehgamberdiev, Director of the Ulugh Beg
Astronomical Institute of the Uzbek Academy of Sciences in Tashkent,
Uzbekistan, writes that "We have now a new important tradition in
Uzbekistan. We express respect to our eminent predecessors, which we
couldn't do before the Independence. In 1998 we will celebrate 1225th
anniversary of Imam al Bukhari, who well known in the Islamic world as a
great expert in Khoran and author of the Hadises. This year we will also
celebrate 1200th anniversary of great encyclopaedist, astronomer,
geographer, mathematician - Ahmad al-Fargani (Alfraganus). Both jubilees
will be celebrated simultaneously on 23rd and 24th Oct. 1998." The
Government of Uzbekistan has invited about 100 scientists, religious
people and distinguished guests. The events will take place in Samarkand
and Fargana.
Third International Conference on Oriental Astronomy, Japan, October
27-30, 1998
C 41 member Kwan-Yu Chen (University of Florida) reports that the Third
International Conference on Oriental Astronomy will be held in Fukuoka,
Japan, October 27-30, 1998. The First Conference was held in Seoul, Korea
in 1992, and the Second Conference in Yingtan, China in 1995. This year,
the theme is "From Calendar Scholars to Telescopes." The program will
include sessions on calendar making, star catalogues and atlases,
historical records of astronomical observations, instrumentation,
observatories, and exchange of astronomical knowledge between Asian
countries and Japan. Dr. Chen may be contacted for more information at
Dept. of Astronomy, University of Florida, 211 SSRB, Gainsville, FL 32611.
Also see the web site at http://www.fukuoka-edu.ac.jp/meeting/ICOA.html,
or e-mail ICOA@fukuoka-edu.ac.jp.
(From: IAU Comm. 41 Newsletter, 1997-2000 Triennium, April 1998, Issue # 2)
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 29, May 29, 1998
...........................................................................
Book Review
-----------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 27,
3. Maerz 1998, Item 2.)
Thalheim, Klaus: Katalog der Meteoriten am Staatlichen Museum fuer
Mineralogie und Geologie zu Dresden. Dresden: Staatliches Museum fuer
Mineralogie und Geologie, 1997. 92 p., numerous illus. in colour,
ISBN 3-91006-17-5, Paperback DM 49.00 (Schriften des Staatlichen Museums
fuer Mineralogie und Geologie zu Dresden; 7)
The catalogue is divided in two parts. The first part contains a history
of the Dresden meteorite collection from 1581 to 1997. In 44 pages
Thalheim gives a survey on the historical development of the collection.
Some repros with details of important older catalogues or handwritten
meteorite-lists are added. The second part presents in 43 pages the
details of every meteorite of the Dresden museum collection in an unusual
form. Every data set is illustrated by a high-quality colour print. The
collection includes unique samples like the Nenntmansdorf Iron. A
detailed index and a list of references are added.
Except of some misprints (in 1791 even Chladni didn't know anything about
meteorites; misprint for 1797? see page 8) the book is a recommendable
high quality product. Unfortunately, the reader will miss some detailed
information on the lusatian tektites from Saxony, which could have been
added thematically also to the catalogue.
Wolfgang Czegka, Potsdam
For more detailed information contact:
Staatliches Museum fuer Mineralogie und Geologie
Augustusstr. 2
D-01067 Dresden
Germany
Phone: +49-351-4952446
Fax: +49-351-4952468
e-mail: mmg@sik.de
URL: http://hpkom21.geo.uni-leipzig.de/~mmg/
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank:
Steven J. Dick (Washington, DC), Norman Sperling (Oakland, CA).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (++6592) 2150, Fax: (++6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: (++331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 30
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 30, July 10, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Meeting of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in Heidelberg
2. James Caplan: Historical Conservation at the Marseille Observatory
3. NCHALADA's 47th Meeting
4. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 30, July 10, 1998
...........................................................................
Meeting of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in Heidelberg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 32,
8. Juli 1998, Item 1. Translation by the editor.)
The meeting will take place on Monday, September 14, 1998, as the splinter
meeting "History of Astronomy" in the framework of the International
Scientific Annual Conference of the Astronomische Gesellschaft (AG) in
Heidelberg. The place of the meeting will be the campus of Heidelberg
University (Neuenheimer Feld 308). It will start between 9 and 10 a.m. and
will end around 4 p.m. After the splinter meeting a general assembly of
the members of the working group will take place, guests are welcome. There
will be the possibility to obtain some history of astronomy books during
the meeting.
Coordinator of the meeting is Dr. Reinhold Bien, Astronomisches
Rechen-Institut, Moenchhofstr. 12-14, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany,
Phone: (06221) 405-120, Fax: (06221) 405-297, e-mail:
reinhold@ari.uni-heidelberg.de . Please send your requests concerning the
meeting and your registration to the coordinator. He will also allocate
the time for oral presentations (probably not more than 20 min per paper).
Please register also in the case that you will not present a paper, so
that you may be informed about the exact time and place of the meeting and
may receive the programme.
For Sunday evening an informal gathering is being planned. Please
inform Mr. Bien wether you would like to take part in this gathering.
Papers may be presented in English or German, but English is to be
preferred. Submissions of papers received after July 29 may be taken
into account only in the case that time for presentations will still be
available. The abstracts of the papers may be published in Volume 14
of AG Abstract Series. The abstracts are to be written using the new
macro of the AG (http://www.astro.uni-jena.de/Astron_Ges/agamacro.html
or available by e-mail from the coordinator). The editor will accept
only contributions in the requested form, in English and without
illustrations, sent by e-mail as LaTeX source code (not zipped, not coded,
and not as MIME or tar files) to the coordinator and the editor
(schie@astro.uni-jena.de) before July 29. In the case that you are not
able to write your abstract in LaTeX and/or cannot send it by e-mail,
please contact Mr. Bien in advance for asking about the possiblity to
send it in another form and about the necessary date of submission. The
abstracts will be available around mid-August through the Astrophysics
Data System (ADS).
Participants taking part exclusively in this splinter meeting do not have
to pay the conference fee. They have to find their accomodation
themselves, and should register only with Mr. Bien.
Those who wish to take part in the complete conference of the AG have to
register also with the LOC: Dr. Gerhard Klare, Landessternwarte
Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany, Phone:
06221/509208 oder 509249, Fax: 06221/509202, e-mail:
e.baer@lsw.uni-heidelberg.de . In this case the conference fee is
DM 100.00 for members of the AG, DM 50.00 for students and DM 120.00 for
non-members.
At mid-August the detailed programme of the meeting will be available at
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/treffen1998.html . At this
address further information about the conference and about Heidelberg
is given already now.
After the founding meeting of 1863 and the conferences in 1900, 1928, and
1950, Heidelberg serves for the fifth time as the meeting place for the
AG, this time on occasion of the 100th anniversary of the observatory
(Landessternwarte) Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl. The observatory my be visited
on one afternoon during the conference, probably on Wednesday. Detailed
information will be given in the programme of the splinter meeting which
will be sent to registered participants at the beginning of September.
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 30, July 10, 1998
...........................................................................
Historical Conservation at the Marseille Observatory
----------------------------------------------------
By James Caplan, Marseille
(From: "Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 12, Juni 1998, p. 1.)
A brief history
The Marseille Observatory was founded in 1702 by the Jesuits, in the
Sainte Croix convent near the Vieux Port, and was subsidized by the King
and the Royal Navy. The first director was Laval, followed by Pezenas
until 1763, when the Jesuits were expelled from France. During most of
the old observatory's subsequent history it was state-controlled, and
was at times called the Naval Observatory. The first non-Jesuit director
was Saint-Jacques de Silvabelle; he was followed by Thulis, Blanpain,
Gambart and Valz. Franz Xaver von Zach, a frequent visitor to Marseille,
played an indirect role in the observatory's history in the decades
around 1800. Jean-Louis Pons, the observatory concierge who became a
noted comet hunter, was a protege of Zach.
In the 1860s, Le Verrier, then director of the Paris Observatory, wished
to build an observing station in the south of France. Upon Valz's
retirement, he took over control of the Marseille Observatory, giving
the building to the City of Marseille in exchange for the present
observatory site on the Plateau Longchamp (at that time at the edge of
the built-up area). During ten years the Marseille Observatory was
directed by Le Verrier as an annex to the Paris Observatory. The old
observatory's instruments were transferred to the new site, although few
of them were used since new equipment was furnished (including an 80-cm
Foucault telescope). The Marseille Observatory again became independent
of the Paris Observatory in 1873. Today it is associated with the
Universite de Provence and with the CNRS.
The 'Groupe Patrimoine'
The Marseille Observatory's 'Groupe Patrimoine' works towards the
protection, inventory and (in some cases) reversible restoration of the
observatory's historical heritage, and makes it available for display
and consultation. This material includes instruments, books and the
observatory's archives. They would like to make the
astronomical/historical community aware of this collection.
As often happens, the historical material has suffered in the past from
negligence and inadequate protection. But since 1990 most of the old
instruments (including telescopes, repeating circles, etc., mostly from
the old observatory) have been gathered together in a small 'museum'.
(As part of a separate operation, the Foucault Telescope is on display
in a space principally dedicated to public outreach programmes.) The
collection of a few hundred old books from the observatory library is
kept in the museum. The archives are at present at the Archives
departementales in Marseille where they were recently inventoried, and
where a large part is now being microfilmed; but in a few months they
will be returned to the observatory and stored adjacent to the museum.
The book catalogue in a preliminary form is available on their Web site;
the inventory of the archives should be posted soon.
The Web site can be consulted at
http://www-obs.cnrs-mrs.fr/patrimoine/patrimoine.html
where one can also find information about the history of the observatory
in the form of old texts that are not otherwise easily accessible. Soon
there will be information about the instrument collection. The Groupe
Patrimoine regret that there is not yet much historical information
posted, but within the limited time they have been able to devote to
this effort, they have judged urgent to give priority to the
*protection* of the material and have therefore rather neglected the
historical research which of course is the ultimate goal.
Much remains to be done. For example, now that the basic structure of
the archives has been defined by professional archivists, they plan to
do a computer-searchable extension containing much more information
about individual items. Also they hope to digitize the microfilms for
computer consultation, thus by-passing classical microfilm readers.
Contacts, visits and moral support are welcome! Contact the Groupe
Patrimoine (James Caplan, Gerard Lemaitre and Marie-Louise Prevot) at
Observatoire de Marseille, 2 place Le Verrier, 13248 Marseille Cedex 4,
France, e-mail: patrimoine@observatoire.cnrs-mrs.fr, telephone
+33-4-9504-4189.
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 30, July 10, 1998
...........................................................................
NCHALADA's 47th Meeting
-----------------------
The Northern California Historical Astronomy Luncheon and Discussion
Association's 47th meeting will be on Saturday, November 7, 1998, at Chabot
Observatory, 4917 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, USA. Topics: 10 AM - 12:30 PM:
"Ole Roemer". 2-5 PM: "Horizon Markers in Archaeoastronomy".
Further details from: Norm Sperling, nsperling@global.california.com.
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 30, July 10, 1998
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 32,
8. Juli 1998, Item 3. Translations by the editor.)
A measure of time. 25th anniversary Trevor Philip & Sons. London: Trevor
Philip & Sons, [1997]. 52 p., 22 x 28.5 cm, numerous ill. (all in colour),
GBP 15.00 (hb).
[Catalogue of clocks, sundials, instruments (including astronomical),
globes and models in museums, private collections and in the shop, sold or
offered by London's leading dealer of antique scientific instruments.
Address: Trevor Philip & Sons Ltd, 75a Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6NP, UK,
Tel: 0171-930 2954, Fax: 0171-321 0212.]
Allmer, Franz: Simon Stampfer. 1790-1864. Ein Lebensbild. [Simon Stampfer.
1790-1864. An account of his live. - In German] Graz, 1996. 133 p.,
Paperback ATS 200.00 (Mitteilungen der geodaetischen Institute der
Technischen Universitaet Graz ; Folge 82).
[Distribution: Geodaetische Institute, Technische Universitaet Graz,
Steyrergasse 30, A-8010 Graz, Austria. Order Code: 274/1-82.
About Stampfer see also below: Schuster und Strasser: Simon Stampfer.]
Brosche, Peter (Hrsg.): Astronomie der Goethezeit : Textsammlung aus
Zeitschriften und Briefen Franz Xaver von Zachs. [Astronomy during the
time of Goethe. Collection of texts from journals and letters of Franz
Xaver von Zach. - In German] 2nd, rev. ed. Thun, Frankfurt am Main: Verlag
Harri Deutsch, 1998. 230 p., 24 illus., facsimiles, 12 x 19 cm,
ISBN 3-8171-3400-2, Pb DM 38.00 (Ostwalds Klassiker der exakten
Wissenschaften ; Bd. 280)
Dorschner, Johann: Astronomie in Thueringen. Skizzen aus acht
Jahrhunderten. Mit besonderer Beruecksichtigung der DDR-Zeit und der neuen
astronomischen Forschungslandschaft im Freistaat Thueringen. [Astronomy in
Thuringia. Sketches rom eight centuries. With special emphasis on GDR
times and the new astronomical research landscape in the Freistaat
Thuringia. - In German] Jena: Jenzig-Verlag, 1998. ca. 140 p., 50 illus.,
ISBN 3-910141-32-3, ca. DM 25.00.
[To appear probably in August 1998.]
Gosteli, Leo; Boschung, Urs; Brosche, Peter (Eds.): Astronom, Weltbuerger,
Blasensteinpatient. Franz Xaver von Zachs Briefe an Rudolf Abraham von
Schiferli 1821-1832. [Astronomer, cosmopolitan, bladder stone patient.
Franz Xaver von Zach's letters to Rudolf Abraham von Schiferli 1821-1832. -
In German] Basel: Schwabe & Co. Verlag, 1998. 382 p., SFr 45.00,
DM 54.00 (Gesnerus, Swiss Journal of the History of Medicine and Sciences,
Supplementum ; 45).
[Distribution: Schwabe & Co. AG, Steinentorstrasse 13, CH-4010 Basel, Tel.
++41/+61/278 95 65, Fax ++41/+61/278 95 66, e-mail: verlag@schwabe.ch,
URL: http://www. schwabe.ch/ ]
Hamel, Juergen: Geschichte der Astronomie. Von den Anfaengen bis zur
Gegenwart. [History of astronomy. from the beginnings to present time. -
In German] Basel: Birkhaeuser Verlag, 1998. 352 p., 19 colour und 92
b/w illus., ISBN 3-7643-5787-8, Hardbound SFr 58.00, DM 68.00
Hamel, Juergen: Bibliographia Kepleriana : Verzeichnis der gedruckten
Schriften von und ueber Johannes Kepler. Ergaenzungsband [zur 2. Auflage].
[Bibliographia Kepleriana : Inventory of the printed papers by and about
Johannes Kepler. Complementary volume [to the 2nd ed.]. - In German.]
Muenchen: Verlag C.H.Beck, 1998. 192 p., ISBN 3-406-01687-1,
hardbound ca. DM 138.00; ISBN 3-406-01689-8, paperback ca. DM 118.00.
[Additions to the Kepler bibliography compiled by Max Caspar.]
Hentschel, Klaus: Zum Zusammenspiel von Instrument, Experiment und
Theorie : Rotverschiebung im Sonnenspektrum und verwandte spektrale
Verschiebungseffekte von 1880 bis 1960. [On the interaction of instrument,
experiment and theory : Redshift in the solar spectrum and related
spectral effects 1880 to 1960. - In German] Hamburg: Verlag Dr. Kovac,
1998. 1030 p., 15 x 21 cm, 170 illus., ISBN 3-86064-730-X, hb DM 295.00
(Schriftenreihe Naturwissenschaftliche Forschungsergebnisse ; 58)
[Habilitation work 1995; ca. 6000 entries in the list of references;
further information: http://www.gwdg.de/~khentsc/habil.html .]
Herrmann, Dieter B.: Der Stern von Bethlehem. Die Wissenschaft auf den
Spuren des Weihnachtssterns. [The Star of Bethlehem. The science
investigates the Christmas Star. - In German] Berlin: Paetec, Gesellschaft
fuer Bildung und Technik, 1997. 96 p., 15 illus., 12 x 19 cm,
ISBN 3-89517-665-6, hb DM 34.80
Huettermann, Armin: Tobias Mayer Museum Marbach. Museumsfuehrer.
[Tobias Mayer Museum Marbach. Guide through the museum. - In German]
Marbach am Neckar: Tobias Mayer Museum e.V., 1998. 78 p., 15.5 x 22.5 cm,
numerous illus., pb DM 15.00 (Schriftenreihe des Tobias Mayer Museum
e.V.; Nr. 24)
[With a biography of Mayers by Erwin Roth (p. 61-75).]
Huettermann, Armin: Tobias Mayer und seine Familie. Katalog zur Ausstellung
vom 17.2.1998 bis 15.3.1998 im Rathausfoyer Marbach am Neckar. [Tobias
Mayer and his family. Catalogue of the exhibition from February 17, 1998,
to March 15, 1998, in the lobby of the Town Hall of Marbach am Neckar. -
In German] Marbach am Neckar: Tobias Mayer Museum e.V., 1998. 60 p.,
16.5 x 24 cm, numerous illus., pb DM 10.00 (Schriftenreihe des Tobias
Mayer Museum e.V. ; Nr. 25)
Huettermann, Armin (Hrsg.): Biografie Tobias Mayer. In der Transkription
von Menso Folkerts, mit biografischen Ergaenzungen. [Biography of Tobias
Mayer. In the transcription by Menso Folkerts, with biographical
additions. - In German] Marbach am Neckar: Tobias Mayer Museum e.V., 1998.
40 p. + 28 p. faksimiles, 17.5 x 21 cm, pb/hb DM 25.00.
[Autobiography of Mayer as facsimile (faithful copy in a separately
bound volume) and in transcription. Together in a nicely designed cover.
A fine edition.
Distribution of all three books: Tobias Mayer Museum e.V., Torgasse 13,
71672 Marbach am Neckar, Germany Tel./Fax (07144) 16942]
Iven, Mathias (Hrsg.): Von den Sternen auf die Erde. 110 Jahre Urania.
Eine Festschrift. [From the stars to Earth. 100 years of Urania. A
festschrift.- In German] Berlin, Milow: Schibri-Verlag, 1998. 75 p.,
13.5 x 19 cm, numerous illus., ISBN 3-928878-79-4, pb DM 14.80.
[Contains also contributions about Wilhelm Foerster, Max Wilhelm Meyer and
Werner von Siemens.]
Johannes Keplers Beitrag zur deutschen Fachsprache. [Contributions by
Johannes Kepler to the German scientific language. - In German]
Muenchen: Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1998. 55 p.
(Berichte der Kepler-Kommission ; Heft 9).
[Contains besides a contribution by Hella Kothmann on the theme of the
booklet three short notices on Kepler research und reception.
Distribution: Through exchance of publications only.]
Rund um die Sternwarte Sonneberg. [Around the Sonneberg Observatory. -
In German.] Hildburghausen: Verlag Frankenschwelle, 1998. 103 p.,
15 x 21.5 cm, numerous illus., ISBN 3-86180-071-3, hb DM 18.80
(Sonneberger Geschichten ; Bd. 3).
[Contents: Cuno Hoffmeister (p. 6-66), Allerlei Unterhaltsames [anecdotes
about Sonneberg astronomers] (p. 67-94), timeline.]
Schuster, Peter; Strasser, Christian: Simon Stampfer, 1790-1864. Von der
Zauberscheibe zum Film. [Simon Stampfer, 1790-1864. From the magic disk to
the movie. - In German] Salzburg: Land Salzburg, Landespressebuero, [1998].
223 p., 17 x 24 cm, numerous illus., facsimiles, ISBN 3-85015-154-2,
paperback (Schriftenreihe des Landespressebueros, Serie
"Sonderpublikationen" ; Nr. 142)
[Biography of the Austrian geodesist and astronomer Simon Stampfer,
who invented as pioneer of cinematography the stroboscopic disks.
Free copies available from Buergerbuero (Tel. 0662/8042-2035 or
2036), Kaigasse 39, or from Landespressebuero (Tel. 0662/8042-2047),
Chiemseehof, A-5010 Salzburg, Austria.]
Strumpf, Manfred: Gothas astronomische Epoche. [Gotha's astronomical
epoch. - In German] Horb am Neckar: Geiger-Verlag, 1998. 96 p.,
21 x 20 cm, numerous illus., ISBN 3-89570-381-8, hb DM 29.80.
[Distribution: Verein Gothaer Sternwarten e.V., c/o M. Strumpf,
Heinoldsgasse 10, D-99867 Gotha, Germany, e-mail: MaStrumpf@aol.com.
Price including postage DM 33.00, payable by cheques.]
Wutzke, Ulrich: Durch die weisse Wueste : Leben und Leistungen des
Groenlandforschers und Entdeckers der Kontinentaldrift Alfred Wegener.
[Through the white desert : The live and achievements of Alfred Wegener,
explorer of Greenland and discoverer of the continental drift. - In
German.] Gotha: Justus Perthes Verlag, 1997. 240 p., 73 illus.,
ISBN 3-623-00354-9, hb 54.00 (Edition Petermann)
[Partial contents: Student years (p. 15-22; also about Wegener's
history of astronomy dissertation); Moon craters (p. 144-147).]
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: (++6592) 2150, Fax: (++6592) 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: (++331) 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 31
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 31, September 10, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Meeting of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy during the
International Conference of the Astronomische Gesellschaft -
Programme
2. Michael J. Crowe: Fourth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
3. Bart Fried: The Antique Telescope Society and its Journal
4. Emily Gillingham: Metascience - A review journal for history and
philosophy of science
5. Charles A. Wood: A new Web site: Exploring the Moon
6. New book on astrolabes
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 31, Sep. 10, 1998
...........................................................................
Meeting of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy during the
--------------------------------------------------------------------
International Conference of the Astronomische Gesellschaft
----------------------------------------------------------
Programme
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 33,
8. September 1998, Item 1, sligtly abridged. Partial translations by the
editor.)
Sunday, 13 September 1998
Informal gathering in the restaurant, "Da Claudia", Brueckenstrasse 14, in
Heidelberg, from around 7 pm, open end.
Monday, 14 September 1998
Place: Campus of Heidelberg University (Neuenheimer Feld 308), Hoersaal
[Lecture room] 2 in the Central Area of "Theoretikum", building 306
9:00 Welcome
9:10 Reinhold Bien (Heidelberg): A history of local astronomy
9:30 Andreas Haenel (Osnabrueck): Do megalithic graves have an astronomical
orientation? A European perspective
9:50 Harald Gropp (Heidelberg): Some remarks on the calendar of Coligny
10:10 Heiner Lichtenberg (Bonn): Zur Verknuepfung des Sonnen- und
Mondkalenders im Gregorianischen Kalender
10:30 Coffee break
11:00 Ari Belenkiy (Israel): Kepler's Ellipse and Jewish Astronomical
Tradition
11:20 Elvira Pfitzner (Chemnitz): Doerffelforschung - Moeglichkeiten und
Grenzen
11:40 Ulrich Bastian (Heidelberg): Bessel's Parallax of 61 Cygni Visualized
12:00 Lunch
14:00 Colin Humphreys (Cambridge, UK): The Star of Bethlehem, a Comet in 5
BC, and the Date of the Millenium
14:40 Manfred Schuermeyer (Dreieich): The Comet of Bethlehem and its year of
appearance
15:00 Wolfgang Czegka (Bruehl): Wilhelm Schickard, Isaac Habrecht and the
first empirical meteor height determination in 1623
15:20 Break
15:30 Wolfgang Kokott (Munich/Bonn): Variations of a Constant - On the
History of Precession
15:50 Gudrun Wolfschmidt (Hamburg): Max Wolf as a Pioneer of
Astrophotography
16:10 Wolfgang R. Dick (Potsdam): Encyclopedias of Astronomical Biographies
- Status and Prospects
16:30 Assembly of the members of the Working Group for the History of
Astronomy (guests are welcome)
Abstracts of the papers were published in "Astronomische Gesellschaft
Abstract Series" No. 14, Hamburg 1998, p. 75-81. These are available in
electronic form at the Astrophysics Data System (ADS). Links to the
abstracts of the papers listed above are to be found in
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/treffen1998-e.html . There are
also links to the complete programme of the conference, as well as to
documents about the history of astronomy in Heidelberg, to museums and
to general information about this city.
Other events
Monday, 14 September, to Friday, 18 September 1998
International Scientific Conference of the Astronomische Gesellschaft
The following poster paper (P 121) has been submitted:
Johann Dorschner (Jena): Max Wolf and the Thuringian Private Astronomer
Anton Thraen
Wednesday, 16 September 1998
Tour of the Landessternwarte (Observatory) Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl
At 3 pm you may visit the Landessternwarte on the Koenigstuhl hill.
Saturday, 19 September 1998
Programme for teachers
The programme includes also:
Heiner Lichtenberg (Bonn): Zeitrechnung im Gregorianischen Kalender - ein
Schulthema?
Please send all requests to the coordinator of the meeting:
Dr. Reinhold Bien, Astronomisches Rechen-Institut, Moenchhofstr. 12-14,
D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany, Tel.: (06221) 405-120, Fax: (06221) 405-297,
e-mail: reinhold@ari.uni-heidelberg.de
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 31, Sep. 10, 1998
...........................................................................
Fourth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop
---------------------------------------------
By Michael J. Crowe, Notre Dame, IN
The Fourth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop will be held July 1-4,
1999 at the University of Notre Dame. Co-Program Chairs are Mike Crowe and
Steve Dick. Matt Dowd will serve as local arrangements chair. Persons
having suggestions or proposals should write as soon as possible to either
Steven J. Dick
U.S. Naval Observatory
3450 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, D.C. 20392-5420, USA
E-mail: dick@ariel.usno.navy.mil
tel.: 202-762-1438
or to
Michael J. Crowe
Program of Liberal Studies
Univ. of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
E-mail: Crowe.1@nd.edu
tel.: 219-631-6212.
Registration information can be obtained from
Astronomy
Center for Continuing Education
Univ. of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
E-mail: cce.cce.1@nd.edu
Local Arrangements information can be secured from
Matthew F. Dowd
Graduate Program in History and Philosophy of Science
Univ. of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
E-mail: Matthew.F.Dowd.11@nd.edu
tel.: 219-287-7226
The workshop is sponsored by the History and Philosophy of Science Graduate
Program of the University of Notre Dame, the History of Astronomy Special
Interest Group of the History of Science Society, and the Historical
Astronomy Division of the American Astronomical Society.
Regarding transportation, flights come to the South Bend Airport from a
number of major cities. Persons arriving via Chicago can take the United
Limo Bus, which runs from the United Terminal at O'Hare Airport directly to
the Notre Dame campus. Round-trip fare is $52. For a schedule and
reservations, call United Limo at (800)833-5555. For those driving, ample
parking is available. A campus map and parking information will be sent in
the CCE information packet.
The conference will include a book exhibit and display tables.
Participants are welcome to bring materials to display. Please contact
Matt Dowd with regard to how much space will be needed.
The sixty-five historians of astronomy who attended the Third Biennial
History of Astronomy Workshop, held at Notre Dame in June, 1997, praised
the lively and informed sessions, the comfortable and informal atmosphere,
and the reasonable room rates. Further information will be forthcoming.
For the present, please mark your calendar and pass the word!
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 31, Sep. 10, 1998
...........................................................................
The Antique Telescope Society and its Journal
---------------------------------------------
By Bart Fried, Plymouth Meeting, PA
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 33,
8. September 1998, Item 3.)
The Antique Telescope Society is an international non-profit society
whose purpose is to unite colleagues interested in antique astronomical
telescopes, binoculars, instruments, books, atlases, and related items.
It's further purpose is to promote the membership's interests in
astronomical history and discovery, the history of optics, and the
preservation and use of these instruments through stewardship and
education. The principal activities of the society are publishing a
regular journal, organizing meetings, providing assistance with the
restoration of instruments, hosting shows and displays, preserving
historical data and guiding collectors.
The Journal of the Antique Telescope Society is an 18-24 page, 21.5 cm x
28 cm soft-covered volume printed on glossy paper and illustrated with
black and white photographs, drawings and diagrams, etc. Articles have
been of a very high caliber, including much new or re-discovered
information about the history of telescope making. Submissions are
peer-reviewed for accuracy and letters and requests for information are
published.
Yearly conventions have been at such interesting and prestigious places
as the Herschel Society/Bath, England; U.S. Naval Observatory; Yerkes
Observatory; Lick Observatory; Chabot Observatory; Ricard Observatory;
Mt. Wilson Observatory; Sproul Observatory and Palomar Observatory.
Membership in the society is currently $40.00 US for each four Journal
issues, published 3-4 times per year.
For more information, visit the society's Web site:
http://www1.tecs.com/oldscope/
(Please note that the site will soon be updated, and the address
might change.)
To join the ATS or get further information, please contact:
Dr. Walter Breyer, ATS Secretary
1275 Poplar Grove Road
Cumming, GA 30041
USA
e-mail: whbreyer@mindspring.com
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 31, Sep. 10, 1998
...........................................................................
Metascience - A review journal for history and philosophy of science
--------------------------------------------------------------------
By Emily Gillingham, Oxford
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 33,
8. September 1998, Item 4.)
Metascience is a review journal which publishes high quality, comprehensive
reviews of books in history and philosophy of science, science and
technology studies and related fields. Metascience specialises in
innovative styles of reviewing, including standard reviews, essay reviews,
CD-Rom reviews, non-anglophone reviews, discipline survey reviews and
round-table or review symposia in which up to four reviewers provide
independent essay reviews of one book. Metascience is non-specialist as
all reviews are accessible to a wide cross-section of the HPS/STS
community.
Free Sample Copy Available
If you would like to review a sample copy of the journal prior to
subscribing, please reply to egilling@blackwellpublishers.co.uk with
'METASCIENCE-SAMPLE COPY REQUEST' in the subject line and your full name,
postal address, and the following information in the message, i.e. whether
you are planning to:
a) Submit a review to the journal.
b) Recommend your library to subscribe. If so, I would be grateful for
the name of the librarian and institution...
c) Subscribe to the journal yourself.
Special Offer - Electronic Access is included in your institutional
subscription to the print edition.
Special Discounts available for Members of the following societies:
AAHPSSS, APA, HSS, BSHS, PSA, AHSA, ISHPSSB. See below for more details.
Contents of Volume 7, Issue 2, July 1998:
Review Symposium:
Brute Science: Dilemmas of Animal Experimentation, by Hugh LaFollette
and Niall Shanks
Reviewed by Jane Azevedo, John Forge, Alan MacKay-Sim, Merry Maisel,
Don Howard
Survey Reviews:
Science Communication: A Growth Area in Science and Technology Studies
By Rosaleen Love
Marketing the Scientific Revolution-New Stories for Beginners
By John A. Schuster
Literature Survey: Spain and the Dawn of Modern Science
By Beatriz Helena Domingues
Essay Review:
Steve Fuller, Science, Reviewed by David Hess
CD-ROM Review:
Daniel Dennett, Artificial Life: the Tufts Symposium, Reviewed by Terry
Dartnall
Reviews include:
Steven J. Dicks, The Biological Universe: The Twentieth Century
Extraterrestrial Life Debate and the Limits of Science
Reviewed by Kim Sterelny
H. Tristram Engelhardt Jr, The Foundations of Bioethics
Reviewed by John Forge
Steven Epstein, Impure Science: AIDS, Activism and the Politics of
Knowledge
Reviewed by Ivan Crozier
Karen Newman, Fetal Positions: Individualism, Science, Visuality
Reviewed by Yvonne Luxford
Paul Churchland, The Engine of Reason, the Seat of the Soul
Reviewed by Richard McDonough
Bettyann Holtzmann Kevles, Naked to the Bone: Medical Imaging in the
Twentieth Century
Reviewed by Randall Albury
Edited by John Forge
ISSN: 0815-0796, 3 issues a year, Volume 7, 1998
Institutional Subscription Rates: $ 123.00 (N America), GBP 75.00
(UK/Europe), A$ 99.00 (Australia/New Zealand), GBP 75.00 (Rest of World)
Personal Subscription Rates: $ 46.00 (N America), GBP 29.00 (UK/Europe),
A$ 50.00 (Australia/New Zealand), GBP 29.00 (Rest of World)
AAHPSSS Members: A$ 45.00
APA, HSS, BSHS, PSA, AHSA, ISHPSSB Members: $40.00 (N America),
GBP 25.00 (Rest of World)
More information is available at the following Web site:
http://www.sct.gu.edu.au/~sctforge/index.html
Author's address:
Emily Gillingham
Blackwell Publishers
108 Cowley Road
Oxford, OX4 1JF
UK
Email: egilling@blackwellpublishers.co.uk
http://www.blackwellpublishers.co.uk
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 31, Sep. 10, 1998
...........................................................................
A new Web site: Exploring the Moon
----------------------------------
By Charles A. Wood, Grand Forks, ND
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 33,
8. September 1998, Item 5.)
In ENHA No. 19 (April 9, 1997, Item 4) I mentioned that I was developing a
web site about the Moon and the history of its explorations. The site,
Exploring the Moon, is now available at:
http://www.space.edu/moon
One goal is documentation of all significant studies of the Moon,
especially the classical era from Gilbert, Harriot and Galileo through
Apollo. Currently more than 100 books, maps and planetary missions are
briefly described - some with photos and text excerpts.
A second goal is compilation of a virtual photographic atlas of the Moon.
Presently there are about 25 different regions depicted, both from high
quality amateur and professional photos.
The third major section is an online version of the Lunar & Planetary Lab
(Tucson) Catalog of Lunar Craters, which I lead nearly 30 years ago. This
unpublished catalog of lunar crater positions, diameters and depths
should be online in a few weeks.
Necessarily, this web site is incomplete. I strongly encourage students
of the Moon to send me corrections, comments and additions - any of which
can be entered on the site along with the name of the contributor.
Author's address:
Charles A. Wood Tel: 701-777-3167
Space Studies FAX: 701-777-3711
Univ. of North Dakota VolcanoWorld: volcano.und.edu
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9008 Space Studies: www.space.edu
E-mail: cwood@badlands.nodak.edu
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 31, Sep. 10, 1998
...........................................................................
New book on astrolabes
----------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 33,
8. September 1998, Item 6.)
The History of Astronomy Department of the Adler Planetarium & Astronomy
Museum, Chicago, is pleased to announce the publication of Western
Astrolabes by Roderick and Marjorie Webster. This book is the inaugural
volume of our catalogue project documenting the Adler's collection of
historic scientific instruments and rare books.
The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum is home to one of the world's
great collections of astrolabes. In this volume Marjorie and the late
Roderick Webster, Adler Curators Emeriti, have carefully documented 47
astrolabes, astrolabe-quadrants, and mariner's astrolabes. The book is
lavishly illustrated with photographs showing the front, the back, and
additional details (such as the maker's signature) of each instrument.
Introductory essays by the Websters and former Adler curator Sara
Schechner Genuth explain the use of the astrolabe and its role in cultural
and social history.
For more information, to read a sample entry, or to obtain an order form,
please go to the web site http://astro.uchicago.edu/adler/historybooks/.
You may also request a brochure/order form to be sent via regular mail by
contacting us at the Email address historybooks@adlernet.org.
Future volumes currently underway include: Eastern Astrolabes, Sundials (2
volumes), Star Charts (2 volumes), and Optical Instruments. Other volumes
will include: Clocks and Watches, Globes and Armillary Spheres,
Navigational Instruments, and more.
(Contributed by Bruce Stephenson, Chicago, IL)
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/aa.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 32
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 32, October 13, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Eric S. Hutton: Meteors and Meteorites: A Historic Archive of Articles,
Books and Catalogues on CD-ROM
2. Silke Ackermann: Humphrey Cole: Mint, Measurement and Maps in
Elizabethan England
3. Jean-Pierre Luminet: History of Astronomy Exhibition in Paris
4. IAU Colloquium 178: "Polar Motion: Historical and Scientific Problems"
5. Conferences 1998/99
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 32, Oct. 13, 1998
...........................................................................
Meteors and Meteorites: A Historic Archive of Articles, Books
-------------------------------------------------------------
and Catalogues on CD-ROM
------------------------
By Eric S. Hutton, Hitchin, England
This privately funded project collected together old articles, books and
catalogues under the subject of Meteors and Meteorites. Over 2500 pages
have been scanned in, and are viewable on a CD-ROM as 'photocopies' of the
original pages. The CD-ROM contains many influential and historically
important publications about meteorites and meteors. Highlights include
the following four books:
* A Chapter in the History of Meteorites (1887) by W. Flight
* The Meteoritic Hypothesis (1890) by Norman Lockyer
* Die Meteoriten in Sammlungen und ihre Literatur (1897) by E. A. Wufling
* The Ward-Coonley collection of Meteorites (1904 edition) by H. A. Ward.
The CD is viewable on any computer using Netscape or Internet Explorer Web
browser. The cost is US$ 20, or GBP 12, plus shipping/handling charge.
Distribution:
U.S, Canada, South America: by Martin Horejsi, Meteorite Books,
email: martinh@isu.edu
UK, Europe, Australisia: from Eric Hutton, email: bookman@rmplc.co.uk
Martin Horejsi has also set up a web page giving more details plus
sample pages and contents. See http://www.isu.edu/~martinh
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 32, Oct. 13, 1998
...........................................................................
Humphrey Cole: Mint, Measurement and Maps in Elizabethan England
----------------------------------------------------------------
By Silke Ackermann, London
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 34,
9. Oktober 1998, Item 1.)
For the first time in its long history the British Museum in London mounted
an exhibition on scientific instruments - appropriately focussing on
Humphrey Cole, the first English born and most renowned scientific
instrument maker of Elizabethan England. Cole produced a wide variety of
mathematical instruments in metal, 26 of which have survived. Twenty-three
of them were brought together for this exhibition (16 of them were
astronomical instruments) and were displayed alongside the map of Palestine
he engraved for Richard Jugge's Bishop's Bible in 1572, together with coins
produced during his tenure at the Mint and a most unusual standard weight
with the Tower mark.
The exhibition was displayed from 3 March to 6 May 1998.
In the accompanying fully illustrated catalogue all the surviving 26
spectacular instruments are described alongside with all the other objects
in the exhibition. Four essays on instrument-making and map-making in
Elizabethan England, as well as on Cole's work at the Mint and his
involvement with Frobisher's expeditions provide extensive background
information.
Catalogue:
Humphrey Cole, Mint, Measurement and Maps in Elizabethan England,
edited by Silke Ackermann.
(Occasional Papers No. 126, published by British Museum Press, London,
March 1998; VI + 106 pages, 12 colour + 36 black and white illustrations;
ISBN 0-86159-126-7, ISSN 0142-4815.)
Contents: Gerard Turner, Queen Elizabeth's Instrument Makers; Peter
Barber, Mapmaking in Humphrey Cole's England; James McDermott, Humphrey
Cole and the Frobisher Voyages; B.J.Cook, Humphrey Cole at the Mint;
Catalogue of the exhibition by Silke Ackermann, Peter Barber, B.J. Cook
and Allen Simpson.
(15.00 Pounds Sterling + p&p. (1 copy add 2.50, 2-3 copies add 3.50, 4
copies and above add 5.00, Overseas - add 15% to order value)
Order from:
British Museum Press, 46 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QQ,
Tel. 0171 323 1234, Fax 0171 436 7315.
Please make cheques payable to British Museum Press' or quote credit card
number and expiry date.
Or use the following form to be sent to the above address:
Name:
Address:
Number of copies:
Cheque enclosed for ........ Pounds Sterling
Please charge my credit card:
(Access, American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard, Visa)
Number:
Expiry Date:
Signature:
Author's address:
Dr. Silke Ackermann, e-mail: sackermann@british-museum.ac.uk
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 32, Oct. 13, 1998
...........................................................................
History of Astronomy Exhibition in Paris
----------------------------------------
By Jean-Pierre Luminet, Paris
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 34,
9. Oktober 1998, Item 2.)
The exhibition "Figures du Ciel" [Figures of the Sky] is running at the new
French National Library in Paris, from 10 October 1998 to 10 January 1999.
From old illuminated manuscripts to Hubble Space Telescope photographs,
more than 200 documents depict questions, conceptions and representations
of all times about the universe, its creation, its structure, its evolution
and its meaning, from scientific, historical, philosophical and artistic
points of view.
The five major themes of the exhibition are: "Uranometria" (history of
celestial maps, from Ptolemy to the Digitized Sky Survey), "Harmony" (from
Pythagora to superstrings), "Systems of the World" (from Presocratics to
quantum gravity), "Heptameron" (tales of creation, from Genesis to big
bang) and Sky's Inhabitants (from gods and angels to cosmonauts and
aliens).
An unique opportunity to discover original editions and/or manuscripts of
all the masterpieces of the history of astronomy, mainly from departments
of the Bibliotheque nationale de France. Among those depicted are
Aristotle, Plato, Aristarchus, Ptolemy, Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Galilei,
Kepler, Descartes, Newton, Herschel, Einstein, Friedmann, Lemaitre. Very
rare documents, such as a never shown illuminated manuscript by Velho
(XVIth), medieval manuscripts about creation, the first celestial maps
engraved by Durer, two editions of Apianus' Astromicum Caesareum, Tycho
Brahe's original manuscripts, are compared to modern astronomical pictures
taken from telescopes and satellites, computer simulations on black holes
and chaotic inflation, musical pieces using pulsar rhythms, or meteorite
fragments older than the solar system itself. Some of the last
developments in cosmology (topology of the universe, self-reproducing
spacetimes, extrasolar planets...) are also depicted.
The exhibit also shows the most beautiful "popular" astronomical atlases
such as Cellarius's Harmonia Macrocosmica (several editions), Doppelmayr's
Atlas coelestis, Lubienetski's Theatrum Cometicum, .... New perpectives
are presented by comparing modern speculations about the nature of space
and time and old interrogations coming from other fields such as poetry
(Hesiod, Aratus, Lucretius, Queneau, Cendrars), philosophy (Swedenborg,
Wright), litterature (Poe, Swift, Cyrano de Bergerac), religion (Bible,
Guillaume of Auvergne, Scheuchzler, ...)
Exhibition "Figures du Ciel"
Scientific direction:
Marc Lachieze-Rey, Jean-Pierre Luminet
10 october 1998 - 10 janvier 1999
Bibliotheque nationale de France
site Francois Mitterand
Grande Galerie Hall Est
Quai Francois Mauriac
Paris 13e (France)
Opening times: 10:00-19:00 hours daily except Monday. Sunday: 12h-19h.
Enquiries: Arnaud Laborderie, Bibliotheque nationale de France, Paris.
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 79 59 59
URL of the BnF: http://www.bnf.fr
Accompanying book:
Marc Lachieze-Rey and Jean-Pierre Luminet: "Figures du Ciel", Ed. du
Seuil/Bibliotheque nationale de France, Paris, 1998.
26,5 x 36 cm. 208 pages, 400 color pictures, ISBN 2-7177-2001-4. (Price :
299 FF - 45 euros)
[In French. This science/art book depicts celestial iconography through
ages. Four themes are developed: Harmony of the World, Uranometria,
Heptameron, Sky's Inhabitants. With full page color pictures, folded maps,
index, bibliography.
More information and abstracts on-line (available mid-october) at
http://www.bnf.fr]
Author's address:
Jean-Pierre Luminet
Departement d'Astrophysique Relativiste et Cosmologie (DARC)
Observatoire de Paris-Meudon, 92195 Meudon cedex, France
Tel: (33) 01 45 07 74 23, fax: (33) 01 45 07 79 71
E-mail: Jean-Pierre.Luminet@obspm.fr
URL: http://darc.obspm.fr/~luminet
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 32, Oct. 13, 1998
...........................................................................
IAU Colloquium 178: "Polar Motion: Historical and Scientific Problems"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Cagliari University, Sardinia, Italy, 27-30 September 1999
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 34,
9. Oktober 1998, Item 5.)
FIRST CIRCULAR
GENERAL INFORMATION
The latest observations of the motion of the Earth's rotation pole with
respect to the terrestrial reference frame have achieved not only
remarkable accuracy, but these data are now being obtained with subdaily
frequency, a situation which was unexpected only a few years ago. These
circumstances call into question the very definition of the celestial
ephemeris pole. The astronomical observations available from tracking the
satellites of the Global Positioning System, laser ranging to geodetic
satellites, and very long baseline interferometry, together with ocean and
meteorological data of unprecedented accuracy and frequency, may permit new
understanding of the excitation of polar motion. These new data, combined
with a century of past observations, provide further information on the
secular motion of the pole which, in turn, contributes to improved
understanding of models for the Earth's interior.
The year 1999 marks the centennial of the first observations of the
International Latitude Service (ILS). The ILS was organized in 1895 by the
forerunner of the International Association of Geodesy and was composed of
observing sites on the parallel of 39d 88' North. The goal was to make
astronomical observations to describe the motion of the Earth's rotation
pole. In 1962 the ILS was renamed the International Polar Motion Service
(IPMS) and in 1988 the IPMS was discontinued when the International Earth
Rotation Service commenced. During its history the ILS/IPMS provided
valuable observations of polar motion which continue to be analyzed today.
Many of the questions which the ILS was organized to address still remain,
including the enigmatic nature of the excitation and damping of polar
motion. The definition of the international celestial and terrestrial
reference systems are based on the ILS definition of the pole. Today's
precise astronomical and geodetic observations now require a re-definition
of that pole to correspond with modern levels of measurement. It is
fitting to take the opportunity to mark the centennial of the first ILS
observations at one of the original observatories.
SCIENTIFIC TOPICS AND CALL FOR PAPERS
The Colloquium will include the following topics:
- History of early polar motion research
- History of the monitoring service organizations
- Evolution of astronomical observations
- Mechanisms for excitation of polar motion
- Secular polar motion
- Chandler motion
- Daily and subdaily polar motion
- Modern definition of the celestial ephemeris pole
- Outstanding problems in polar motion research
Invited, contributed, and poster papers will be considered. The collected
proceedings will be published. Abstracts should be submitted by 10 April
1999 to the chairperson of the SOC, Dr. Steven J. Dick, via e-mail
(dick@ariel.usno.navy.mil). Authors will be notified of acceptance by
30 May 1999.
SCIENTIFIC ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:
S. Dick (USA), chair Address: U.S. Naval Observatory
3450 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, D.C. 20392-5420
U.S.A.
G. Beutler (Switzerland) D. McCarthy (USA)
N. Capitaine (France) E. Proverbio (Italy)
T. Fukushima (Japan) J. Vondrak (Czech Republic)
D. Gambis (France) Ya. Yatskiv (Ukraine)
The Colloquium is sponsored by IAU Commission 41 (History of Astronomy)
with support from Commission 19 (Earth Rotation) and 31 (Time). It is
co-sponsored by the International Association of Geodesy, the International
Earth Rotation Service, and the International GPS Service.
LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE:
F. Fusi Pecci, co-chair E. Proverbio, co-chair
A. Poma P. Calledda
C. Pili S. Uras
T. Zanzu
LOCATION
The Conference will be held at the "Cittadella Universitaria", the new
settlement of the Cagliari University in the immediate outskirts of the
city, from Monday, 28 September through Thursday, 30 September 1999.
There will be an organized excursion to the original site of the ILS
station at Carloforte, on the little island of S.Pietro, about 90 km from
Cagliari.
Cagliari, situated on the southern coast at the center of the gulf of the
Angels, is the capital of the autonomous region of Sardinia and offers many
attractions in the fields of archeology, art, landscape and climate.
During the latter part of September the weather is normally warm and sunny
(the average temperature is around 24 deg C).
The Cagliari-Elmas airport is 7 km from downtown. All the main Italian
airports have frequent direct daily flights to Cagliari. In addition
several ferry-lines connect Italian ports (Genova, Livorno, Civitavecchia)
with Sardinia (Cagliari, Olbia, PortoTorres) daily.
A certain number of rooms are reserved at hotels located in the town
center. The approximate daily hotel rate is 50-110 US$ per person,
including breakfast.
The Conference fee will be 140 US$.
FURTHER INFORMATION AND DEADLINES
The second circular, which will be distributed in February 1999, will
contain details concerning submittal of abstracts and logistics. Abstracts
will be due no later than 10 April 1999.
A limited number of travel grants will be available. Those wishing to
apply for such a support are requested to complete and return the attached
form to the Chairperson of the SOC to arrive not later than 10 April 1999.
In the meantime, the latest information on the colloquium will be posted at
the Web site http://www.ca.astro.it/iau178.
CONTACT ADDRESS:
Local Organizing Committee
IAU Colloquium 178
Stazione Astronomica
Loc. Poggio dei Pini, Str. 54
09012 Capoterra (Cagliari)
ITALY
Telephone: ++39.070.725246
Telefax: ++39.070.725425
e-mail : iauco178@ca.astro.it
To express interest in attending please fill in and return the enclosed
form to the contact address before 10 April 1999.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IAU Colloquium 178
POLAR MOTION: HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC PROBLEMS
Cagliari University, Sardinia, Italy
27-30 September 1999
PRELIMINARY REGISTRATION FORM
(To be returned before 10 April 1999)
To:
Local Organizing Committee
IAU Colloquium 178
Stazione Astronomica
Loc. Poggio dei Pini, Str. 54
O9012 Capoterra (Cagliari)
ITALY
Telefax: ++ 39.070.725246
E-Mail:iauco178@ca.astro.it
FAMILY NAME:.........................................................
GIVEN NAME:..........................................................
INSTITUTE:...........................................................
MAILING ADDRESS......................................................
......................................................
TELEPHONE: ..........................................................
FAX:.................................................................
E-MAIL:..............................................................
I plan to attend the Conference ( ) yes ( ) no
I intend to contribute an oral talk ( ) yes ( ) no
I intend to present a poster ( ) yes ( ) no
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
IAU Colloquium 178
POLAR MOTION: HISTORICAL AND SCIENTIFIC PROBLEMS
Cagliari University, Sardinia, Italy
27-30 September 1999
APPLICATION FOR TRAVEL GRANT
(To be returned before 10 April 1999)
To:
Dr. Steven J. Dick
U.S. Naval Observatory
3450 Massachusetts Ave.,NW
Washington D.C. 20392-5420
U.S.A.
Telefax: ++ 202.762.1516
E-Mail:dick@ariel.usno.navy.mil
Name of applicant:....................................................
Nationality: ..........................Position:......................
Mailing Address:......................................................
......................................................
Telephone:.......................Telefax:.............................
E-mail:...............................................................
Starting point of journey:............................................
(if different from home address):
Type of contribution:.................................................
(e.g. review talk, thesis presentation, ...)
Title of contribution:................................................
................................................
Total amount of IAU support applied for (in CHF)......................
Subtotal for travel (max.: economy air fare or equivalent):...........
Subtotal for subsistence (if no other funds available):...............
Other sources of support applied to:..................................
Amount requested/granted:.............................................
Signature of applicant: ................Date and place:...............
For Ph.D. students:
Signature of Thesis Director/Supervisor:.........................
Institution:.....................................................
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 32, Oct. 13, 1998
...........................................................................
Conferences 1998/99
-------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 34,
9. Oktober 1998, Item 6. Partially translated by the editor.)
Further conferences in the years 1998 and 1999 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
November 7, 1998, Muenster, Germany
"Historical connections between the measurement of time and units of
angles and length". Seminar of the Fachgruppe Geschichte des
Vermessungswesens [Division for the History of Surveying] in the
Bildungswerk des Verbandes Deutscher Vermessungsingenieure [Education
Foundation of the Association of German Surveying Engineers].
The programme includes: 'Harmony of the World'. Kepler's astronomy
between war and peace.
Fee: 70 DM
Information: Dipl.-Ing. Heinz Juergen Lagoda, Westfaelische Str. 30,
D-47169 Duisburg, Germany, Tel. 0203 - 59 82 47
January 5-9, 1999, Austin, TX, USA
193rd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society
Wednesday, 6 January 1999, 10:00-11:30am:
Tools and Techniques of Data Collection and Reduction in Archaeoastronomy.
There will also be a poster session.
Organized by David G. Iadevaia, Ph.D.,
A P I Airbourne Precision Imaging,
2968 W. Ina Rd. Ste 275, Tucson, AZ 85741, USA,
phone: 520-544-7896, e-mail: api@api-az.com
URLs: http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas193/prelim/prelim.html
http://www.aas.org/meetings/aas193/prelim/archaeo.html
February 22-26, 1999, Mumbai, India
International Workshop on the History of Science: Implications for Science
Education
Contacts: WHOS Secretariat, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education,
V.N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd, Mumbai 400088, India,
Phones: 5567711, 5554712, 5555242, Fax: 91-022-5566803,
email: whos@hbcse.tifr.res.in
For more details see: http://www.tifr.res.in/~hbcse/workshop.html
March 18-19, 1999, Heidelberg, Germany
VIIIth History of Physics Conference about "Physics and physicists
in Germany after World War II (1945/55)"
Deadline for abstracts: Nov. 1, 1998.
Information and registration: Dr. Dieter Hoffmann,
MPI fuer Wissenschaftsgeschichte, Wilhelmstr. 44, D-10117 Berlin,
Germany, tel. 030/22667-117, fax: 22667-299,
e-mail: dh@mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Steven J. Dick (Washington, DC), Dieter Hoffmann (Berlin),
Heinz Juergen Lagoda (Duisburg).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 33
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 33, December 11, 1998 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Peter D. Hingley: The Royal Astronomical Society's Library and Archives
2. Michael Oates: Uranographia Britannica
3. Julio Gonzalez Cabillon: HISTORIA MATEMATICA - a new mailing list
4. Fifth International Conference on the History and Foundations of
General Relativity
5. Conferences 1999-2001
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 33, December 11, 1998
...........................................................................
The Royal Astronomical Society's Library and Archives
-----------------------------------------------------
By Peter D. Hingley, London
(From: IAU Comm. 41 Newsletter, 1997-2000 Triennium, October 1998,
Issue # 3. See
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/iaucomm41/news/c41_news_03.html .
Slightly edited by the author for this reprint.)
The Royal Astronomical Society has been accumulating books, manuscripts,
pictures, instruments and miscellaneous relics since its foundation in 1820
February. Originally only a `box of books', the Library has grown to
occupy quite a large proportion of the Society's premises in Burlington
House, Piccadilly, London, and has an open shelf stock of about 12,000
`modern' books (i.e. post 1850), about 4,000 books and pamphlets before
1850, and the remaining 16,000 volumes are bound periodicals, some of them
of great age. The Library is primarily a research library dealing with
modern astronomy and geophysics and seeks to maintain a balanced, if not
fully comprehensive, stock of books in those subjects. The majority of
serious journals in astronomy are held from volume 1. Many journals are
held dealing with the more theoretical aspects of geophysics but the
monographs stocks in this field are less complete. It also has extensive
collections for the history of astronomy, and some on that of geophysics.
The creme de la creme of the Rare Books is the collection bequeathed by the
late Colonel E H Grove-Hills on his death in 1923. The Library has also
subsumed the very interesting Library of the Spitalfields Mathematical
Society (1717 - 1846) though alas quite a lot of their books were
subsequently disposed of; we probably have about 800 left including journal
volumes.
The RAS Archives were catalogued by Dr J A Bennett whose catalogue was
published as the last issue of the Society's Memoirs in 1978 (Volume 85).
Printed copies of this are still available. They include both the
administrative papers of the Society, and its correspondence with its
members, from the first days of its existence onwards, (and although there
are many famous names in those pages sadly this material can induce a
certain ennui in the researcher as much of it is purely administrative).
These are referred to as `RAS PAPERS' and `RAS LETTERS'.
Much more varied and interesting are the `RAS MSS', which is a wide ranging
collection of deposits of papers from individuals and a few observatories.
They include material from such interesting people as Sir James South,
Francis Baily, William Lassell, the complete run of Heinrich Schwabe's
sunspot observing books from which he derived his original results about
periodicity, Madras Observatory, and many more.
Overwhelmingly the most important group of manuscript material owned by the
RAS is its manuscripts of Sir William, Miss Caroline, and Sir John
Herschel. A microfilm of this is available (24 reels !) but until very
recently it has been stored in the archives strongroom of Churchill
College, Cambridge; it has just been returned to Burlington House.
The `ADD MSS' are an even more varied collection, including material in
many formats and types. Due to constraints of time and finance Dr
Bennett's catalogue was selective - generally the names listed of
correspondents are only those important enough to be in `Poggendorff's
Biographisch-Literarisches Handwoerterbuch...', and, alas, there is no
subject index. The latter problem has been partly (and laboriously)
addressed by having a scanned file made of the catalogue which has been
proof-read by myself and the corrections inserted - though inevitably there
are still some errors - so that simple searches can be done by names or
subjects. As time has gone on more material has come to light, and a
supplementary list is slowly being compiled, again in WORD so simple
searches are possible, though alas due to time constraints progress has
been painfully slow.
Numerous small manuscript items were discovered by searching through the
Library's `Tract' collection and things get found or are donated.
Interesting deposits of material added since Dr Bennett's catalogue have
included proof and MS versions of George Bishop's `Charts of the Ecliptic',
additional papers of James Glaisher, and observing material of the Revd
T E R Phillips, the Revd T W Webb, F J M Stratton, and A G Shrimpton. Some
work has also been done on the RAS's photographic holdings; the collection
is strong in portraits and photographs of telescopes and eclipse
expeditions. The collection of astronomical photographs is only now being
explored; there are varying numbers of prints by A A Common, Isaac Roberts,
Max Wolff and Paul et Prosper Henry while there are several thousand glass
plates in many varying formats some dating back to the 1860s. At long last
conservation enclosures and space are available for the sorting out of
these but again time is very limited.
One of the most frequent types of enquiry is for bio-bibliography of former
scientists and to assist with this type of enquiry a 9 page handout is
available on request, `Biographical and Portrait Sources for Astronomers'
(Bio-Paws for short !) which, although inevitably British orientated,
lists quite a lot of the sources for such study as well as acting as a
guide to RAS holdings.
The Library is not actually a public one and is maintained for and financed
by the Society. With a staff of only two it is difficult to deal with the
many public enquiries from people wanting to name stars after their
Granny (!) or see the next eclipse. We do however welcome many overseas
researchers each year and as far as possible answer incoming research
enquiries from non Fellows. It is really essential however that any
non-members wishing to use the Library should make contact in advance by
e-mail, telephone, or letter, especially if they wish to use special
collections material. They should also be prepared to prove their identity
with a University staff card or the like.
RAS Library's Web page: http://www.ras.org.uk/ras/library/library.htm
Author's address:
Peter D. Hingley, Librarian
Royal Astronomical Society
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1V 0NL
England
Tel.: 0171 734 4582 / 3307
Fax: 0171 494 0166
e-mails: Librarian: pdh@ras.org.uk
Assistant Librarian: mic@ras.org.uk
General Enquiries: info@ras.org.uk
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 33, December 11, 1998
...........................................................................
Uranographia Britannica
-----------------------
By Michael Oates, Manchester
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 35,
7. Dezember 1998, Item 4.)
The Manchester Astronomical Society are proud to announce that a CD-ROM
version of an extremely rare Star Atlas compiled by John Bevis, in the
eighteenth century, can now be ordered online from
http://www.u-net.com/ph/mas/bevis/cd-rom.htm
Or you can visit the Bevis Uranographia Britannica home page at
http://www.u-net.com/ph/mas/bevis/
An article on the Discovery of the Atlas appeared in Astronomy Now, June
98 edition. Plus a 4 page article on the November 98 issue of Sky &
Telescope. The CD-ROM was also featured in the September 98 issue of Sky &
Telescope.
Brief Description of the Atlas
This is an extremely rare atlas, and little known. The Manchester
Astronomical Society discovered, nearly one year ago, that it was in
possession of a very good copy, one of only 16 known to exist!
It comprises of 51 Star charts covering the whole sky, a Cover page,
Frontispiece and Index page.
John Bevis, an eighteenth century physician - turned astronomer, whose
other claim to fame is as the discoverer of the Crab Nebula compiled this
atlas during the years 1745 - 1750. But the atlas was never published as
the publisher was declared bankrupt in 1750.
The quality of the engravings far surpass any other star atlas of the day,
including those from Bayer, and Flamsteed.
See http://www.u-net.com/ph/mas/bevis/press.htm for a Press release.
Brief Description of the CD-ROM
The whole atlas has been reproduced and put on to CD-ROM. Not only are all
the charts and plates on the CD-ROM, but there is also a wealth of
information about the atlas, John Bevis, how it was produced and why it
was never published. The CD-ROM also includes an article about a
pre-discovery observation of Uranus. A separate image directory has all
the plates in .bmp format, and a selection of very high resolution images
in .jpg format.
The CD-ROM works with all versions of Windows from 3.1 upwards including
Windows95/98 Windows NT3.5x - NT4 and the Macintosh.
See http://www.u-net.com/ph/mas/bevis/cd-rom.htm for more information and
online ordering by RegNet, or pay by cheque. Prices from GBP 12 plus
postage.
Author's address:
Michael Oates, F.R.A.S.
Manchester Astronomical Society
http://www.u-net.com/ph/mas/
Email: mike@ph.u-net.com
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 33, December 11, 1998
...........................................................................
HISTORIA MATEMATICA - a new mailing list
----------------------------------------
By Julio Gonzalez Cabillon, Montevideo, Uruguay
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 35,
7. Dezember 1998, Item 5.)
HISTORIA MATEMATICA [HM] is a new discussion list on the history of
mathematics.
1. Description of HM
1.1 Purpose and standards
The purpose of this list is to provide a virtual forum for scholarly
discussion of the history of mathematics (in a broad sense), amongst
professionals and non-professionals with an earnest interest in the field.
Postings are to be highly relevant to the purpose of this list. All
traditional and scholarly aspects of the history of mathematics are
expected to be heavily discussed here.
Additionally,
- History of _history of mathematics_
- Current trends in the history of mathematics
- History of _mathematics outside Europe_
- Ethnomathematics
- Pedagogical issues
- Origin of mathematical terms/symbols
- Biographies and obituaries
- Bibliographical references (databases)
- Announcements and reviews of new books, articles,
preprints, websites, ...
- Advertisements of conferences, meetings, jobs, ...
Contributors should strive to submit posts containing interesting,
worthwhile or new information about substantive topics on the history of
mathematics in a conscious effort to keep the signal-to-noise ratio as high
as possible.
Pertinent comments, queries, replies ... should be written with the same
standards of thoughtfulness and care that apply to other scholarly
activities; not necessarily at the level of writing a book or an article
for a journal, but at least at the level of the informal printed material
(e.g. photocopies) used at courses.
1.2 Languages
ENGLISH, Portuguese and Spanish are the official languages of the list.
Postings in other languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, ...) are also
welcome. But, in this case, whenever a long posting is sent out, an
abstract in English (say) would be highly appreciated.
Although I do not think one should encourage too many languages on the
forum (since many listmembers might just be monoglots), the list is to be
*open* to those contributors who wish to communicate in their mother
tongue, and do not feel confident enough in other languages.
If you are *not* familiar with the language of a post, but you suspect that
the topic discussed is, for instance, relevant to your own field of study
(some key-words in the email may suggest that), a solution somehow will be
found - at least, I hope so.
If you are not sufficiently interested in that thread, you may simply hit
the 'delete' key. This list is intended to provide a vehicle of
communication for people of different nationalities, and it is unreasonable
- in my opinion - to ask *everyone* to write in a specific language in
order to communicate.
1.3 Configuration
This is a CLOSED forum; that is to say, subscriptions MUST be approved by
the list owner. Those who subscribe to HM are encouraged to identify
themselves by name, profession, institutional affiliation, and research
interest.
'Ego trips' will mean trips outside the list.
Whereas freedom of speech is wonderful, and the discussion of controversial
matters on the history of mathematics is to be expected (and welcome!),
personal invective cannot take place on this forum.
It must be said very emphatically: abuse or misuse of the list in one way
or another will cause instant cancellation of the subscription by the list
owner.
2. How to sign on
You can join the HISTORIA MATEMATICA mailing list sending your subscription
(which has to be APPROVED) to
with the following command in the body of your message:
subscribe historia-matematica
[Please mind that there is no 'h' in 'matematica']
You can also request your subscription (for APPROVAL) to HM sending mail to
with the following command in the body of your message:
subscribe
Author's address:
Professor Julio Gonzalez Cabillon
Emilio Frugoni 860 / apto 002
11200 Montevideo
Uruguay
Phones: +598 2 409 1977, +598 2 401 2951
Emails: owner-historia-matematica@chasque.apc.org, jgc@chasque.apc.org
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 33, December 11, 1998
...........................................................................
Fifth International Conference on the History and Foundations of
----------------------------------------------------------------
General Relativity
------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 35,
7. Dezember 1998, Item 6.)
July 8-11, 1999
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
Announcement and Call for Papers
The organizers invite proposals for papers in all areas of the history and
foundations of general relativity. Suitable topics include but are not
limited to:
* historical analysis of the origins of general relativity up to 1915, its
precursors, competitors, and related developments in physics and
mathematics;
* historical analysis of the later development of the theory, including:
relativistic astrophysics and cosmology, unified field theories, empirical
tests, the equations of motion, energy conservation, gravitational
collapse, gravitational waves, black holes, and singularity theorems,
relativistic continuum mechanics, quantization of general relativity,
alternative theories of gravitation;
* critical analysis of foundational problems in general relativity,
including: relationalism versus substantivalism, singularities, energy
conservation, black hole information loss, quantum field theory in curved
spacetime, quantum gravity, reduction of Newtonian gravitational theory and
special relativity to general relativity, axiomatizations of general
relativity, cosmology;
* general relativity in context, including the scientific, institutional,
philosophical, cultural and popular reception of the theory in diverse
communities and countries, anti-relativity movements.
Organizing Committee:
Jean Eisenstaedt, CNRS Paris
Hubert Goenner, Physics, University of Goettingen
Don Howard, Philosophy, University of Notre Dame
Michel Janssen, Philosophy, Boston University
A.J. Kox, Physics, University of Amsterdam
John Norton, History and Philosophy of Science, University of Pittsburgh
Juergen Renn, Max Planck Institute for History of Science, Berlin
Sahotra Sarkar, Philosophy, University of Texas=96Austin
Tilman Sauer, History of Science, University of G=F6ttingen
John Stachel, Physics, Boston University
C.V. Vishveshwara, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
Sponsoring organizations:
Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values, and the Graduate
Program in History and Philosophy of Science, University of Notre Dame
Center for Einstein Studies, Boston University
If your center would like to cosponsor this or future meetings, write for
further information.
If you are interested in attending, please return the form below for
further mailings.
If you would like to propose a paper, please return the form below with a
title and abstract of the proposed paper as soon as possible, at the latest
by January 30, 1999. Decisions of the organizing committee will be
announced no later than March 15, 1999.
You can mail the form to:
Don Howard
Program in History and Philosophy of Science
346 O'Shaughnessy
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
Or email the form to:
Don.A.Howard.43@nd.edu
For further information, write to either of the above addresses; you may
also telephone at 219-631-7547 or fax at 219-631-3985.
------------------------------------------------------
Please send me further mailings on the Fifth International Conference on
the History and Foundations of General Relativity.
Title:
Name:
Institution:
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
E-Mail:
I do / do not wish to offer a paper.
(If yes, please enclose title and abstract.)
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 33, December 11, 1998
...........................................................................
Conferences 1999-2001
---------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 36,
11. Dezember 1998, Items 3 [excerpt only] and 4. Partially translated
by the editor.)
Further conferences in the year 1999 were reported in previous issues
of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
February 27, 1999, Oakland, CA, USA
48th meeting of the Northern California Luncheon and Discussion
Association (NCHALADA XLVIII) for historical astronomy discussions
Place: Chabot Observatory, 4917 Mountain Blvd., Oakland, CA 94619.
9:30 AM: refreshments and greetings.
10 AM: "Climate Changes on Earth", chaired by Betty Neall,
Eastbay Astronomical Society.
2:30 PM: "Asteroids", chaired by Bill Stepka, San Francisco Amateur
Astronomers.
Contact: Norman Sperling, Everything in the Universe, 185 John Street,
Oakland, CA 94611. Phone & fax: +510-547-6523.
e-mail: nsperling@california.com.
March 20, 1999, Jena, Germany
Colloquium on the occassion of the 300th birthday of Erhard Weigel.
Information: Dr. Klaus-Dieter Herbst, Braendstroemstrasse 17,
D-07749 Jena, Germany; or Dr. Reinhard E. Schielicke,
e-mail: schie@astro.uni-jena.de
URL: http://www.astro.uni-jena.de/Astron_Ges/weigel.html
May 13-16, 1999, Ilmenau/Thuringia, Germany
28th Annual Meeting of the Arbeitskreis Sonnenuhren [Sundial Working Group]
in the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Chronometrie [German Chronometric
Society]
On May 14 papers will be presented, on May 15 a one-day excursion will
take place.
Fee: Non-members DM 55.00
Deadline for registration: January 31, 1999
Information and registration: Arnold Zenkert, Seestr. 17, D-14467 Potsdam,
Germany, Phone/Fax 0331-2700468
May 29-30, 1999, Munich, Germany
Between Physics and Biology: Chemical Sciences in the Twentieth Century
Joint Conference of the IUHPS/DHS Commissions on the History of Modern
Chemistry / on the History of Modern Physics
The programme includes:
Session II. From Radiochemistry to Nuclear Chemistry and Cosmochemistry
with a paper by Helge Kragh (Aarhus): Geo-, Astro- and Cosmochemistry:
Chemical Approaches to the Study of the Heavens
Registration deadline: 15 April 1999. Registration fee: DM 40
Inquiries and registration: Prof. Christoph Meinel,
Wissenschaftsgeschichte, University of Regenburg, D-93040 Regensburg,
Germany, e-mail: christoph.meinel@psk.uni-regenburg.de
September 15-19, 1999, Lake Como and Pavia, Italy
"Science as Culture": 5th International History, Philosophy and Science
Teaching Conference and 8th European Physical Society History and Physics
Teaching Conference
For details and paper submissions contact: Dr Enrico Antonio Giannetto,
Dipartimento di Fisica 'A.Volta', Universita di Pavia, Via A. Bassi 6,
27100 Pavia, Italy, email: volta99@pv.infn.it
URLs: http://www.cilea.it/volta99/ ,
http://opus.cilea.it/cgi-bin/fisicasite/webdriver?MIval=qp_paviam&pg=PV
July 6-9, 2000, Vienna, Austria
Third International History of Philosophy of Science Conference
(HOPOS 2000)
Submissions may be in English, German or French.
Address inquiries to:
Institute Vienna Circle, Museumstrasse 5/2/17, A-1070 Wien, Austria.
Phone/Fax.: +431-526-1005.
Email: i_v_c@ping.at (please refer to "HOPOS 2000" in the subject line)
URL: http://hhobel.phl.univie.ac.at/wk/hop2000.html
August 7-19, 2000, Manchester, UK
XXIVth General Assembly of the International Astronomical Union
Comm. 41 "History of Astronomy" Business meeting
Proposed Joint Discussion: "Applied Historical Astronomy"
Proposed Invited Discourse: "The History of Astronomy in the 20th Century"
Details will be announced later.
Contacts: Dr Steven J. Dick, U.S. Naval Observatory,
3450 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20392-5420, USA,
e-mail: dick@ariel.usno.navy.mil
September 4-8, 2000, Oxford, UK
XIX Scientific Instrument Symposium organised by the Scientific
Instrument Commission of the International Union of the History and
Philosophy of Science
Contacts: Dr. James A. Bennett, Museum of the History of Science,
Broad Street, Oxford, OX1 3AZ, Great Britain,
e-mail: jim.bennett@History-of-Science.oxford.ac.uk
July 8-14, 2001, Mexico City, Mexico
XXIst International Congress of History of Science
Theme: Science and Cultural Diversity
If you are interested in receiving the Call for Papers and other
information on the congress, please contact:
Prof. Juan Jose Saldana, Chairman of the Organizing Committee,
of the XXIst ICHS, Apartado postal 21-873, 04000 Mexico D. F., Mexico,
e-mail: xxiichs@servidor.unam.mx
URL: http://www.cilea.it/history/DHS/mexico.htm
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Klaus-Dieter Herbst (Jena), Reinhard E. Schielicke (Jena), Norman Sperling
(Oakland, CA), Arnold Zenkert (Potsdam).
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 34
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 34, March 8, 1999 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Steve McCluskey: Archaeoastronomy: the Journal of Astronomy in Culture
2. 150th Anniversary of the Founding of the U.S Nautical Almanac Office
3. Symposium announcement: The Legacy of J. C. Kapteyn
4. Workshop announcement: One Hundred Years of Observational Astronomy and
Astrophysics
5. XVIII International Scientific Instrument Symposium
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 34, March 8, 1999
...........................................................................
Archaeoastronomy: the Journal of Astronomy in Culture
-----------------------------------------------------
By Steve McCluskey, Morgantown, WV
The first edition (vol. 14, number 1) of Archaeoastronomy: the
Journal of Astronomy in Culture (formerly Archaeoastronomy: the Journal of
the Center of Archaeoastronomy) will appear in June, 1999 under an expanded
editorial board and a new publisher (The University of Texas Press). Since
its inception in 1977, Archaeoastronomy has always been a refereed journal
and its editors have sought to maintain a high standard for publication.
This has not changed.
The editors welcome the submission of articles reporting
substantial research in the general areas covered by the terms
Archaeoastronomy, Ethnoastronomy, and Astronomy in Culture. The acceptance
of papers for publication has never been influenced by membership in any
organization nor in degrees held by the author but by the extent to which
the submission promotes further understanding of the questions arising in
the study of astronomies in cultures and demonstrates the formal rigor
necessary for academic recognition.
The Journal's style guide and further details on submission can be
found at:
http://www.wam.umd.edu/~tlaloc/archastro/style.html
Please note, the journal Archaeoastronomy: the Supplement to the
Journal for the History of Astronomy, continues to appear under the
editorship of Michael Hoskin.
Author's address: Dr. Steve McCluskey, West Virginia University,
Morgantown, WV, USA, e-mail: scmcc@wvnvm.wvnet.edu
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 34, March 8, 1999
...........................................................................
150th Anniversary of the Founding of the U.S Nautical Almanac Office
--------------------------------------------------------------------
March 3, 1999 marked the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the U.S.
Nautical Almanac Office (NAO) by Congress. Since its founding, the NAO and
the U.S. Naval Observatory (its modern-day parent organization) have
compiled a distinguished record of service to the U.S. Navy, the other
armed services, the international scientific community, and the public by
providing reliable, practical astronomical data. These data are used for a
wide variety of purposes including navigation, surveying, scientific
research, mission planning, and everyday activities.
To commemorate this special event, the U.S. Naval Observatory hosted the
Nautical Almanac Office Sesquicentennial Symposium on 3-5 March 1999 in
Washington, DC. The symposium covered a broad spectrum of topics including
the history of the office, its mission, the users of its products, the
underlying science, and a look toward the future. The attendees, all
invited, came from diverse backgrounds, both military and civilian, and
were international in scope. In addition to papers presented by the
Nautical Almanac Office staff, invited speakers included scientists and
historians from a variety of institutions. Program information for the
Symposium may be found on the Astronomical Applications Department web site
at URL:
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/NAO150/
In 1849 Congress established the Nautical Almanac Office to prepare and
publish an official national almanac. Up to that time American scientists
and seamen relied on foreign almanacs - particularly those of Great Britain
- for astronomical and navigational data. Privately published almanacs,
such as Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanac, were generally not
adequate for scientific use.
The Office was placed under the direction of Lieutenant Charles Henry
Davis, an experienced naval officer with a scientific background and
personal associations with prominent American scientists. Davis
established the Office in Cambridge, Massachusetts, independent of the U.S.
Naval Observatory in Washington. In Cambridge the Office had access to
Harvard University and Professor Benjamin Peirce, the leading American
mathematician of the time. The Office would remain in Cambridge until
1866, when it was moved to Washington, DC. In 1893, the Nautical Almanac
Office moved into office space at the U.S. Naval Observatory's new home
north of Georgetown.
In 1852, the Office published its first volume, The American Ephemeris and
Nautical Almanac for 1855. An extract of this, The American Nautical
Almanac for 1855, was issued for mariners. The American Ephemeris and
Nautical Almanac provided data needed by astronomers and surveyors. In
addition to its practical purpose, it served as a source of national pride.
The volume was regarded as an important demonstration of the developing
scientific prowess in the United States. The American Ephemeris and
Nautical Almanac and its successors, The Astronomical Almanac and The
Nautical Almanac, have been published continuously ever since. The Air
Almanac, a publication geared towards aviation navigation, has been
published continuously since 1941.
Over the years, the Nautical Almanac Office has employed several of the
nation's most able astronomers and mathematicians, including Simon Newcomb
and G. W. Hill, whose 19th Century theories on the motions of the planets
remained in use until the 1980's. In the 1940's, the first mechanical
computers dramatically improved the accuracy and streamlined the production
of the Almanacs. In the 1960's, the Office established a close and lasting
relationship with Her Majesty's Nautical Almanac Office in Great Britain
and with scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The Astronomical
Almanac (a new, joint publication of the British and American Offices) was
introduced in 1984.
Today, the Nautical Almanac Office is a part of the USNO's Astronomical
Applications Department. It continues to provide annual printed almanacs
for air and marine navigation, and for use by astronomers worldwide. In
addition, it continues to develop and refine computer-based almanacs, such
as the Multiyear Interactive Computer Almanac (MICA), and to provide a wide
range of free, interactive almanac data via the USNO's World Wide Web site.
In addition to providing critical astronomical data, the Astronomical
Applications Department also carries out a modest research program in
diverse areas, including celestial mechanics, positional astronomy, and
navigation, to enable it to meet future needs.
(Based on a press release of the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Naval
Observatory. Information Contact: John Bangert, bangert@aa.usno.navy.mil .
Press Contact: Geoff Chester, grc@spica.usno.navy.mil)
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 34, March 8, 1999
...........................................................................
Symposium announcement
----------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 37,
22. Januar 1999, Item 3.)
THE LEGACY OF J.C. KAPTEYN
An overview of Kapteyn's influence on astronomy
Groningen, The Netherlands, June 9 - 11, 1999
AIMS
----
The University of Groningen was founded in 1614 and consequently will
be celebrating in 1999 its 385th anniversary. In this year we are less
than 2 years away from the end of the twentieth century and the beginning
of the third millennium. When the twentieth century started, Kapteyn had
just completed publication (between 1896 and 1900) of the "Cape
Photographic Durchmusterung", a work that established his international
fame and leadership. Kapteyn's influence on astronomy in the Netherlands
is still alive; in fact it may be safely stated that the success of Dutch
astronomy in this century has for a major part been derived from Kapteyn
through his work, his students and his strong commitment to international
collaboration.
As part of the University's celebration of its lustrum a symposium
will be held which is organized by both the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute
and the History Department.
The primary aim is to concentrate on issues related to the sociology
of Kapteyn's influence. It would be of interest to try to trace the
continuation of Kapteyn's initiatives in research, campaigns and
organizations by concentrating on both persons and themes.
The symposium will last three days with six half-day sessions, mainly
made up of invited contributions. Speakers include W.E. Krul,
W.T. Sullivan, W.R. de Sitter, M. Schmidt, D. DeVorkin, R. Smith,
G. Gilmore, M.A.C. Perryman, L. Woltjer and various members of the
Scientific Organizing Committee. The final program will leave ample time
for discussion. The symposium should be attended by an international
audience consisting of both astronomers with a historical interest and
historians of astronomy and natural science.
More information about this symposium and how to register can be
obtained by visiting the symposium's web-page or sending an e-mail or
letter to the LOC.
ORGANIZATION
------------
Scientific Organizing Committee:
Chairpersons: Prof. P.C. van der Kruit, Prof. K. van Berkel
Other members: Prof. A. Blaauw, Prof. M.W. Feast,
Prof. O. Gingerich, Dr. K.H. Kuijken, Prof. J.D. North,
Prof. D.E. Osterbrock, Dr. P.R. Wesselius
Local Organizing Committee:
Chairperson: D.H.N. Staal
Other members: Prof. T.S. van Albada, T.A. Jurriens,
J.P. Terlouw, H.P. Zondervan-Kimsma
E-mail: jck99@astro.rug.nl
WWW page: http://www.astro.rug.nl/~jck99/
Post address: Kapteyn Institute,
LOC Kapteyn Symposium
P.O. Box 800
NL-9700 AV Groningen
The Netherlands
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 34, March 8, 1999
...........................................................................
Workshop announcement
---------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 37,
22. Januar 1999, Item 4.)
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
Homage to MIKLOS KONKOLY THEGE (1842-1916)
Tihany (Hungary), 13--15 August 1999
FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT
PURPOSE
-------
The purpose of this workshop is to mark the centenary of the founding of
the Konkoly Observatory in 1899 as a research institution of the Hungarian
state.
The workshop will bring together international experts in the history of
observational astronomy and astrophysics to present papers on various
topics. These topics will relate to observational astrophysics in the era
when Konkoly himself was active.
TOPICS COVERED
--------------
The main topics to be covered will be:
- Solar, stellar and solar-system astrophysics
- Instrumentation, telescopes and observatories
- Scientific results and concepts in astrophysics
- The interaction between astronomy and fundamental physics, and the
consequent birth of astrophysics
- The relationships between astronomers in the time of Konkoly and his
contemporaries
- International programmes in observational astronomy (such as Carte du
Ciel and CPD) and catalogues (Harvard photometry and HD Catalogue, etc.)
- The formation of international organisations (International Solar
Union, and later of IAU from the Astrographic Congress, etc.)
The workshop will explore topics such as these as they were in the half
century 1870-1920, which includes all the years when Konkoly himself was
active, from the time of his early interest in astronomy, the founding of
his private observatory in 1871, through to the time of his death in 1916
and to the building of the National Observatory at Svabhegy in Budapest in
the 1920s.
The workshop will not be devoted just to the life and work of Konkoly
himself, but will explore themes in international astronomy and
astrophysics current at the time of Konkoly and especially those which he
himself espoused.
DATES
-----
Friday August 13 to Sunday August 15, 1999. The workshop follows on
immediately after the conclusion of IAU Symposium 176.
VENUE
-----
The venue is a Conference Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences at
Tihany, Lake Balaton, Hungary. Group transport from Budapest will be
organized on August 13 (Friday afternoon), busses will bring participants
back to Budapest on Sunday August 15.
ACCOMMODATION
-------------
Guesthouse-type accommodation on the premises of the same Conference
Center. We have booked a number of rooms with double and triple occupancy
for the nights of August 13 and 14. The cost for a double room (single or
double occupancy) is about DM 50 per night, a room for three persons is
about DM 75 per night. These prices do not include breakfast.
PARTICIPATION
-------------
The number of participants is restricted to 25, and participation is by
invitation only.
REGISTRATION
------------
Interested participants are invited to register with the enclosed
registration form (which is also available at our website
http://www.vub.ac.be/STER/KONKOLY/tihany.html). The registration fee is
DM 120 and will cover one copy of the proceedings, the group transport
from Budapest to Tihany and back, the rent of the conference room, and
simple breakfast (catered by ourselves) on the days of August 14 and
15. Cash payment is accepted at the moment of registration.
ACCOMPANYING PERSONS
--------------------
We welcome accompanying persons, and there is no charge for registered
guests.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
-----------------
We try to run the Workshop with almost no financial sponsoring. Therefore,
WE CANNOT OFFER TRAVEL SUPPORT TO ANY OF THE PARTICIPANTS. Partial waving
of the registration fee can exceptionally be granted to young participants
who are not supported by a home institute. Applications for such support
should be made well in advance of the meeting.
PROCEEDINGS
-----------
All oral papers will be included in the Proceedings, which will be
edited by C. Sterken and J. Hearnshaw.
PRELIMINARY LIST OF SPEAKERS
----------------------------
Lajos Balazs
Hilmar Duerbeck
John Hearnshaw
Istvan Jankovics
James Caplan
Dimitar Sasselov
Anneliese Schnell
Klaus Staubermann
Chris Sterken
Endre Zsoldos
Mine Takeuti
Magda Vargha
Brian Warner
Gudrun Wolfschmidt
________________________________________________________________________
Scientific Organizing Committee: | Local Organizing Committee:
|
Chris Sterken | Magda Vargha
University of Brussels | Laszlo Szabados
Brussels, Belgium | Endre Zsoldos
(csterken@vub.ac.be) | (vargha@buda.konkoly.hu)
| (szabados@buda.konkoly.hu)
John Hearnshaw | (zsoldos@buda.konkoly.hu)
University of Canterbury |
Christchurch, New Zealand | Konkoly Observatory
(j.hearnshaw@phys.canterbury.ac.nz) | Budapest, Hungary
________________________________________|_______________________________
=======================================================================
= =
= REGISTRATION FORM =
= =
=======================================================================
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS
Homage to MIKLOS KONKOLY THEGE (1842-1916)
Tihany (Hungary), 13--15 August 1999
Family Name:
First Name:
Postal address:
FAX:
E-mail address:
Number of accompanying persons (with numbers):
Please complete if you wish to present a paper:
Title:
Authors:
Duration of talk:
Abstract:
Accommodation: please indicate your choice:
0 I prefer single occupancy
0 I wish to share a double room with:
0 I wish to share a triple room with:
Return to: Chris Sterken,
University of Brussels, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium,
e-mail: csterken@vub.ac.be, fax: 32 93623976
AN UP-TO-DATE VERSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENTS IS AVAILABLE AT:
http://www.vub.ac.be/STER/KONKOLY/tihany.html
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 34, March 8, 1999
...........................................................................
Symposium announcement
----------------------
XVIII International Scientific Instrument Symposium
Moscow - St. Petersburg, Russia
20-25 September 1999
The International Scientific Instrument Symposium will be for the first
time held in Russia in 1999. The Organizers of the Symposium in the
Russian Federation are The Institute of the History of Science and
Technology of Russian Academy of Sciences, and The Union of Scientific and
Engineering Associations. The Symposium includes sessions with papers in
Moscow (20-22 September 1999) and a two-day post-conference tour to
St.Petersburg for visiting museums and institutes (23-24 September 1999).
The Symposium will be held in the year of the 275th anniversary of the
foundation of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Creation of the Academy was
based on the establishment of close connections with scholars and
scientific institutions of other countries. With this in mind, the main
theme of the symposium is:
Historical relations between Russia and other countries in the field
of scientific instruments.
Although this theme will be given priority, papers on other problems will
be included as well. Abstracts with not more than 300 words are to be sent
by mail to the Conference Office before April 30, 1999. Speakers will have
20 minutes for their reports; an additional 5 minutes will be given to
answer questions. Poster papers will be allowed also.
Address of the Conference Office:
XVIII International Scientific Instrument Symposium
Institute of the History of Science and Technology, RAS
Staropanski per., 1/5, Moscow, 103012, Russia.
Telephone: (095) 921 8061
Fax: (095) 925 9911
E-mail: borisov@history.ihst.ru
Location and Fees
The Symposium will be held in the Conference Hall at the Presidium of
Russian Academy of Sciences. Accommodations for participants will be at
the nearby hotel Sputnik except for students (those paying the reduced
students fee) who will be offered accommodations at a students hostel.
The address of the hotel is:
Hotel Sputnik
Leninsky prospekt 38, Moscow
(from metro station Leninsky prospect the hotel is 7 min. walk
away).
The registration fee includes: hotel accommodation, lunches and
coffee-breaks during the sessions, documents (book of abstracts, notebook,
postcards, etc.), receptions and conference dinner, excursions to museums
and bus service.
The standard registration fee is:
$500 if payment is made before 1st June.
$550 if payment is made on or after 1st June.
A reduced registration fee for students is $420.
Participants who wish to go to St. Petersburg should make additional
payment for this trip. Payment for the trip to St. Petersburg (23rd-24th
September) includes: railway ticket to St. Petersburg (and back if
necessary), hotel accommodation, meals, excursions to museums and bus
service.
The cost of the trip to St. Petersburg is:
$275 for those who leave Russia from St. Petersburg.
$350 for those who return to Moscow.
Preliminary Programme
Arrival - Moscow
Sunday
September 19
Arrival of the symposium participants
Check in at the Hotel Sputnik or student Hostel
Moscow Conference
Monday
September 20
Opening Session
Papers
Excursion to the Kremlin with visit to the Armoury
Opening Reception
Tuesday
September 21
Papers
Excursion to the State Polytechnical Museum
Reception in the Museum
Wednesday
September 22
Papers
Plenary Session of the Scientific Instrument Commission
Excursions to Moscow museums (by choice):
- Museum of the Astronomical Institute named after P.K.
Sternberg
- Exhibition devoted to the modern aspects of instrument
development
held in Bauman Moscow State Technical University
- Museum of Moscow State University of Geodesy and
Cartography
- The Faculty of Physics of Moscow State University
- Museum of History of Moscow Medical Academy
named after I. Sechenov
- The State Historical Museum Memorial Museum of
P.L. Kapitza
Departure to St. Petersburg for a two-day excursion.
St. Petersburg Trip
Thursday
September 23
Excursion to the Museum "The State Hermitage"
Lecture delivered by V. Matveev:
"Scientific instruments and watches in the
Hermitage Collection"
Visits to St. Petersburg museums (by choice):
- D.I. Mendeleev Archival Museum in St. Petersburg
University
- Museum of the Radium Institute named after V.P.
Khlopin
- Central Museum of Communications named after A.S.
Popov
Friday
September 24
Visit to the Lomonosov Museum and the Observatory
named after A. Voieikov
Lecture delivered by N. Nevskaya:
"Instruments of the St. Petersburg Observatory"
Visits to St. Petersburg area museums (by choice):
- Central Navy Museum
- Museum of the Research Institute of the HF currents
named after V.P. Vologdin
- Museum-laboratory named after A.S. Popov in
Kronstadt
Closing Reception
For more information, please contact the Conference Office, or visit
the Symposium's Web site at
http://www.sic.iuhps.org/conf1999/
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 35
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 35, March 25, 1999 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Steven J. Dick: Commission 41 2000 and 2001 Time Ball Initiative
2. History of Astronomy Discussions in California
3. History of Astronomy Colloquium in Goettingen
4. The Fifth Annual Conference of The North American Sundial Society
5. Colloquium Announcement: 400 Years of Astronomy on Merseyside
6. Conferences 1999
7. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999
...........................................................................
Commission 41 2000 and 2001 Time Ball Initiative
------------------------------------------------
By Steven J. Dick, Washington, D.C.
(From: IAU Comm. 41 Newsletter, 1997-2000 Triennium, October 1998,
Issue # 3. See
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/iaucomm41/news/c41_news_03.html .
Also published in "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte"
Nr. 37, 22. Januar 1999, Item 2.)
In conjunction with the arrival of the years 2000 and 2001, the U. S.
Naval Observatory and IAU Commission 41 "History of Astronomy" are
coordinating a worldwide time ball drop on New Year's Eve. The concept is
that as the new year sweeps around the world, time balls will be dropped at
midnight local time beginning in New Zealand, then Australia, South Africa,
Sweden, UK, and the Naval Observatory in Washington. These are the
currently active time balls that we are aware of. If you are aware of any
others, please let me know.
As you know, time balls were historically an important means of time
dissemination, and therefore an important part of the history of practical
astronomy. At the beginning of the century, 19 were being dropped in the
United States alone. We believe that this worldwide coordinated effort
will not only draw attention to the historical importance of time balls and
also to a small part of the history of astronomy, but also to the modern
means of time dissemination via the Global Positioning System.
Each site will be responsible for any associated celebratory activities.
At the Naval Observatory in Washington, we plan to invite the public to
celebrate the beginning of 2000 and 2001 by watching the time ball drop
from a mast near the dome of one of our telescopes. In conjunction with
this we will offer tours of the Observatory and views through the
telescope. These celebratory events will undoubtedly draw a good deal of
publicity; in the United States a consortium of broadcast media is planning
25 hours of continuous coverage worldwide for the new Millennium.
Information on the first time balls, erected in Portsmouth and Greenwich,
is found in Ian R. Bartky and Steven J. Dick, "The First Time Balls,"
Journal for the History of Astronomy, 12 (1981), 155-74. On the first
North American time balls see Ian R. Bartky and Steven J. Dick, "The
First North American Time Ball," Journal for the History of Astronomy, 13
(1982), 50-54; For the spread of time balls in the United States see Ian R.
Bartky, "Naval Observatory Time Dissemination Before the Wireless," in Sky
with Ocean Joined, Steven J. Dick and LeRoy Doggett, eds. (Washington,
1983), 1-28. The latter contains numerous illustrations of time balls, as
does Bartky's article "The Bygone Era of Time Balls," Sky and Telescope
(January, 1987), 32-35.
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999
...........................................................................
History of Astronomy Discussions in California
----------------------------------------------
March 27, 1999, Van Nuys, California: Society for the History of
Astronomy, 83rd meeting. 8:30 AM: coffee, doughnuts, conversation.
9 AM: "From the Tears of St. Lawrence to Falling Rubies and Tourmalines:
Meteors Past and Present (and a Bit of the Future)", led by Steve Edberg,
Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Then: "No Small Dreams: Designing the Hale
200-inch Telescope", led by Tony Cook, Griffith Observatory. Then a late,
leisurely lunch. Meet at Los Angeles Valley College Planetarium, 5800
Fulton, Van Nuys. For SHA information, contact Margot Wood, President,
210 S. Guadalupe Ave., Redondo Beach, CA 90277 USA. +1 310-379-8339.
June 5, 1999, Oakland, California: Northern California Historical
Astronomy Luncheon and Discussion Association, 49th meeting. 9:30 AM:
refreshments and conversation. 10 AM: "Prehistory and History of
Calculus", led by Alan R. Fisher, Chabot Observatory. Then lunch at a
local restaurant. 2 PM: "Lunar Probes", led by Nancy Cox, San Francisco
Amateur Astronomers. Meet at Chabot Observatory, 4917 Mountain Blvd.,
Oakland, CA 94619. For NCHALADA information, contact Norman Sperling,
Everything in the Universe, 185 John Street, Oakland, CA 94611.
Phone & fax: +1 510-547-6523. e-mail: nsperling@california.com .
Starting March 31: www.everythingintheuniv.com .
Both SHA and NCHALADA are informal, with participants pointing out
perspectives from many disciplines, sometimes wittily. Neither group has
formal officers, by-laws or dues. Contributions are appreciated to offset
refreshments and postage. People who bring munchies are very popular.
(Provided by Norman Sperling)
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999
...........................................................................
History of Astronomy Colloquium in Goettingen
---------------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 38,
17. Maerz 1999, Item 2. Translation provided by the authors.)
The annual convention of the Astronomische Gesellschaft will be taking
place in Goettingen this year under the rubric "New Astrophysical
Horizons". At this occasion there will be a Colloquium of the Working
Group for the History of Astronomy on
Monday, September 20, 1999, starting at about 10 am.
The Local Organizing Committee has approved the following general theme:
The history and function of nonverbal representations
in astronomical and astrophysical research practice
This primarily involves images or other forms of pictorial registration
(e.g., photographs, video tapes) of observational data. For more details
please see below.
The recommended conference language is English. Participants who want to
attend the AK meeting only, but not the (rest of) the AG meeting, will have
to pay a reduced conference fee of 30,- DEM.
Please direct any questions about the content, offers to deliver brief
talks together with a one-page English abstract, typed by typewriter, or as
a text file in ASCII, or as an rtf file in Word95/97, or a TeX file, if
possible no later than
31 May 1999
to:
Dr. habil. Klaus Hentschel
Institute for History of Science
University of Goettingen
Humboldtallee 11
D-37073 Goettingen
Phone +(49)-551-398412
E-mail: khentsc@gwdg.de
Organisational questions, technical requests, etc. may be directed to:
Dr. Axel D. Wittmann
Universitaets-Sternwarte
Geismarlandstr. 11
D-37083 Goettingen
Phone +(49)-551-395045
Fax +(49)-551-395043
E-mail: wittmann@uni-sw.gwdg.de
The history and function of nonverbal representations
in astronomical and astrophysical research practice
Colloquium of the Working Group for the History of Astronomy (Arbeitskreis
Astronomiegeschichte), in Goettingen, on Monday, 20 September 1999
Pictorial or graphical records form an integral part of the history of
astronomy, from its very beginnings down to modern-day electronically
manipulable CCD-imaging.
Examples include: star-position charts, lunar maps, sunspot sketches and
photographs, spectral atlases, graphical data representations (such as the
Hertzsprung-Russell or the Maunder diagrams), spectroheliograms, planet
drawings, images from satellites and outer space, photometer curves, and
many more.
How direct is this graphic conversion by man or machine of the subject of
observation or registration? What problems emerge in the translation
process? How does the constant search for improvements in the
representational form develop?
One instance is the rise of photography, which was welcomed with the hope
that henceforth "Nature herself" would become the recorder, thus doing away
with the problems of human bias and artistic deficiency (Fox Talbot's "The
Pencil of Nature", 1844).
In practice, though, the retouching of photographic prints was as inescapable
as the necessity of the observer to select the 'best' (also aesthetically
speaking) among the available images. Well into the 1890s, lithography
remained the preferred means in spectroscopy of depicting the optical
spectrum, despite its high production costs.
When does such a change in preference occur?
What are the repercussions in the research practice?
What influence do external technological developments have?
How did and how do astronomers and astrophysicists interact with
illustrators, engravers, lithographers, photographers, and other
specialists in the graphic arts involved in the drafting or finishing
of their figures for publication or teaching?
What criteria are used in such reworking - are they really unassailable?
What heuristics are used to discriminate between facts and artefacts?
What specifically happened in controversies over illustrations (like the
one about the notorious Martian channels), and what technical
alternatives for representations existed at the various times?
Aside from documenting observational results, images have other functions
as well: they must convince the reader or viewer, clarify complicated
processes by means of simplified illustration, or be a mnemonic aid to the
beginner in visualizing specific patterns.
How are and were the classes of stellar spectra or solar spots learned?
What role did pictures have in teaching?
Historical studies of astronomical and astrophysical representations are
our main emphasis, but scientists in the field are also invited to think
about the current functions of imaging (e.g., unsharp masking, speckle
deconvolution, or image compression) and the ever changing techniques
used, which inevitably will soon become part of history as well.
Klaus Hentschel, Axel Wittmann
Editors's note:
Links to the Meeting of the Astronomische Gesellschaft and to history of
astronomy as well as general information on Goettingen may be found at
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/aa/goett1999/ .
Later, the programme of the colloquium will be published there.
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999
...........................................................................
The Fifth Annual Conference of The North American Sundial Society
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Set aside the weekend of October 8-10, 1999 to be in Hartford, Connecticut
(USA) for an entertaining, informative, social conference! Meet fellow
dialists, share your experiences and enthusiasm, and come away with new
bits of knowledge relating to one of humanity's oldest inventions! We will
begin early on Friday October 8 (you can register the night before) and
will go through midday on Sunday the 10th.
Each year our conference features several stimulating presentations on
dialing - covering such areas as history, art, technology, instruments,
theory and current practice. Presenters include scholars and hobbyists,
longtime dialists and newly emerging novices. In addition to these
presentations, we also encourage members to bring items for a show-and-tell
session or for display during the meeting.
The conference also includes a Saturday bus tour which this year will take
us through Hartford and its suburbs to visit 7 interesting dials (including
3 by NASS members) and will conclude with a visit to the Albert Waugh
collection of rare books on dialing at the University of Connecticut. This
collection includes 162 titles covering 423 years of dialing practice.
Hartford is readily accessible by air, train, bus or car. The city is
served by Bradley International Airport. Amtrak trains run regularly from
New York. The Trailways and Greyhound bus terminals are within a few
blocks of the conference hotel. And Hartford is at the intersection of two
major Interstates: 91 and 84.
The dates of the conference this year have been selected to give attendees
an opportunity to view the beautiful Fall Foliage in New England. A drive
north along Interstate 91 into Vermont in the week following the conference
would take you right into the peak viewing region. The gorgeous colors
usually reach their peak in Connecticut around October 15. Other
attractions in Hartford include The Mark Twain House - which Twain designed
and lived in while he wrote his most famous novels; and the Wadsworth
Atheneum - the oldest public art museum in the country. Other sites within
driving distance include The American Watch and Clock Museum (Bristol), Old
Mystic Seaport (Mystic) and Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge MA).
Final registration details will be included with the June issue of The
Compendium. (If you would like to receive registration information as soon
as it becomes available, send a note to Fred Sawyer and I will put you on
the notification list.)
CALL FOR PAPERS
Papers on topics related to sundials, dialing or dialists - whether dealing
with history, art, technology, instruments, theory or current practice, are
welcome!
Presentations should be 15-25 minutes in length and may be published in The
Compendium, the society's quarterly journal.
Please submit title, time requirements, and an abstract of not more than
200 words to
Frederick W. Sawyer III, 8 Sachem Drive, Glastonbury CT 06033 USA
(fax: 860-403-5295, email: frederick.sawyer.es.72@aya.yale.edu)
no later than June 15, 1999.
If you have items for show-and-tell or for display, please provide details
so that appropriate time and space can be allocated. For information on
the conference, address inquiries to NASS at the above address.
(Provided by Frederick W. Sawyer III)
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999
...........................................................................
Colloquium Announcement: 400 Years of Astronomy on Merseyside
-------------------------------------------------------------
Merseyside Maritime Museum, NMGM
Saturday 16th October 1999
Programme:
09.30 Registration
09.45 The Telescopes of William Lassell (Jeff Hall, University of
Liverpool)
10.10 Isaac Roberts (Philip Pennington, University of Liverpool)
10.35 Solar Eclipse Observations (Dr Eric Jones, Proudman
Oceanographic Laboratory)
11.00 Coffee
11.30 The Mars Observations of Dawes and Lassell (Dr Patrick Moore)
12.30 Lunch
13.40 Astronomy at Bidston Observatory (Martin Suggett, NMGM)
14.05 George Higgs and the Solar Spectrum (Alan Bowden, NMGM)
14.30 Liverpool to Leeds and Preston to Chester: The English Corridor
of Astronomical Innovation, 1630 to the present day'. (Dr Allan
Chapman, University of Oxford)
15.30 Tea
15.50 The Astrophysics Research Institute, the Liverpool Telescope and
modern Astronomy on Merseyside (Prof. Mike Bode, John Moores University)
16.50 Plenary discussion and concluding remarks
17.30 End of Conference
The cost is pounds 15 per delegate, payable in advance, including
lunch and tea / coffee
Contacts are Phil Pennington (tel.: 01744 739959)
or e-mail: ggastro@liverpool.ac.uk
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999
...........................................................................
Conferences 1999
----------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 38,
17. Maerz 1999, Item 4.)
Further conferences in the year 1999 were reported in previous issues
of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
April 23-25, 1999, Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca Gnomonic Meeting
Further information: J.M. Vallhonrat, c/. Atenes, 3, 08006 Barcelona,
Spain, Phone: 34-93-2017578, Fax: 34-93-2040212, e-mail: scg@troc.es
June 21-29, 1999, La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Oxford VI International Conference on Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy
in Culture and the S.E.A.C. 1999 Annual Meeting
Registration and further information: Dr. Juan Antonio Belmonte,
Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias, C/ Via Lactea S.N.,
38200 La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain, Phone: 34-922-605265 or 34-922-263454,
Fax: 34-922-605210 or 34-922-263295, e-mail: jba@iac.es
URL: http://www.iac.es/oxford6/oxford6.htm
October 15-16, 1999, Leiden, The Netherlands
Symposium of the Anton Mensing Scientific Instrument Project
Further information: Peter de Clercq, Museum Boerhaave,
Lange St. Agnietenstraat 10, Postbox 11280,
2301 EG Leiden, The Netherlands, e-mail: declercq@xs4all.nl
URL: http://www.sic.iuhps.org/mtle1999/
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 13, Dez. 1998, p. 3.
Also published in "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte"
Nr. 38, 17. Maerz 1999, Item 6. Partial translations by the editor.)
100 Jahre Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl, 1898-1998 [100 years
Observatory Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl, 1898-1998. - In German]. Heidelberg
1998. 48 pp., numerous illus., Paperback DM 5.00 + postage
[Distribution: Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl, attn. Dr. Holger
Mandel, Koenigstuhl 12, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany,
Tel.: +49 (0) 6221 509-0, Fax: +49 (0) 6221 509-202]
Geomagnetism and aeronomy (with special historical case studies).
Proceedings of the session during the IAGA General Assembly in
Uppsala/Sweden, August 1997. Bremen-Roennebeck, 1998. ca. 450 p., ill.,
DM 40.00, US$ 25.00
[Contains also contributions on history of astronomy. Distribution:
W.Schroeder, Science Edition, Hechelstr. 8, D-28777 Bremen-Roennebeck,
Germany]
Kepler, Johannes: Gesammelte Werke. Band 20,2 [Collected works. Vol 20,2].
Manuscripta astronomica (II). Commentaria in Theoriam Martis. Bearbeitet
von [Edited by] Volker Bialas. Unter Mitwirkung von [With support by]
Friederike Boockmann, Johanna Kuric, Inge Noeggerath.
Munich: Beck, 1998. 651 pp., ISBN 3-406-40592-4, Semi-parchment DM 198.00;
ISBN 3-406-40593-2, Paperback DM 168.00
[Contains previously unpublished notes by Kepler on his "Astronomia Nova"
(calculations, derivations, demonstrations, summaries, preliminary
thoughts and conclusions). Text in Latin, comments by the editor in
German.]
Orchiston, Wayne: Nautical astronomy in New Zealand : the voyages of James
Cook. Wellington, New Zealand: Carter Observatory, 1998. 131 p., 31 fig.,
22 tabl., ref., 21 x 29,5 cm, ISBN 0-473-05303-9, pb. (Occasional papers ;
No. 1)
[Distribution: Carter Observatory, P.O. Box 2909, Wellington, New Zealand.
Prices: Asia, Canada & USA: $NZ 38.00; UK & Europe: $NZ 39.00; Please pay
by cheque or bank draft in New Zealand Dollars. Prices include airmail
postage.]
Schroeder, Wilfried (Ed.): From Newton to Einstein. (A Festschrift
in honour of the 70th birthday of Hans-Juergen Treder). Bremen-Roennebeck,
1998. 450 p., illus., DM 40.00, US$ 30.00 (pb).
[Distribution: W.Schroeder, see above]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Volker Bialas, Gerard Gilligan, Carlos Jaschek, Holger Mandel, Wayne
Orchiston, Wilfried Schroeder.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 36
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 36, May 5, 1999 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Gerhard Scholz: The Great Refractor on the Telegrafenberg -
100 years old
2. Michael J. Crowe: History of Astronomy Meetings at Notre Dame
3. Joseph S. Tenn: History of Astronomy Meeting in Toronto
4. Symposium announcement: Scientific Instruments: Originals and Imitations
5. Symposium announcement: Portraiture and Scientific Identity
6. Conferences 1999/2000
Erratum: ENHA 12, Item 9 (New Books)
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 36, May 5, 1999
...........................................................................
The Great Refractor on the Telegrafenberg - 100 years old
---------------------------------------------------------
By Gerhard Scholz, Potsdam
Foundation and scientific purposes
One of the most renowned scientific achievements in the first years of
the Astrophysical Observatory Potsdam was the introduction, encouraged
by the first Director, H.C. Vogel, of the photographic plate for the
determination of radial velocities of stars. Observations in those days
were carried out with a 30-cm refractor, which rather limited the
application to bright stars; in order to include fainter stars in this
prestigious programme, more powerful telescopes were required.
The idea to construct what in those days was considered to be a huge
astronomical telescope had already been discussed shortly after the
founding of the Observatory in 1874. In 1889 a double refractor, with
apertures of 32.5 and 23.5 cm and a focal length of 3.4 m, had just been
mounted in the "Photokuppel" (Photo-dome) to the west of the main
Observatory building; it was used mainly for cartography of northern-
hemisphere stars as part of the Observatory's contribution towards
the Carte du Ciel which had been planned by the Paris congress of
astronomers in 1887. Although this instrument was very practical and
successful for taking photographic records of star fields, it was too
small to take over the spectroscopic observations of radial velocities.
Plans for a new and larger double refractor had been proposed by Vogel in
1890. The preference for a refractor rather than a reflector was due to
the relatively primitive technology of the latter at that time, whereas
the necessary technical experiments with large lenses could be carried out
in the Observatory's own laboratories. The dimensions of the lenses were
carefully calculated according to the laboratory tests of the properties
of the different kinds of glass.
The large telescope, called the Great Refractor, was completed just before
the turn of the century, and was inaugurated in the presence of Emperor
Wilhelm II on August 26, 1899.
Architecture
The buildings of the Observatory, founded 25 years previously, already
comprised a main building with three domes, the Photo-dome, a Director's
private house, three houses for observers, and a machine shop. The dome
of the Great Refractor was added in a manner that preserved the harmony
and uniform style of the architecture originally created by the Court
Councillor P. Spieker. The whole ensemble, including the building and the
instrument, are now officially protected monuments. The erection of the
building for the Great Refractor was accompanied by that of two more
houses, (i) the Beamtenwohnhaus for the castle warden, the telescope
mechanic and other auxiliary staff and guests of the Observatory, and
(ii) the engine house for a gas-driven generator.
Dome, mechanical details, mounting
The mechanical parts of the telescope, in particular the German mounting,
were constructed in Hamburg by Repsold & Soehne and installed in a dome
having an inner diameter of 21 m and a height of 18 m. The moving parts of
the telescope weighed 7 tons. The dome, whose total weight was 200 tons,
was manufactured by Bretschneider & Kruegner in Pankow. The moving
mechanism of the dome and the observer's lift, which is technically unique,
were made in Berlin by Hoppe. The electrical work, including the driving
motors, was carried out by Siemens & Halske.
Optical equipment
The Great Refractor has two objectives:
objective diameter focal length wavelength of correction
1. 80 cm 12.2 m 425 nm
2. 50 cm 12.5 m 600 nm
Both objectives are doublets of crown and flint glass, and were made by
the optics firm Steinheil (Munich). The blocks of raw optical glass
were supplied by Schott (Jena).
With its diameter of 80 cm for the larger objective, the Great Refractor
is the world's fourth largest, whereas its colour correction optimized for
photographic plates is unique. The tube of the 50 cm objective, fixed
parallel to that of the main tube and corrected for the visual colour
range, was initially used as a guiding telescope. The two objectives
possessed different qualities:
1. The 80 cm objective revealed zonal chromatic errors and an irregular
astigmatism which could not be removed even after several retouches. After
the final retouch in 1942 the quality of the lens was considered good,
and useable for many observational projects.
2. The 50 cm objective was rather good from the start, and has been
improved even further by re-touches carried out personally (in 1911 and
1914) by the famous optician Bernhard Schmidt, making it one of the best
(and most valuable) refractor objectives of this size in the world.
Research
When the 80 cm lens was first brought into service, its condition required
the invention of methods for testing astronomical optics. Several methods
of them, such as the Hartmann test, are still in use today. The
astronomical observations concentrated especially on spectroscopy of close
binaries. From these observations the existence of interstellar matter
could be inferred. Unfortunately, the efficiency of the spectroscopic
observations made with that telescope was affected by the length of the
tube and by size and weight of the spectrograph which the telescope could
carry. So, the use for the investigation of spectroscopic binaries was
quite limited. However, for observations of visual double stars the long
focal length of the telescope proved to be an asset, thus making it
particularly suitable for the absolute determination of stellar masses. In
1968 the scientific profile of the institute was changed and the
observations were stopped.
Preservation
In order to save the Great Refractor in Potsdam as an important scientific
monument of the astronomical history and taking its 100th birthday as an
occasion, a reconstruction of the instrument has just going on. The
government of Brandenburg, the Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, and
the "Foerderverein Grosser Refraktor Potsdam e.V." support this task.
Author's address:
Dr. Gerhard Scholz
Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam
Sonnenobservatorium Einsteinturm
Telegrafenberg A31
D 14473 Potsdam
Germany
Tel.: +49-331-288-2309, Fax: +49-331-288-2310
E-Mail: GScholz@aip.de
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 36, May 5, 1999
...........................................................................
History of Astronomy Meetings at Notre Dame
-------------------------------------------
By Michael J. Crowe, Notre Dame, IN
All persons attending the Fourth Biennial History of Astronomy Workshop to
be held at the University of Notre Dame on July 1 to July 4, 1999 (cf.
ENHA No. 31, Item 2) are invited to participate in a free one-day
conference at Notre Dame on July 1 (9am to 5:15pm) entitled: "Perspectives
on the Question of Extraterrestrial Intelligent Life." The presentations
in this short conference should be of interest to many historians of
astronomy.
For more information, including the program for this mini-conference, see
http://www.nd.edu/~histast4/minicon.html
For those wishing to arrive one day early so as to attend this one-day
conference, the same low cost housing as for the History of Astronomy
Conference will be available. We will also be able to provide free
transportation from the South Bend Airport for those wishing this.
The program for the History of Astronomy Workshop is now available. It
features ca. 50 presentations, including some by internationally prominent
historians of astronomy. Ten speakers are coming from abroad.
To see the program and to secure other information about the workshop and
to register, see the workshop website: http://www.nd.edu/~histast4
The program itself can be seen at
http://www.nd.edu/~histast4/schedule.html
Author's address:
Professor Michael J. Crowe
Program of Liberal Studies
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA
Phone: 219-631-6212
E-mail: Michael.J.Crowe.1@nd.edu
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 36, May 5, 1999
...........................................................................
History of Astronomy Meeting in Toronto
---------------------------------------
By Joseph S. Tenn, Rohnert Park, CA, USA
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP) will hold its "111th Annual
Meeting" jointly with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) and
the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO) in Toronto,
Canada on 1-7 July 1999. Three history sessions will be presented by the
ASP history committee:
I. Amateur Contributions to Astronomy - Invited lectures for the general
public: Sunday morning, 4 July.
II. General History of Astronomy - invited lectures for the general public:
Sunday afternoon, 4 July.
III. General History of Astronomy - contributed papers for those
particularly interested in the history of astronomy: Monday, 5 July.
The programs for sessions I and II are available at
http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/people/faculty/tenn/ASPHistory/
1999long.html
along with the papers contributed to date for session III.
Both oral and poster papers are solicited for the third session. Poster
papers will be displayed Sunday as well as Monday.
***DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF TITLES AND ABSTRACTS IS 14 MAY 1999***
The nonhistory portions of the meeting, other than the weekend, will
consist mostly of lectures of interest to amateur astronomers. The weekend
sessions are for the interested public and will include many talks on
current developments in astronomy as well as on history. There will be a
tour of the historic David Dunlap Observatory Monday evening.
For further information regarding the overall ASP-RASC-AAVSO meeting see
http://www.aspsky.org/subpages/mtng.html
The ASP History Committee and sessions at this and previous meetings may
be found at
http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/people/faculty/tenn/ASPHistory/
If you wish to contribute a paper, please contact the author.
Author's address:
Joseph S. Tenn, Chair, ASP History Committee
Dept. of Physics & Astronomy
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA 94928-3609
USA
e-mail: joe.tenn@sonoma.edu
Phone: +1 707 664-2594, fax: +1 707 664-2505
URL: http://www.phys-astro.sonoma.edu/people/faculty/tenn/
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 36, May 5, 1999
...........................................................................
Symposium announcement
----------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 40,
30. April 1999, Item 1.)
Scientific Instruments: Originals and Imitations. The Mensing Connection
Museum Boerhaave, Leiden, The Netherlands
October 15-16, 1999
This symposium is part of the Anton Mensing Scientific Instrument Project,
a joint venture of the Museum Boerhaave, Leiden, the Nederlands
Scheepvaartmuseum, Amsterdam, the Utrecht University Museum and the Adler
Planetarium and Astronomy Museum, Chicago. It aims to trace, catalogue and
research the instruments owned by Anton W.M. Mensing (1866-1936), director
and owner of Frederik Muller & Co., auctioneers in Amsterdam. Ever since
they were dispersed, there have been doubts on the authenticity of a
section of the Mensing instruments; indeed, several have been proved to be
forgeries. The symposium will address the problem of authenticity and
historic scientific instruments.
Programme Details
Friday 15 October
10.00-10.45 Introductions
P.R. de Clercq, London, United Kingdom
W.F.J. Morzer Bruyns, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
10.45-11.30 Paris, Amsterdam, London: the Collecting, Trade and
Display of Early Scientific Instruments, 1830-1930
A.J.Turner, Le Mesnil-le-Roi, France
11.30-12.00 Coffee
12.00-12.45 Recognizing Imitation Instruments
G.L'E. Turner, Oxford, United Kingdom
12.45-14.30 Lunch
14.30-15.15 Why Make Fakes?
O. Gingerich, Harvard Smithsonian , USA
15.15-16.00 Twenty Years of Scientific Instruments at Auction
J. Collins, London, United Kingdom
16.00-16.30 Scientific and Technical Examination of Metal Objects
P. Hallebeek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Reception
Saturday 16 October
10.00-10.45 A Chapter in Silver Faking: the Feeterse Clan
K.A. Citroen, Aerdenhout, The Netherlands
10.45-11.30 Fakes among the Mensing Instruments
J.C. Deiman, Utrecht, The Netherlands
11.30-12.00 Coffee
12.00-12.30 The Tale of a Forger of Scientific Instruments
written by S.A. Bedini, Washington D.C., USA,
and read by A.J. Turner
12.30-13.00 Replicating Instruments: Some Practical Aspects
M. Brunold, Abtwil, Switserland
13.00-14.00 Lunch
14.00-15.30 Examination of imitation instruments
15.30-17.00 Final discussion
Chair: R.G.W. Anderson, London, United Kingdom
The registration fee is f 200 (approximately $95), and includes lunches and
drinks as well as a copy of the proceedings, which will be edited by Peter
de Clercq and published in the series of Museum Boerhaave Communications.
For further details and registration, contact the local organizer:
Agnes Rappard
Museum Boerhaave
Postbox 11280
2301 EG Leiden
The Netherlands
tel. +31 (0)71 5214 224 extension 602
fax +31 (0)71 5120 344
[Source: http://www.sic.iuhps.org/mtle1999/ . Reprinted with permission.]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 36, May 5, 1999
...........................................................................
Symposium announcement
----------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 40,
30. April 1999, Item 2.)
Portraiture and Scientific Identity
National Portrait Gallery, London
23-24 June 2000
Announcement and Call for Papers (and Portraits)
This conference is being organised by the National Portrait Gallery
and the British Society for the History of Science.
The likely pattern of conference will be four plenary sessions and a number
of shorter sessions with papers of 25 minutes. Professor Ludmilla
Jordanova is responsible for the programme, and offers of short papers can
be made to her at any time between now and 1 November 1999. This should
take the form of a brief abstract of no more than one page, together with
any supporting material thought appropriate, for example, a list of items
already published on the topic.
The final programme will be drawn up by Christmas 1999 and it will be
circulated in the new year. A copy of the final programme can be sent to
those who provide the Education Department of the National Portrait Gallery
(St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE) with a stamped addressed envelop
marked 'BSHS conference'.
The meeting is being held in association with a small exhibition at the
National Portrait Gallery, which will explore portraiture in relation to
practitioners of science, medicine and technology since the seventeenth
century in Britain. The exhibition will open in late March or early April
and will close at the end of June 2000. It will contain works in all
media, and suggestions of unusual, visually interesting items that might be
included can be made to Professor Jordanova, who would be particularly
interested to hear of relevant self-portraits and of portraits made within
domestic settings. The practice of portraiture is one of the main themes
of the exhibition, so preparatory sketches are of particular relevance.
Professor Ludmilla Jordanova can be contacted at School of World Art
Studies and Museology, University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4
7TJ, e-mail: l.jordanova@uea.ac.uk
The BSHS website is at:
http://www.man.ac.uk/Science_Engineering/CHSTM/bshs/
[Provided by Jon Agar]
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 36, May 5, 1999
...........................................................................
Conferences 1999/2000
---------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 39,
8. April 1999, Item 7.)
Further conferences in the years 1999 and 2000 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
April 16-18, 1999, Brussels, Belgium
Reflections on XXth Century Sciences
International Symposium held by the Academie Royale des Sciences,
des Lettres et des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, Fondation Ochs-Lefebvre.
Eminent scientists will reflect on great advances in scientific knowledge
in this century and will endeavour to relate the major achievements to one
another across the specialization barriers.
Reserved to professional scientists. Since attendance will be strictly
limited to 220 participants, early registration is strongly recommended.
Among the areas covered: Astrophysics and Cosmology
Further information: Isabelle Schievekamp, Physics Dept., FUNDP,
Tel.: +32 81 72 47 16, Fax: +32 81 72 47 07, e-mail: ochs@fundp.ac.be
URL: http://www.scf.fundp.ac.be/~ischieve/ochs/
July 18-30, 1999, Birmingham, UK
22nd General Assembly of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics
International Association for Geomagnetism and Aeronomy Symposia:
GA 6.01 Long and Short Term Variability in Sun's History and Global Change
Papers should consider the historical records of long and short term solar
variability.
Lead Convener: Dr. Wilfried Schroeder, Hechelstrasse 8,
D-28777 Bremen-Roennebeck, Germany.
GA 6.02 400 Years of Geomagnetism
The aim of this symposium is to commemorate the 400 years of "The Magnete"
of William Gilbert.
Lead Convenor: A. Orozco, Instituto de Geofisica UNAM, Circuito Exterior,
Ciudad Universitaria Mexico, 20 DF CP 04510, Mexico, fax: 52 5 550 2486,
e-mail: adolfo@tonatiuh.igeofcu.unam.mx
URL: http://www.bham.ac.uk/IUGG99/ich.htm
See also:
http://weber.u.washington.edu/~hssexec/meetings/hss_meetings_iaga.html
September 10-12, 1999, Cambridge, UK
Women in the History of Science: biography, autobiography, tasks, results,
problems.
Open Conference/Workshop held by the Women's Commission of the DHS/IUHPS.
Place: Newnham College
To join the email list to receive further information, write to
jm148@cam.ac.uk .
URL: http://www.cilea.it/history/DHS/womenDHS.htm
September 18-19, 1999, Oxford, UK
Medieval Mathematics
Place: Kellogg College, Oxford
Further Information: Raymond Flood (e-mail: raymond.flood@conted.ox.ac.uk)
and Eleanor Robson (e-mail: eleanor.robson@wolfson.ox.ac.uk)
March 2000, Munich, Germany
History of Geophysics and Space Physics.
One day session during the Annual Meeting of the German Geophysical
Society.
Further information: Dr. Wilfried Schroeder, Hechelstrasse 8,
D-28777 Bremen-Roennebeck, Germany.
Announcement: http://weber.u.washington.edu/~hssexec/meetings/
hss_meetings_geophysics2.html
April 10 - 12, 2000, Leeds, UK
Science in the Nineteenth-Century Periodical - an interdisciplinary
Conference
Place: University of Leeds
Deadlines: 1 June 1999
Further Information: Dr. J. R. Topham, School of Philosophy,
University of Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK, e-mail: j.r.topham@leeds.ac.uk (no file
attachments please), tel: 0114-2228484 or 0113-2333280,
fax: 0114-2228481 or 0113-2333265
Announcement: http://weber.u.washington.edu/~hssexec/meetings/19thcper.html
...........................................................................
Erratum: ENHA 12, Item 9 (New Books)
------------------------------------
In ENHA No. 12, November 17, 1995, Item 9 (New Books), the author of a book
was omitted by mistake. The entry should read correctly:
DeVorkin, David H.: Science with a vengeance: How the military created the
US space sciences after World War II. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1993.
Pp. xxii, 404, ISBN 0-387-94137-1, $ 39.95 (pb)
[paperbound edition of 1992 hardcover]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition Jon Agar and Peter
de Clercq.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
WWW servers, BBS etc. is allowed after the editor has been informed.
Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Working Group for the History of
Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
Bank Acct. of the Working Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft:
Acct # 333 410 41, Sparkasse Bochum (BLZ 430 500 01)
Contributions from foreign countries: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt
Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 37
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 37, July 13, 1999 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Bart Fried: Antique Telescope Society Mailing List and Newsgroup
2. The LeRoy E. Doggett Prize
3. Conference Announcement: Giordano Bruno and our Epoch
4. Conferences 1999
5. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 37, July 13, 1999
...........................................................................
Antique Telescope Society Mailing List and Newsgroup
----------------------------------------------------
By Bart Fried, Plymouth Meeting, PA
The Antique Telescope Society has instituted a topical mailing list
including a web page of threads. Usual topics include sharing information
on telescope history and makers; restoration information; authentication
pointers; astronomical history and observatory history as well as ATS
related business. It is a closed discussion group available via
subscription. To subscribe, enter the following URL:
http://www1.tecs.com/oldScope/, then click on "Our new email list" and
then input your email address.
Author's address:
Bart Fried
ATS Web Editor
E-mail: astral@iname.com
Phone: 610-825-6600
Fax: 610-825-7905
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 37, July 13, 1999
...........................................................................
The LeRoy E. Doggett Prize
--------------------------
Nominations are requested for the second LeRoy E. Doggett Prize for
Historical Astronomy, to be awarded in January 2000. The prize is awarded
biennially either for a publication (within the past 6 years) that
significantly illuminates the history of astronomy, or for a long-term
contribution that has significantly influenced the field of the history of
astronomy. Nominations are not limited to HAD or AAS members. Nominations
for the first cycle two years ago are automatically carried over to this
second cycle. Send new nominations to David.DeVorkin@nasm.si.edu -
nominations should include a cover letter of not more than two to three
pages, as well as appropriate supporting materials (CV of nominee,
supporting letters by co-nominators, book reviews, etc.).
Nomination deadline: August 15, 1999.
The HAD Prize Committee (David DeVorkin, Chair)
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 37, July 13, 1999
...........................................................................
Conference Announcement: Giordano Bruno and our Epoch
-----------------------------------------------------
Preliminary Announcement
International conference
Giordano Bruno and our Epoch
Moscow, Moscow State University
February, 2000
(The exact dates will be given in the First Announcement.)
Co-organizers:
Sternberg Astronomical Institute of Moscow State University (SAI MSU)
Institute for Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Science
Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS)
Scientific and Cultural Center "SETI"
The conference will be held at SAI MSU.
Main topics to be considered:
1. G.Bruno and scientific revolution of XVI-XVII centuries
2. G.Bruno and modern astronomy
3. G.Bruno and the SETI problem
4. G.Bruno and modern culture
Contact addresses:
lmg@sai.msu.ru (Dr. Lev M. Gindilis, SAI MSU)
boch@sai.msu.ru (EAAS)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preregistration Form
Expression of Interest:
Name:
Title:
Institute:
Postal Address:
E-mail:
FAX/Telephone:
Please indicate if your attendance is: Highly probable/Probable/Possible
I wish to make poster oral contribution
Title of Proposed Poster or Oral Contribution:
Please, send the filled form to:
and/or
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 37, July 13, 1999
...........................................................................
Conferences 1999
----------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 41,
27. Mai 1999, Item 7.)
Further conferences in the year 1999 were reported in previous issues of
ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the following
URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
April 30, 1999, Dunchurch, UK
10th Conference of the British Sundial Society
Contacts: R.A. Nicholl, 45 Hound Street, Shereborne, DT9 3AB
August 16-22, 1999, Odessa, Ukraine
The Universe of G.Gamow: Original Ideas in Astrophysics and
Cosmology
The conference will include a memorial session for G.Gamow.
Contacts: Dr. M. Ryabov, Odessa Observatory URAN-4, Radioastronomical
Institute, Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Pushkinskaya 37 St.,
270011 Odessa, Ukraine, Phone: 7 0482 24 71 60, Fax: 7 0482 22 84 42,
e-mail: astro@te.net.ua
URL: http://www.rssi.ru/gmic99/
September 17-19, 1999, Washington, D.C., USA
Joint Atlantic Seminar in the History of the Physical Sciences
This seminar will examine the plurality of historiographical methods
developed during the last decade. Papers should be concrete historical
investigations on any topic in the history of physics, astronomy,
chemistry, biophysics or geosciences.
Abstracts are due April 30, 1999.
Contacts: JASHOPS, Center for History of Physics, American
Institute of Physics, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740-3843,
USA, e-mail: jashops@gwu.edu
URL: http://www.gwu.edu/~recsci/jashops.html
24.-25. September 1999, Lienz, Osttirol, Austria
10th Meeting of the Working Group for Sundials in the Austrian
Astronomical Society (Arbeitsgruppe Sonnenuhren im Oesterreichischen
Astronomischen Verein)
Information: Hans-Michael Salcher, Andreas-Hofer-Str. 32,
A-9900 Lienz, Oesterreich, Tel.: +43-4852-61414,
e-mail: hm.salcher@tirol.com
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 37, July 13, 1999
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 40,
30. April 1999, Item 3. Partial translations by the editor.)
This list contains books which appeared since 1993 and and have not yet
been announced in ENHA. In case we learned that a book was already out of
print this was indicated. Other extended lists of books will be included
into future issues.
850 Jahre Kloster Reichenbach [800 years Monastery Reichenbach; in German].
Festschrift. Herausgeber [Editor]: Gemeinde Reichenbach, Kath.
Kirchenstiftung Reichenbach, Orden der Barmherzigen Brueder Reichenbach.
Munich: Johannes von Gott-Verlag, 1993. 130 p., ISBN 3-929849-20-8,
paperback DM 15.00
[Partial contents: Wolfgang Kaunzner: Zum Stand von Astronomie und
Naturwissenschaften im Kloster Reichenbach [The status of astronomy and
science in Monastery Reichenbach]]
Appenzeller, Immo (Ed.): Highlights of Astronomy. Vol. 10. As presented
at the XXIInd General Assembly of the IAU, 1994. Dordrecht, Boston,
London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995. xxiii, 706 p.,
ISBN 0-7923-3553-8, NLG 420.00, US$ 310.00 (hb);
ISBN 0-7923-3554-6, NLG 160.00, US$ 119.00 (pb)
[Contains also abstracts from the Joint Discussion "History of Astronomy".]
Barbieri, Cesare; Rahe, Juergen H.; Johnson, Torrence V.; Sohus, Anita M.
(Eds.): The three Galileos : The man, the spacecraft, the telescope.
Dordrecht, Boston, London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1997.
480 p., 24.5 x 16.5 cm, ISBN 0-7923-4861-3, NLG 358.00, GBP 143.25,
$ 217.50 (hb) (Astrophysics and Space Science Library ; Vol. 220)
[Proceedings of an international conference, held in Italy on January
7-10, 1997. 16 pages are devoted to Galileo Galilei, including a
paper on Casa Casale and number 3383/3384 via Vignali, the two houses that
Galileo Galilei occupied during his twelve-year stay in Padua.]
Review: D.W.Hughes: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1146, 313
Bauer, Brian S.; Dearborn, David S.P.: Astronomy and empire in the
Ancient Andes. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1995. 220 p.,
ISBN 0-292-70829-7, $ 37.50 (hb); ISBN 0-292-70837-8, $ 14.95 (pb)
Bederson, Benjamin (Ed.): Reviews of Modern Physics. Special Issue in
Honor of The Centenary of the American Physical Society. American
Physical Society, 1999. 488 p. (Reviews in Modern Physics, Vol. 71, No. 2)
["Our intent was to present a contemporary portrait of physics, based on
its past achievements and its current status" (From the preface). Includes
two papers dealing with the history of astrophysics: George Field:
Astrophysics (p. S33-S.40); Irwin I. Shapiro: A century of relativy (p.
S41-S53). Contains also other review articles on astrophysics, but these
include no history or only short historical introductions.]
Bethe, Hans A.: Selected works of Hans A. Bethe. With commentary.
River Edge, NJ: World Scientific, 1997. 605 p., ISBN 981-02-2876-7,
$ 68.00 (hb)
[Papers from 1929 up to 1996. The last selected paper is "Breakout of
the Supernova Shock", published in the Astrophysical Journal in 1996.]
Review: K.Gottfried: Phys. Today 51 (1998) 7, 65-66
Bolles, Edmund Blair (Ed.): Galileo's commandment - an anthology of great
science writing. New York: W.H.Freeman and Co., 1997. 485 p., 24 x 17 cm,
ISBN 0-716-73035-9, $ 26.95 (hb)
[Anthology of works in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and
psychology, from 444 BC to the present day.]
Review: B.Kent: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1143, 113-115
Bradley, Paul A.; Guzik, Joyce A. (Eds.): A half century of stellar
pulsation interpretations : A tribute to Arthur N. Cox. Proceedings of a
Conference held in Los Alamos, New Mexico, 16-20 June 1997. San
Francisco, Ca.: Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 1998. xxxvi, 511 p.,
23.5 x 16 cm, ISBN 1-886733-55-4, $ 52.00 (hb)
(Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series ; Vol. 135)
Review: M.Barstow: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1146, 309
Budde, Kai: Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Technik im Zeitalter der
Aufklaerung: Mannheim und die Kurpfalz unter unter Carl Theodor 1743 -
1799 [Economy, science and technology at the time of Enlightenment:
Mannheim and the Electoral Pfalz under Carl Theodor 1743 - 1799; in
German]. Hrsg. vom [Edited by] Landesmuseum fuer Technik und Arbeit in
Mannheim. Ubstadt-Weiher: Verlag Regionalkultur, 1993. 95 p., numerous
ill., partially in colour, 17 x 24 cm, ISBN 3-929366-04-5, pb DM 19.00
(Katalog zur staendigen Ausstellung ; 1)
[Catalogue of the permanent exhibition in the Mannheim Museum of
Technology and Labour, which displays numerous items from the history of
astronomy, illustrated and described in the catalogue. The introduction
deals also with the history of the Mannheim Observatory.]
Caspar, Max: Kepler. Translated and edited by C. Doris Hellman, with
bibliographical citations by Owen Gingerich and Alain Segonds. New York:
Dover Publications, 1993. 441 p., ISBN 0-486-67605-6, $ 10.95 (pb)
[C. Doris Hellmann's 1959 translation from German in a corrected and
expanded edition.]
Review: G.Holton: J. Hist. Astron. 26 (1995) 2, 174-175
Chandrasekhar, Subrahmanyan: Selected papers. Vol. 7. The non-radial
oscillation of stars in general relativity and other writings.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1997. 304 p., 24 x 17 cm,
ISBN 0-226-10103-7, GBP 79.25, $ 99.00 (hb); ISBN 0-226-10104-5, GBP 35.95,
$ 45.00 (pb)
Review: D.O.Gough: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1142, 29-31
Cook, Alan: Edmond Halley : Charting the heavens and the seas.
Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1997. xvi, 540 p., 18 b/w plates,
ISBN 0-19-850031-9, GBP 29.50, $ 40.00 (hb)
Review: D.Barraclough: Astronomy and Geophysics 39 (1998) 4.35
D.W.Hughes: Sky & Telescope 97 (1999) 3, 71-72
Ehlers, Anita: Liebes Hertz! Physiker und Mathematiker in Anekdoten
[Physicists and mathematicians in anecdotes; in German]. With a foreword
by Carl Friedrich von Weizsaecker. Basel, Boston, Berlin: Birkhaeuser
Verlag, 1994. 216 p., ISBN 3-7643-5038-5, hardbound DM 29.80
[Contains also numerous anecdotes about astronomers (Walter Baade, Ludwig
Biermann, Heinz Billing, Goeffrey und Margaret Burbidge, Subrahmanyan
Chandrasekar, Otto Heckmann, Reimar and Rhea Luest) as well as
physicists and mathematicians who did works in astronomy.
Contents: Carl Friedrich von Weizsaecker: Vorwort (p. 7-8), Kapitel 1 bis
12 (S. 9-172), Biographische Stichworte (p. 173-203), Zum 150.
Geburtstag der Deutschen Physikalischen Gesellschaft (p. 205-208),
Nachgedanken (p. 209-211), Namenregister (p. 213-216).]
Review: A.Glindemann: Sterne Weltraum 35 (1996) 6, 512
Fellmann, Emil A.: Leonhard Euler. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt
Taschenbuch Verlag, 1995. 159 p., ISBN 3-499-50387-5, pb DM 12.90
(rororo Monographie ; 529)
[Biography in German]
Gavaghan, Helen: Something new under the sun : Satellites and the
beginning of the Space Age. New York: Copernicus / Springer-Verlag, 1998.
XVIII, 300 p., ISBN 0-387-94914-3, $ 26.00, DM 39.50 (hb)
[The early story of the engineering and politics of the satellite
effort through 1965. The study is limited to early satellites for
navigation, weather forecast and communication.]
Review: U.v.Rauchhaupt: Phys. Bl. 55 (1999) 1, 60
Gingerich, Owen: The eye of heaven. Ptolemy, Copernicus, Kepler. New
York: American Institute of Physics, 1993. viii, 442 p., ill., bibl.,
index, ISBN 0-8831-8863-5, $ 24.95 (Masters of modern physics ; vol. 7)
Review: J.D.North: J. Hist. Astron. 25 (1994) 3, 243-244
Haerendel, G.; Grzedzielski, S.; Gavallo, G.; Battrick, B. (Eds.):
40 years of COSPAR. Noordwijk: ESA Publications Division, 1998.
vi, 189 p., 14.5 x 21 cm, [no ISBN], Dfl 15.00 (pb) (BR-135)
[COSPAR = Committee on Space Research. Contents: Part 1: Some personal
recollections. Part 2: Statistical data.
Distribution: ESA Publications Divison. c/o ESTEC, PO Box 299, 2200 AG
Noordwijk, The Netherlands, Tel. (31) 71 565 3400, Fax (31) 71 565 5433]
Hartl, Gerhard; Maerker, Karl; Teichmann, Juergen; Wolfschmidt, Gudrun:
Planeten - Sterne - Welteninseln. Astronomie im Deutschen Museum
[Planets - Stars - Island Universes. Astronomy in the Deutsches Museum;
in German.] Munich: Deutsches Museum, 1993. 248 p., ISBN 3-924183-21-X,
DM 29.80 (out of print)
Review: [MS:] Sonne 17 (1993) 66, 64
B.Kuhn: Sterne Weltraum 33 (1994) 2, 158-159
Herrmann, Dieter B.: Raetsel um Sirius. Das astronomische Geheimwissen der
Dogon [Mysterious Sirius. The secret astronomical knowledge of the Dogon;
in German.] Berlin: Paetec, Gesellschaft fuer Bildung und Technik, 1995.
24 p., ISBN 3-89517-305-3, paperback DM 9.20 (out of print)
Herrmann, Dieter B.; Hoffmann, Karl-Friedrich (eds.): Die Geschichte der
Astronomie in Berlin [The history of astronomy in Berlin; in German].
Berlin: Archenhold-Sternwarte, 1998. 159 p., numerous ill., 17 x 24 cm,
ISBN 3-86021-018-1, paperback DM 16.80
[Distribution: Archenhold-Sternwarte, Alt-Treptow 1, D-12435 Berlin;
Wilhelm-Foerster-Sternwarte, Munsterdamm 90, D-12169 Berlin.]
Herrmann, Dieter B.: 11. August 1999. Die Jahrhundertfinsternis
[August 11, 1999. The eclipse of the century; in German]. Berlin:
Paetec, Gesellschaft fuer Bildung und Technik, 1999. 48 p., 14.5 x 21 cm,
15 ill., ref., ISBN 3-89517-709-1, pb DM 9.80
[Part II: Beruehmte Sonnenfinsternisse der Geschichte [Famous solar
eclipses in history] (p. 21-44).]
Review: J.V.Feitzinger: Astron. Raumfahrt 36 (1999) 1, 28
Ichsanova, Vera: Pulkovo / St. Petersburg : Spuren der Sterne und der
Zeiten ; Geschichte der russischen Hauptsternwarte [Traces of stars and
times ; the history of the Russian Main Observatory [i.e. Pulkovo]; in
German]. Frankfurt a.M., Berlin, Bern, New York, Paris, Wien: Peter Lang,
Europaeischer Verlag der Wissenschaften, 1995. 236 p., ISBN 3-631-49253-7,
paperback DM 69.00
Kolbe, Wilhelm: Der Stern zu Bethlehem. Zur Erinnerung an den 2000sten
Jahrestag des Sternstillstandes ueber Bethlehem am 12. November 1994 n.Chr.
aus astronomischer Sicht [The Star of Bethlehem. Commemorating the
2000th anniversary of the stellar standstill above Bethlehem on November
12, 1994 A.D., from an astronomical point of view; in German]. Burscheid:
Dr. Wilhelm Kolbe, 1995. 20 p., ISBN 3-929760-04-5, paperback DM 15.00
[Author's address: Dr. Wilhelm Kolbe, Maxhan 28, D-51399 Burscheid,
Germany; Tel. 02174-1241]
Krausse, Joachim; Ropohl, Dietmar; Scheiffele, Walter: Vom Grossen
Refraktor zum Einsteinturm - From the Great Refractor to the Einstein
Tower. An exhibition on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the
Einstein Tower in Potsdam - Eine Ausstellung zum 70. Jahrestag des
Einsteinturms in Potsdam. Giessen: Anabas Verlag Guenter Kaempff, 1996.
92 p., zahlr. Abb., ISBN 3-87038-290-2, paperback DM 14.80
[All texts in English and German]
Lemcke, Mechthild: Johannes Kepler. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt
Taschenbuch Verlag, 1995. 176 p., ISBN 3-499-50529-0, paperback DM 12.90
(rororo Monographie ; 529)
[Biography in German]
Lindner, Klaus: Taschenbuch der Astronomie [Handbook of astronomy; in
German]. Leipzig, Koeln: Fachbuchverlag, 1993. 255 p., ISBN 3-343-00813-3,
paperback DM 22,-
[Contains also: Zeittafel zur Geschichte der Astronomie 3500 v.Chr.
bis 1990 [Time-line of the history of astronomy 3500 B.C. to 1990]]
Review: H.Bernhard: Astron. Raumfahrt 30 (1993) 16 (4/93), 46 (402)
Luehning, Felix: Der Gottorfer Globus und das Globushaus im 'Newen
Werck'. Dokumentation und Rekonstruktion eines fruehbarocken Welttheaters
[The Gottorf Globe and the globe building in the 'Newen Werck'.
Documentation and reconstruction of a world theater from early Baroque;
in German]. Schleswig: Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landesmuseum, 1997.
176 p., 150 ill., 24 x 25.5 cm, hardbound DM 25.00
(Gottorf im Glanz des Barock. Kunst und Kultur am Schleswiger Hof 1544 -
1713. Kataloge der Ausstellungen zum 50-jaehrigen Bestehen des
Schleswig-Holsteinischen Landesmuseums auf Schloss Gottorf und zum 400.
Geburtstag Herzog Friedrich III. herausgegeben von Heinz Spielmann und Jan
Drees. [Band] IV.)
[Distribution: Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landesmuseum, Schloss Gottorf,
D-24837 Schleswig.
This volume is not a catalogue of the exhibition, but an investigation on
the basis of printed and archival sources as well as excavations in the
palace garden with the aim of reconstructing the appearances of the large
terrestrial and celestial globe and the globe building. The globe is now
in St. Petersburg. The book deals also with the Sphaera Copernicana and
the astronomical environment of the globe.]
McCluskey, Stephen C.: Astronomies and cultures in early medieval Europe.
New York: Cambridge University Press, 1998.
xxiv, 235 p., ISBN 0-521-58361-6, $ 54.95, GBP 40.00 (hb)
[More information: http://www.cup.org/Titles/58/0521583616.html]
Miner, Ellis D.: Uranus, the planet, rings and satellites. 2nd edition.
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1998. xx, 361 p., ISBN 0-471-97398-X,
GBP 45.00 (hb)
[Traces also Herschel's discovery of Uranus, the discovery of its main
satellites and rings, as well as other pre-Voyager observations.]
Review: R.Miles: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 108 (1998) 4, 228
Mittelstrass, Juergen: Machina Mundi - Zum astronomischen Weltbild der
Renaissance [Machina Mundi - On the astronomical world view of the
Renaissance; in German]. Basel: Helbing & Lichtenhahn Verlag, 1995. 31 p.,
ISBN 3-7190-1407-X, DM 19.00
(Vortr. d. Aeneas-Silvius Stift. an d. Uni Basel ; 31)
Moore, Patrick: The planet Neptune: An historical survey before Voyager.
2nd edition. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1996. 150 p., 30 plates,
ISBN 0-471-96015-2, GBP 30.00 (hb)
Review: A.Chapman: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 106 (1996) 3, 165
R.J.McKim: The Observatory 116 (1996) 1133, 254
Mueller, Uwe (ed.): 450 Jahre Copernicus "De revolutionibus".
Astronomische und mathematische Buecher aus Schweinfurter Bibliotheken
[450 years of Copernicus' "De revolutionibus". Astronomical and
mathematical books from Schweinfurt libraries; in German].
Exhibition of the Stadtarchiv Schweinfurt in cooperation with the
Bibliothek Otto Schaefer. 21 November 1993 - 19 June 1994. Schweinfurt,
1993. 2nd ed. 1998. 437 p., numerous ill., 26 x 20 cm,
ISBN 3-926896-08-6, hardbound DM 48.00
(Veroeffentlichungen des Stadtarchivs Schweinfurt ; Nr. 9)
[With contributions on the history of astronomy by F.Schmeidler, O.Goetz,
U.Lindgren, D.A.King and others. Extended catalogue; the part on astronomy
contains 100 descriptions of books of the 15th and 16th centuries,
written by W.Kokott, E.Knobloch, F.Schmeidler, M.Folkerts, U.Lindgren,
K.Reich, O.Gingerich, J.Hamel, A.Kuehne. Other parts concern mathematics,
manuscripts, instruments. Glossary, list of references, extended index
of names.]
Review: W.R.Dick: Sterne 71 (1995) 1, 56-57
C.Schoener: Naturwiss. Rundschau 48 (1995) 10, 404
Oestmann, Guenther: Die astronomische Uhr des Strassburger Muensters
[The astronomical clock of the Strasbourg cathedral; in German].
Stuttgart: Verlag fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften und der Technik,
1993. 326 p., 48 illus., ISBN 3-928186-12-4, DM 80.00
Review: M.Schukowski: Astron. Raumfahrt 31 (1994) 22 (4/94), 46 (668)
A.Zenkert: Sterne 70 (1994) 5, 308-309
J.Fried: Sterne Weltraum 34 (1995) 1, 77
Pantin, Isabelle: Johannes Kepler: Discussion avec Le Messager Celeste et
Rapport sur l'Observation des Satellites de Jupiter. Paris: Les Belles
Lettres, 1993. cxxvi, 196 p., FF 275.00
Review: C.Wilson: J. Hist. Astron. 26 (1995) 1, 86-87
Raimond, Ernst; Genee, Rene (Eds.):
The Westerbork Observatory, Continuing Adventure in Radio Astronomy.
Dordrecht, Boston, London: Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1996.
viii, 266 p., ISBN 0-7923-4150-3, Dfl 145.00, $ 90.00, GBP 64.00
Review: G.Swarup: Space Science Reviews 83 (1998) 3-4, 523
Schroeder, Wilfried (Ed.): The Earth and the Universe. (A Festschrift in
honour of Hans-Juergen Treder). Bremen-Roennebeck, 1993. 498 p., out of
print (Newsletters of the Interdivisional commission on history of IAGA ;
No. 20)
Review: U.Bleyer: Sterne 70 (1994) 1, 58-59
Valls-Gabaud, David; Hendry, Martin A.; Molaro, Paolo; Chamcham, Khalil;
(Eds.): From quantum fluctuations to cosmological structures. Proceedings
of the First Moroccan School of Astrophysics, Casablanca, Morocco, 1-10
December 1996. San Francisco, Ca.: Astronomical Society of the Pacific,
1997. xix, 656 p., ISBN 1-886733-46-5, $ 52.00 (hb)
(Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference Series ; Vol. 126)
[Contains also: Bernard J. T. Jones: A brief history of cosmology
(p. 1-30).]
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Wilhelm Brueggenthies, David DeVorkin, Dieter B. Herrmann,
Wolfgang Kaunzner, Wolfgang Kokott, Klaus Lindner, Felix Luehning, Stephen
C. McCluskey, Wilfried Schroeder, Vera Staerman, David Valls-Gabaud.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
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Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
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Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
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Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
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Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 38
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 38, July 30, 1999 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. Sean McGibbon: Birr Castle Demesne
2. Dimitris Sinachopoulos: Telescope named after Aristarchos of Samos
3. Peter D. Hingley: Exhibitions in Britain for the 1999 Total Eclipse
4. Exhibitions
5. Conferences 1999
6. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 38, July 30, 1999
...........................................................................
Birr Castle Demesne
-------------------
By Sean McGibbon, Birr, Ireland
History
Birr Castle Demesne, situated in the middle of Ireland, holds a unique
position in the history of science and technology in both Ireland and
indeed the rest of the world. For over three hundred years, the
generations of the Parsons family who have lived, and still live, in the
castle have made important contributions to the following areas of
research.
Astronomy
William, the Third Earl of Rosse discovered the spiral nature of the
galaxies beyond our own with his 36 inch (0.9 m) and 72 inch (1.8 m)
reflecting telescopes, in addition to making drawings of features on the
Moon and Jupiter. For over 75 years, the 1.8 m telescope remained the
largest in the world. Both mirrors and telescopes, as well as the
observatories, were designed and constructed by the Third Earl within the
grounds of the Birr Castle Demesne. The Fourth Earl used the 0.9 m to
discover the heat of the surface of the Moon. The 1.8 m telescope is
almost fully restored and is now used on a daily basis for demonstration
purposes.
Photography
Mary, Countess of Rosse, and wife of William, the Third Earl, was a pioneer
in the then new technology of photography and the first woman to win the
Silver medal award of the Royal Photographic Society of Ireland for her
work in the 1850's. She experimented with various early photographic
techniques and used them to take excellent photographs of the area and
people around Birr Castle.
Engineering
Charles Parsons, youngest son of the Third Earl, invented and patented the
multi-stage steam turbine, in the early 1890's. This revolutionised travel
at the turn of the century and provided the power to drive such famous
ocean liners such as the Mauritania and the Queen Elizabeth, as well as
allowing a new method of generating electricity, which is widely used in
power stations throughout the world. Irelands first suspension bridge is
also within the grounds of the Castle.
Botany
Rated with five stars in the official list of Gardens of Outstanding
Historic Interest, Birr Castle Demesne is over 100 acres in extent. Among
its main features are the formal gardens, designed around a 17th century
plan, and the tallest Box Hedges in the world. Birr Castle Demesne has one
of the world's greatest collections of trees and shrubs and is particularly
strong in species of Chinese and Himalayan origin.
Ireland's Historic Science Centre
Ireland's Historic Science Centre contains astronomical instruments,
cameras, photographs and photographic equipment used by the Third and
Fourth Earls and Mary, Countess of Rosse, in the middle and late 1800s.
Also on display is electrical and engineering equipment originally
belonging to Charles Parsons and used in his experiments as well as a large
area devoted to the botanical work carried out in the Demesne. The whole
collection is housed in the restored stables of the castle. Details of the
work of prominent Irish scientists is also available here.
Visiting Birr Castle Demesne and archival research
Birr Castle Demesne is open all the year round (0900 to 1800 hours) and
enquires regarding guided tours and research projects can be made in by
post, e-mail or through an electronic booking form on the Birr Castle
Website at http://www.birrcastle.com .
Birr Castle's e-mail address for general enquiries is info@birrcastle.com .
For enquiries regarding the telescope, please contact the autor at
mcgibbon@iol.ie .
You can also contact Birr Castle by post or telephone at:
Birr Castle Demesne, Birr, Co. Offaly, Ireland
Telephone: + 353 509 20336/22154
Fax: +353 509 21583
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 38, July 30, 1999
...........................................................................
Telescope named after Aristarchos of Samos
------------------------------------------
By Dimitris Sinachopoulos, Athens
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 41,
27. Mai 1999, Item 3.)
The Astronomical Institute of the National Observatory of Athens (AI-NOA)
decided to call "Aristarchos" its new 2.3m RC telescope, in honor of the
big astronomer Aristarchos of Samos. The new 2.3m telescope has been under
construction by Zeiss-Jena since last summer. We intend to install it at a
new European site on the top of the mountain Aroaneia (Chelmos) at an
altitude of 2350m, north Peloponnesus, southern Greece.
Author's address: Dr. Dimitris Sinachopoulos, e-mail: ds@astro.noa.gr
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 38, July 30, 1999
...........................................................................
Exhibitions in Britain for the 1999 Total Eclipse
-------------------------------------------------
By Peter D. Hingley, London
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 42,
21. Juli 1999, Item 3.)
Are you visiting Britain / the West Country / the Channel Islands around
the time of the Solar Eclipse on 1999 August 11? If so you may like to
visit one or more of the following exhibitions which have been put on to
coincide with it. All the exhibitions listed contain some material from
the RAS collections and I have described this, but of course they all
include much material from other sources. If contacting any of the Museums
you may like to mention this message. If anyone is producing TV, Radio or
Press coverage of the Eclipse, I am sure the museums in question would be
very pleased to have a mention to give publicity for their exhibitions. I
can provide personal contact details at any of the Museums on request, but
thought it better not to put these in a general message.
TRURO
The Royal Cornwall Museum has mounted an exhibition `The Story of
Astronomy in Cornwall', which opened on 10th July. The opening was
attended by Professor Tony Hewish, himself born in Fowey, and the
exhibition features various aspects of astronomy and of eclipses, the
discovery of Pulsars, and the work of other Cornish-born astronomers such
as Edwin Dunkin and John Couch Adams. The RAS Library has lent various
rare book and archive material, notably the manuscript Autobiography of
Edwin Dunkin, an edition of which is to be published by the Royal
Institution of Cornwall during the run of the exhibition. The exhibition
is open from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, until 11th September, and the
charge for admission to the Museum is pounds 2.50 (with concessions). For
further information please telephone the Museum (01872 272205).
GUERNSEY
The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery in Candie Gardens, St Peter Port, has
an exhibition `Eclipse 99', which was opened on 17th June by Dr Patrick
Moore. The exhibition covers both the history of astronomy and of eclipse
observation, and includes much modern information on the Sun, including
interactive computer displays. The display also includes a piece of Moon
rock lent by NASA, and outside the Gallery a coelostat projects a real-
time image of the Sun when the latter is visible. (It usually is in
Guernsey). The RAS Library has supplied various images for the exhibition
and loaned a watercolour of an Eclipse in 1870 by the Guernsey born artist
P J Naftel. The exhibition also features prominently the work of the
pioneer astrophotographer Warren de la Rue, born in Guernsey in 1815. The
exhibition is open daily until 26th September 1999, and admission to the
Museum costs pounds 2.50 for adults, 1.25 for senior citizens, children and
students free. For further information please telephone the Museum (01481
726518).
PLYMOUTH
The City of Plymouth Museum and Art Gallery's exhibition `The Dark Side of
the Sun', opened on 8th May. It covers a wide range of the history of
Astronomy and of navigation, as well as `just' eclipses. A considerable
number of significant books and artefacts, not normally on public display,
have been lent from the RAS collection, including the first editions of
Newton's `Principia' and of Copernicus' `De Revolutionibus', Flamsteed's
`Atlas Coelestis', and various other rare books, and several instruments
including a sextant said to have been used by Captain Cook. The exhibition
has received support from the University of Plymouth, European Space
Agency, PPARC, and Orchid Technologies, as well as the RAS. It runs until
23 October and the Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday, and Bank Holiday
Mondays, 10.00 - 17.00. Admission is free. For further infomation please
telephone the Museum (01752 304774).
ST IVES
The Tate Gallery, St. Ives, has mounted an exhibition entitled `As Dark as
Light', mainly of contemporary works of art by Yuko Shiraishi, Gia
Edzveradze, and Garry Fabian Miller. There are also relevant works by
Turner and Whistler. There is a small section of older material and items
lent by the RAS include diagrams and drawings of eclipses, one of Halley's
eclipse maps, and, notably, an album of original photographs of the 1860
eclipse expedition to Spain, probably collected by Warren de la Rue, which
contains both the first concerted attempts at eclipse photography and what
are probably the earliest photos of the participants in an eclipse
expedition. The exhibition is open on Tuesdays to Sundays (and Mondays,
including Bank Holiday Mondays, in July and August) from 10.30 to 17.30 ,
and runs until 30th October. There is a charge for admission, but the Tate
Gallery has asked me not to specify how much it is. For further
information please telephone the Gallery (01736 796226).
There are also two exhibitions outside the area of totality:
LONDON
The Science Museum, South Kensington, has an exhibition `Eclipse99' which
includes artefacts and images on the theme of eclipse observation over the
centuries. Further information can be found on their Web site
http://www.nmsi.ac.uk.
LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool Museum, William Brown St., Liverpool has a small exhibition
of photographs and other material; mainly of current eclipse information
but including some interesting ephemera relating to the 1927 Total Eclipse.
The Museum is open daily, 10 am (Sundays 12) to 5 pm. The charge for
admission is pounds 3.50 but this gives admission to eight museums for a
whole year!
Author's address:
Peter D. Hingley, Librarian
Royal Astronomical Society
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1V 0NL
England
Tel.: 0171 734 4582 / 3307
Fax: 0171 494 0166
e-mail: pdh@ras.org.uk
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 38, July 30, 1999
...........................................................................
Exhibitions
-----------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 42,
21. Juli 1999, Item 4. Partial translations by the editor.)
A small exhibition focusing on astrological concepts in Islam, especially
the zodiac, constellations, planets and lunar mansions, has just be opened
in the Islamic galleries of the British Museum. Stunning objects of every
day life with astrological iconography have been displayed next to coins,
manuscripts and scientific instruments, including the two Abd al-Karim
astrolabes, here shown together for the first time.
"Heavenly Houses", British Museum, London, gallery 34, until
3 October 1999.
Information: Silke Ackermann, British Museum MLA, Great Russell Street,
London WC1B 3DG, e-mail: sackermann@British-museum.ac.uk
The special exhibition "Eclipse! The history of eclipse watching to the
present day" in the Science Museum, London, uses telescopes,
spectroscopes, orreries and other scientific instruments to explain solar
eclipses and how they have been viewed past and present. The centrepoint
of the display is the Kew Photoheliograph, used in northern Spain at the
1860 eclipse to show that prominences were part of the Sun.
6 May - 3 September 1999, open daily from 10.00 to 18.00
URL: http://www.nmsi.ac.uk/eclipse/exhibition/museum.html
The exhibition "Cosmos: From Romanticism to the Avant-garde, 1801 to
2001", presented by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts from June 17 to
October 17, 1999, deals with the theme of infinity as expressed by the
human imagination. Cosmos reveals its discoveries chronologically, from
Romanticism's contemplation of the Moon to NASA's breathtaking photos of
Earth taken from beyond the Moon. It is not so much a checklist of
scientific discoveries and the conquest of the space as it is an attempt
to explore the ever-expanding visual frontiers that artists bring within
the grasp of our senses through their visionary creations.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Jean-Noel Desmarais Pavilion,
1380 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Canada, Tel. (514) 285-1600
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday and Holiday Mondays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
URL: http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en_cours/a-cosmos.html
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 38, July 30, 1999
...........................................................................
Conferences 1999
----------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 41,
27. Mai 1999, Item 6 [considerably abridged], and Nr. 42, 21. Juli 1999,
Item 6.)
Further conferences in the year 1999 were reported in previous issues
of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
August 6-7, 1999, St. Jakob im Walde, Steiermark, Austria
International interdisciplinary scientific Symposium "Lucifer's Rock
(Teufelstein), a prehistoric landmark of astronomical background?"
Registration: Tourismusbuero, A-8255 St. Jakob im Walde, Austria,
Tel. 0049 3336/8212, Fax 0049 3336/8214,
email: gde@st-jakob-walde.steiermark.at
URLs: http://web.vip.at/calendersign/english/symposion.htm (English)
http://web.vip.at/calendersign/deutsch/symposion.htm (German)
September 24-25, 1999, Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
National meeting of the Italian Astronomical Society devoted to
the history of the Internationa Latitude Service and other initiatives of
astronomical cooperation at the end of the 19th century, such as the Carte
du Ciel, the AG zone catalogue, and others.
Contacts: Prof. Edoardo Proverbio, Osservatorio di Brera, Milano,
fax 39 27200 1600, e-mail proverbio@astrco.astro.it
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 38, July 30, 1999
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 42,
21. Juli 1999, Item 7. Partial translations by the editor.)
Andrewes, William J.H. (Ed.): The quest for longitude. The proceedings of
the Longitude Symposium, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts,
November 4-6, 1993. Cambridge, Mass.: Collection of Historical Scientific
Instruments, Harvard University, 1996. 437 p., ill. (some col.), maps
(some col.), 29 cm, ISBN 0-9644329-0-0, $ 75.00
[Contributions by historical experts on the history of the determination
of longitude. "The Longitude Symposium was organized under the auspices
of the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments in connection with
the Fourteenth Annual Seminar of the National Association of Watch and
Clock Collectors." World maps on endpapers. Includes bibliographical
references (p. 406-421) and index.]
Birkmaier, Martin (Hrsg.): Totale Sonnenfinsternis 11. August 1999
The total solar eclipse of 11 August 1999. - In German].
Augsburg: Intercon, 1999. 94 p., 15 x 21 cm, numerous ill.,
ISBN 3-9805116-1-8, paperback DM 9,80
[p. 9-22: Karl August Keil, Zur Geschichte der Sonnenfinsternisse (mit
Schwerpunkt Augsburg) [On the history of solar eclipses (with emphasis on
Augsburg)]. Distribution: Intercon GmbH, Gablinger Weg 9,
D-8615 Augsburg, Germany, Tel.: 0821-414081, Fax: 0821-414085]
Bruno H. Buergel : Zum 50. Todestag des Potsdamer Astronomen und
Schriftstellers [Bruno H. Buergel : To the 50th anniversary of the death
of the Potsdam astronomer and writer. - In German].
Potsdam: Astronomisches Zentrum "Bruno H. Buergel",
Stadt- und Landesbibliothek Potsdam, 1998. 44 p.,
paperback DM 3.00 + DM 2.00 postage
[Appeared on occasion of the Buergel exhibition, 8 July - 1 August 1998,
in the "Stadt- und Landesbibliothek Potsdam". With contributions on Buergel
and the "Astronomisches Zentrum" by Rolf Koenig and Arnold Zenkert, a
Buergel bibliography, as well as excerpts and citations from Buergel's
books. Distribution: Astronomisches Zentrum, Im Neuen Garten 6,
D-14469 Potsdam, Germany, Tel.: 0331/2702724 or 2702721, Fax: 0331/292447.]
Helfricht, Juergen: Hexenmeister und Bauernastronomen in Sachsen
[Wizards and country astronomers in Saxony. - In German].
[Taucha]: Tauchaer Verlag, 1999. 80 p., 7,6 x 10,7 cm, 19 ill., ISBN
3-910074-97-9, hardbound DM 16.80 (Tatsachen ; Nr. 14)
[On Nikolaus Schmidt[-Kuenzel], Christoph Arnold, Johannes Ludewig,
Peter Anich, Christian Gaertner and Johann Georg Palitzsch.]
Ince, Martin: Dictionary of astronomy. Teddington: Peter Collins
Publishing, 1997. ii, 195 p., 21.5 x 13 cm, ISBN 0-948549-43-2,
GBP 10.95 (pb)
[About 1500 entries, a substantial number of which are biographical notes;
"lacks focus and authority" (J. Mitton); "I have the feeling that is has
been written by someone who does not have a deep knowledge of astronomy"
(R.M.Catchpole).]
Review: J.Mitton: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 107 (1997) 5, 289
Review: R.M.Catchpole: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1143, 112-113
Karrow, Robert W.: Mapmakers of the Sixteenth century and their maps.
Chicago: Speculum Orbis Press for the Newberry Library, 1993.
xxx, 846 p., $ 110.00
[Includes complete annotated bibliographies of all publications (and not
just maps) for astronomers such as Peter Apian, Philipp Apian, Oronce
Fine, Gemma Frisius and Bartholomaeus Scultetus, and many others.]
Keszthelyi, Sandor: Magyarorszag naporai. A rogzitett naporak katalogusa.
Budapest: Magyar Csillagaszati Egyesulet, 1998. 128 p., 14.5 x 20 cm,
ill., bibliogr. ref., ISBN 963-03-5048-3
[Catalogue of the fixed sundials in Hungary. In Hungarian.]
Mazal, Otto: Die Sternenwelt des Mittelalters [The Medieval heavenly
world. - In German]. Graz: Akademische Druck- und Verlagsanstalt, 1993.
144 p., ill., 21 x 30 cm, ISBN 3-201-01590-3, hardbound DM 185.00
[On the cultural and Biblical background of astrology.
Contents: Ueber kulturelle und biblische Hintergruende der Astrologie.
Der Kosmos des Mittelalters. Die Sterne und das Goettliche. Die
Sphaerenharmonie der Planeten. Sternbilder und Sternsagen. Die Macht der
Sterne. Der Rhythmus des Lebens.]
Novikov, Igor D.: The river of time. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press, 1998. 275 p., ISBN 0-521-46177-4, GBP 30.00 (hb);
ISBN 0-521-46737-3, GBP 9.95 (pb)
["This book is a popular-level introduction to some of the most exciting
recent work in modern physics [and astronomy], and especially developments
in the concept of time. ... A particular enjoyable aspect of this book is
the large number of personal anecdotes about other leading researchers in
the field, especially in the former USSR." (Ian Crawford)]
Review: I.Crawford: The Observatory 119 (1999) 1149, 97-98
Pfitzner, Elvira: Die astronomischen Beobachtungen des Geistlichen Georg
Samuel Doerffel 1643 - 1688 [The astronomical observations of the
clergyman Georg Samuel Doerffel 1643 - 1688. - In German]. Weissbach:
Beier & Beran. Archaeologische Fachliteratur, 1998. 55 p., 21 x 29.5 cm,
ISBN 3-930036-32-0, paperback DM 15.00
Schenkel, Peter Michael: Johannes Kepler, Gesammelte Werke. Register zu
Band XIII, Briefe 1590 - 1599 [Johannes Kepler, Collected works. Index
tp Vol. XIII, Letters 1590 - 1599. - In German]. Munich: Bayerische
Akademie der Wissenschaften, 1999. 40 p.
(Berichte der Keplerkommission ; Heft 10)
Schmeidler, Felix: Kommentar zu "De revolutionibus" [Commentary on
"De revolutionibus". - In German]. Berlin: Akademie-Verlag, 1998.
X, 209 p., 20.5 x 30 cm, ISBN 3-05-003123-9, hardbound DM 298.00
(Nicolaus Copernicus Gesamtausgabe. Hrsg. von Heribert M. Nobis
und Menso Folkerts. Bd. III/1)
[Explanations for the modern reader of the main work of Copernicus on
its history, editions and contents.]
Schroeder, Wilfried: Naturwissenschaft und Religion [Science and
religion. - In German]. Bremen-Roennebeck: Science edition, 1999.
68 p., 2 ill., paperback DM 14.00
[About the examples of Max Planck and Werner Heisenberg.
Distribution: W.Schroeder, Science Edition, Hechelstr. 8,
D-28777 Bremen-Roennebeck, Germany]
Schwarz, Oliver; Hopf, Cornelia; Stein, Hans: Quellen zur Astronomie in
der Forschungs- und Landesbibliothek Gotha unter besonderer
Beruecksichtigung der Gothaer Sternwarten [Sources on astronomy in
the Research and State Library Gotha, with special consideration of the
Gotha observatories. - In German]. Gotha: Forschungs- und
Landesbibliothek, 1998. 119 p., 14.5 x 21 cm, 10 ill., partially in colour,
ISBN 3-910027-13-X, paperback DM 18.00
(Veroeffentlichungen der Forschungs- und Landesbibliothek Gotha ; H. 36)
[Inventory of the archival holdings of the library on astronomy,
including occidental (by Tycho Brahe, Georg von Peuerbach, Johannes Carion,
Hevelius and others) and oriental manuscripts.
Distribution: Forschungs- und Landesbibliothek Gotha,
Postfach 30, D-99851 Gotha, Germany.]
Shimony, Abner: Tibaldo and the hole in the calendar.
New York: Copernicus / Springer-Verlag, 1998. 165 p.,
ISBN 0-387-94935-6, $ 21.00 (hb)
[Juvenile book on the Gregorian calendar reform.
Selected for The Scientific American Young Readers Book Award (1998).]
Review: N.D.Mermin: Phys. Today 51 (1998) 6, 63
Review: P.Morrison: Sci. Amer. 279 (1998) 6, 87-88
Solomey, Nickolas: The elusive neutrino - a subatomic detective story.
New York: W.H.Freeman and Co., 1997. 206 p., 24 x 22.5 cm,
ISBN 0-716-75080-5, $ 34.95 (hb) (Scientific American Library)
["The story of the neutrino is told in a semi-historical way, but with
concepts introduced as they are needed rather than waiting for the
chronology to be correct ..." (Barry Kent)]
Review: B.Kent: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1142, 44-45
Swerdlow, Noel M.: The Babylonian theory of planets. Princeton (New
Jersey, USA): Princeton University Press, 1998. xv, 246 p., 24 x 16 cm,
ISBN 0-691-01196-6, GBP 27.50 (hb)
Review: J.H.Rogers: J. Brit. Astron. Assoc. 108 (1998) 4, 226-227
Review: L.J.Fatoohi: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1147, 383
Willey, R.R.: The Tucson Meteorites: their history from frontier Arizona
to the Smithsonian. Tucson: The University of Arizona Press, 1997.
47 p., 28 x 22 cm, ISBN 0-816-51816-5, $ 10.95 (pb)
Review: R.Hutchison: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1145, 233-234
Yau, Kevin K.C.; Stephenson, F. Richard; Willis, David M.: A catalogue of
auroral observations from China, Korea and Japan (193 B.C. - A.D. 1770).
Chilton (UK): Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, 1995. IV, 82 p.
(RAL-TR-95-073 (ISSN 1358-6254))
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Silke Ackermann, Volker Bialas, Juergen Helfricht, Inge and Karl-August
Keil, Sandor Keszthelyi, Rolf Koenig, Elvira Pfitzner, Felix Schmeidler,
Wilfried Schroeder, Oliver Schwarz, Sepp Rothwangl, Oliver Schwarz.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
Articles as well as information for the several sections are appreciated.
Subscription for ENHA is free. Readers and subscribers are asked for
occasional voluntary donations to the working group.
Copyright Statement:
The Electronic Newsletters for the History of Astronomy may be freely
re-distributed in the case that no charge is imposed. Public offer in
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Non-commercial reproduction of single items in electronic or printed media
is possible only with the editor's permission.
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Astronomy:
URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der
Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Germany,
Tel.: +49(0)6592 2150, Fax: +49(0)6592 985140
Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Bundesamt fuer Kartographie und
Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam,
Germany, Tel.: +49(0)331 316 618, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de
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Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20
Please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte"
***************************************************************************
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy - Number 39
***************************************************************************
* *
* ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY *
* *
* Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy *
* in the Astronomische Gesellschaft *
* *
* Number 39, December 21, 1999 *
* *
* Edited by: Wolfgang R. Dick *
* *
***************************************************************************
Contents
--------
1. USNO installs newest Washington time ball
2. Klaus Staubermann: Proposal for Observations with a Zoellner Photometer
3. Guenther Oestmann: Exhibition: Clocks and Scientific Instruments of
the Hager Family
4. Symposium Announcement: Astronomy of Ancient Civilizations
5. Conferences 1999/2000
6. Peter D. Hingley: Dunkin Autobiography Published
7. New Books
Acknowledgements
Imprint
***************************************************************************
* *
* A Happy New Year 2000 to all readers! *
* *
***************************************************************************
...........................................................................
Item 1 ENHA No. 39, Dec. 21, 1999
...........................................................................
USNO installs newest Washington time ball
-----------------------------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 45,
3. Oktober 1999, Item 3.)
Residents of the Glover Park neighborhood of northwest Washington, DC may
notice a subtle change in their skyline beginning today. This morning the
U.S. Naval Observatory hoisted a time ball into place on the roof of its
main building. This time ball will be the official marker of the beginning
of the year 2000 and the beginning of the Third Millennium in 2001.
By order of then-Secretary of the Navy John Y. Mason, the Naval
Observatory dropped the first time ball in the United States in 1845. This
was the primary means for disseminating time to the city of Washington and
for ships on the Potomac to set their chronometers for navigation. The
ball was dropped every day at noon from the Observatory's Foggy Bottom site
until 1885, when it was moved to the State, War and Navy Building (now the
old Executive Office Building) next to the White House. It was last
dropped there in 1936.
The dropping of the time ball to usher in the year 2000, by order of the
current Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Mr. Richard Danzig, will
therefore commemorate an old tradition for Washington and the U.S. Navy.
It will, however, be dropped at midnight EST on New Year's Eve rather than
noon.
The event will be the local culmination of a "round-the-world time ball
drop", in which time balls will mark the beginning of the New Year as it
sweeps westward from the International Date Line across New Zealand,
Australia, India, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
In addition, USNO is coordinating the local observance of the New Year with
U.S. Navy installations and ships around the globe. The Observatory is
also a partner in the White House Millennium Program.
Time balls were used in many cities around the country and around the world
during the 19th century. Those in the U.S. were sometimes dropped by a
signal from Washington. Beginning in September, 1877 a time ball atop the
Western Union Building in New York City was dropped by telegraphic signal
from the Naval Observatory. In the era before time zones, the signal for
New York was issued 12 minutes before that for Washington to take into
account the longitude difference. At the turn of the 20th century dozens
of time balls were being dropped around the world. A few are still
ceremonially dropped, ranging from New Zealand to the Old Royal
Observatory, Greenwich.
The Naval Observatory began as the Depot of Charts and Instruments for the
Navy in 1830, maintaining and calibrating sextants and chronometers. From
1844 to 1893 it was located in Foggy Bottom, at the site of the current
Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED). Since 1893, the Naval
Observatory has been located at 34th and Massachusetts Avenue, about 2
miles from the Foggy Bottom site and the center of Washington, D.C.
Determination and dissemination of time have been an essential part of the
Naval Observatory mission since its beginning. During that time clock
technology has evolved from precision pendulum clocks to quartz crystal
clocks to the present hydrogen maser and cesium-beam atomic clocks.
Similarly, time dissemination has evolved from the visual signal
represented by the time ball, to the telegraph beginning in the 1860s, to
radio signals and finally the Global Positioning System (GPS), for which
USNO supplies the time. Clock accuracy has advanced from one-thousandth of
a second with the most elaborate pendulum clocks at the beginning of the
century, to one billionth of a second per day with the present atomic
clocks. Time dissemination, accurate to a few tenths of a second with the
time ball, is now accurate to within a few billionths of a second with GPS.
Aside from maintaining the Master Clock of the United States, the
Observatory produces star catalogs, astronomical and navigational almanacs,
and conducts forefront astronomical research. It is building a "cesium
fountain" atomic clock to improve time accuracy ten-fold. It has
constructed the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer, which will help
improve the celestial reference system and may discover Earth-size planets.
The Observatory accurately measures the rotation of the Earth using radio
telescopes around the world. And it continues a variety of efforts to
improve navigation by land, sea, air and space.
For more details on the millennium and USNO millennium activities, visit
the USNO Millennium Web site, http://www.usno.navy.mil/millennium/. Time
ball-related illustrations are available at this site. The USNO's main Web
site also has much information on the Master Clock and other USNO projects.
An electronic version of this Release, with digital images of the new time
ball, may be found at http://www.usno.navy.mil/ballrel.html
Source: USNO press release, August 19, 1999
Press Contacts: Dr. Steven Dick, (202) 762-0379, dick.steve@usno.navy.mil
Geoff Chester, (202) 762-1438, grc@usno.navy.mil
See also:
Steven J. Dick: Commission 41 2000 and 2001 Time Ball Initiative.
ENHA No. 35, March 25, 1999, Item 1.
...........................................................................
Item 2 ENHA No. 39, Dec. 21, 1999
...........................................................................
Proposal for Observations with a Zoellner Photometer
----------------------------------------------------
By Klaus Staubermann, Cambridge, MA
During the past four years I have rebuilt a Zoellner astrophotometer and
practised with the replica. The original photometer, based on comparison
of starlight by means of polarisation, was designed by Karl Friedrich
Zoellner in 1858, and became the most popular single astrophysical
instrument in 19th century Germany. The reworking of Zoellner's photometer
and his observations was done to understand both the success of the
instrument and the scientific practice employed by Zoellner. This project
has been completed last year, and the rebuilt instrument is now on display
at the Dibner Institute (MIT) in Cambridge, Mass.
On this year's History of Astrophysics meeting in Tihany, Hungary, a plan
was discussed to use the rebuilt photometer for further observations. The
idea is to carry out systematic photometric measurements with the intention
to analyse, reduce, and complete Zoellner's photometric catalogue from
1861. Such a project would help us to homogenize the existing photometric
data, and make it available for contemporary astronomical research, such as
long-term variable stars.
A project of such nature could be carried out either by a dedicated amateur
or become a Masters or PhD Thesis in astronomy. I shall be most happy to
make the rebuilt photometer available for the time of such a project -
probably in the range of one to two years. I am also prepared to answer
any questions concerning the instrument, and Chris Sterken at the Institute
of Astronomy of Brussels University (csterken@vub.ac.be) would be most
willing to answer any questions regarding the photometric catalogue.
Further information can also be found in C. Sterken, K. Staubermann
(eds.): Karl Friedrich Zoellner and the Origins of Astrophotometry,
Brussels 1999, in print.
Author's address:
Klaus Staubermann
Dibner Institute
MIT E56-100
38 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
USA
Tel.: +1-617-258-0507
Fax.: +1-617-258-7483
e-mail: kstaubermann@dibinst.mit.edu
URL: http://www2.crosswinds.net/~kstauber/
...........................................................................
Item 3 ENHA No. 39, Dec. 21, 1999
...........................................................................
Exhibition: Clocks and Scientific Instruments of the Hager Family
-----------------------------------------------------------------
By Guenther Oestmann, Hamburg
On December 10th an exhibition of the works of the Hager dynasty was
opened in the Ducal Library in Wolfenbuettel. Duke August was an ardent
collector of clocks and scientific instruments and his successor Rudolf
August, although not contributing to the cultural blossoming of the small
baroque residence, in 1668 appointed Wolfgang and Michael Tobias Hager as
clockmakers for the maintenance of the clocks, watches and scientific
instruments preserved in the Kunstkammer. Members of the family were
active in Wolfenbuettel, Brunswick, Arnstadt and Frankfurt until the end
of the 18th century. The exhibition shows a major part of the Hager oeuvre
from private and public property and a catalogue will be available at the
beginning of December.
Catalogue:
Guenther Oestmann:
Uhren und wissenschaftliche Instrumente der Familie Hager.
253 p., 175 b/w and colour ill., ISBN 3-927288-29-2, DM 29.00.
The catalogue can be ordered from the Staedtisches Museum, Am
Loewenwall, D-38100 Braunschweig, Germany.
Contents:
Clock- and instrumentmaking in Brunswick and Wolfenbuettel;
Catalogue raisonne of 54 works of the different members of the Hager
family; History of the Nocturnal and the Pedometer; Bibliography.
Opening times of the exhibition from December 11th, 1999 to February 27th,
2000, Tuesday to Sunday 10.00-17.00.
Herzog August Bibliothek
P.O. Box 1364
D-38299 Wolfenbuettel
Author's address:
Dr. Guenther Oestmann
Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, Mathematik und Technik
Bundesstr. 55
D-20146 Hamburg
Germany
e-mail: oestmann@math.uni-hamburg.de
...........................................................................
Item 4 ENHA No. 39, Dec. 21, 1999
...........................................................................
Symposium Announcement: Astronomy of Ancient Civilizations
----------------------------------------------------------
JENAM-2000, the 9th Meeting of the European Astronomical Society (EAS) will
be held from 29 May to 3 June 2000 in Moscow, Russia, jointly with the 5th
Conference of the Euro-Asian Astronomical Society (EAAS). The conference
will cover the basic fields of astronomy and astrophysics and is open to
all astronomers who would like to interact and exchange their scientific
expertise with their European colleagues.
Invited reviews of outstanding problems of modern astronomy are expected
to be given at plenary sessions. Parallel sessions covering wide fields
of astronomy will also be organizes during the Conference. In addition,
poster sessions are expected to play an important role in this Conference,
addressing recent results, which, in general, cannot be included in the
detailed plan of the scheduled sessions. Joint discussions, two
colloquia and several associated symposia are also planned.
Associated Symposium: Astronomy of ancient civilizations
The symposium "Astronomy of ancient civilizations" associated to JENAM-2000
will be held on May 24-29, 2000 in Moscow. The basic topics of the
symposium will comprise a range of problems of archaeoastronomy,
ethnoastronomy as well as other diversified fields of research relevant to
the concept of astronomy in the context of the history of the culture of
ancient civilizations.
In addition investigations dealing with the problems of existence, survival
and the world outlook of ancient societies will be treated.
As a final panel discussion "Problems of ancient astronomy" will be
anticipated.
The main themes and sessions to be considered are:
1. Astronomical research of the oldest civilizations
2. Sun and ancient civilizations
3. Oldest observations of luminaries during the Stone Age
4. Astronomy of ancient societies of the Eurasian Steppe-Forest area
5. Astronomy of Ancient China
6. Astronomy of Ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt
7. Astronomy of Ancient Greece
8. Astronomy of Mesoamerica
9. History of astronomy
contact address: E.N.Kaurov, e-mail kaurov@sai.msu.ru
More information: http://www.sai.msu.su/jenam/
P R E-R E G I S T R A T I O N F O R M
Submit this form by normal post or fax to:
JENAM-2000, Sternberg Astronomical Institute,
Universitetskij pr. 13, 119899 Moscow, Russia;
tel/fax: +7(095)9328844
Deadline for pre-registration: December 20, 1999
Direct questions to: jenam@sai.msu.su
== You will receive a confirmation from the LOC as soon as
your registration has been processed ==
Family Name: First name: Initials:
Title: Professor Dr. Ph.D. Student Mr. Mrs. Miss
Affiliation for Name Badge:
E-mail:
Phone number: Fax number:
Institution:
Postal address:
City: Zip Code: Country:
Accompanying person(s):
I am interested in session on:
Will you be presenting a paper? (YES/NO)
If YES, preliminary title:
oral poster
Preliminary interest in the type of hotel accommodation
University Guest House (<20 USD)
Hotel nearby (20-50 USD)
Top-class hotel
Preliminary interest to long distance excursions (YES/NO) . . . . .
If es, which excursion do you select:
Date . . . . . . . . . . Signature: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[Announcement provided by Izold Pustylnik, e-mail: izold@aai.ee;
edited for ENHA.]
...........................................................................
Item 5 ENHA No. 39, Dec. 21, 1999
...........................................................................
Conferences 1999/2000
---------------------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 45,
3. Oktober 1999, Item 5.)
Further conferences in the years 1999 and 2000 were reported in previous
issues of ENHA. For a complete list of all conferences announced see the
following URL:
http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/hist_astr/ha_meet.html
October 1-4, 1999, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Annual Convention of the Antique Telescope Society
Place: Dunsmuir Lodge and the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory
Activities: Tours of the 1.8 meter Brashear / Warner & Swasey telescope,
keynote address by Albert Van Helden, two invited lectures by Alan Batten,
papers sessions, and displays of instruments.
Contacts: Peter Abrahams, e-mail: telscope@europa.com
November 3-7, 1999, Pittsburg, PA, USA
75th anniversary meeting of the History of Science Society
Contacts: Fred Gregory, e-mail: fgregory@ufl.edu, or Edith Sylla,
e-mail: Edith_Sylla@ncsu.edu
March 31 - April 2, 2000, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England
British Sundial Society Conference
Place: Royal Agricultural College
Contacts: David Young (Secretary BSS), 112, Whitehull Road, London E4 6DW,
England, e-mail: davidsun@lineone.net
...........................................................................
Item 6 ENHA No. 39, Dec. 21, 1999
...........................................................................
Dunkin Autobiography Published
------------------------------
By Peter D. Hingley, London
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 43,
6. August 1999, Item 6.)
To mark the Eclipse on 1999 August 11 the Royal Institution of Cornwall is
publishing the manuscript autobiography of Edwin Dunkin (1821 - 1898), who
was born in Truro in 1821. The title adopted is 'A Far Off Vision; a
Cornishman at Greenwich Observatory'.
This document found its way to the RAS in 1970 and is now listed as RAS
Additional Manuscript 55. The actual launch will be performed by Patrick
Moore at Truro on Saturday 7 August. The text has been edited, and the
introduction written by myself and Miss Tamsin Daniel, Curator of Art and
Exhibitions, Royal Cornwall Museum, Truro. Dr Allan Chapman has kindly
written a preface.
Dunkin worked at the Greenwich Observatory for over forty years, most of
them under Airy, and became Chief Assistant under Christie. He is also
famous for his beautiful book 'The Midnight Sky' whose genesis he describes
- it derived from what appears to have been the first ever series of
articles published in any general circulation magazine with monthly
illustrations of the sky.
Dunkin's autobiography gives much information and insight into the workings
of the Greenwich Observatory in his time, and describes the commissioning
of major Greenwich instruments such as the Airy Transit Circle, the Great
Altazimuth, the 11 3/4 inch refractor (later 28 inch) and the Reflex
Zenith Tube; he was also involved in, and describes, numerous other
operations such as the determinations of the longitudes of Paris, Brussels
and Valentia, Geomagnetic observations, and Airy's experiments to determine
the density of the Earth at Harton Colliery, of which Dunkin was
superintendent. Dunkin also gives detailed descriptions of many Cornish
antiquities and customs, of visits to Cornish copper mines, and the changes
in modes of transport during the nineteenth century.
Several appendices have been added, including the unpublished description
of Airy's earlier Gravity experiments in Dolcoath copper mine, Cornwall,
and his lengthy lecture on the Harton Colliery experiments.
The publication is being sold by the Royal Cornwall Museum and,
characteristically of the publications of local societies, is being printed
in quite a small edition. Could I therefore suggest that you should apply
as soon as possible if you want to obtain a copy; it is highly unlikely
that the volume will be reprinted.
The volume has 218 pages, spiral bound, and the price is GB Pounds 20.
Orders may be sent by post to:
The Director
Royal Cornwall Museum
River Street
Truro
Cornwall
TR1 2SJ
or, perhaps, preferably, FAXed to the RCM at 01872 240514. They can send
you a pro-forma invoice or you can use a credit card. If ordering direct
please give the following information:
Name
Address
Number of copies required
Your address
Delivery address (if different)
Telephone Number
Type of Card (VISA, etc)
Card Number
Expiry date
Signature.
Please mention this message if ordering direct. Alternatively you can
order through a bookseller, the ISBN being 1 898166 73 0.
I hope you will find the book interesting and worthwhile.
Author's address:
Peter D. Hingley, Librarian
Royal Astronomical Society
Burlington House
Piccadilly
London W1V 0NL
England
Tel.: 0171 734 4582 / 3307
Fax: 0171 494 0166
e-mail: pdh@ras.org.uk
...........................................................................
Item 7 ENHA No. 39, Dec. 21, 1999
...........................................................................
New Books
---------
(From: "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Nr. 43,
6. August 1999, Item 7. Partial translations by the editor.)
Birkmaier, Martin (Hrsg.): Totale Sonnenfinsternis 11. August 1999
[Total eclipse, 11 August 1999. - In German].
Augsburg: Intercon, 1999. 94 p., 15 x 21 cm, numerous ill.,
ISBN 3-9805116-1-8, DM 9.80 (pb)
[p. 9-22: Karl-August Keil, Zur Geschichte der Sonnenfinsternisse (on the
history of eclipses, with emphasis on Augsburg).
Distribution: Intercon GmbH, Gablinger Weg 9k, D-86154 Augsburg, Germany,
Tel.: 0821-414081, Fax: 0821-414085; URL: http://www.intercon-spacetec.de/]
Einsteinturm [Einstein Tower. - In German]. Texts: Christine Hoh-Slodczyk,
Juergen Staude. Berlin: Pitz & Hoh; Ludwigsburg: Wuestenrot Stiftung, 1999.
32 p., 12 x 23 cm, numerous ill., part. in colour, DM 7.50 (pb) +
shipping, DM 3.50 for students
[Appeared on the occasion of the restauration of 1997-1999, which is
described in detail after the history and dscription of the solar
observatory.
Distribution: Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam, Sonnenobservatorium
Einsteinturm, Sekretariat, Telegrafenberg, D-14473 Potsdam,
Tel.: (0331) 288 2331, Fax: 288 2310, e-mail: soe@aip.de]
Krauss, Rolf: Astronomische Konzepte und Jenseitsvorstellungen in den
Pyramidentexten [Astronomical concepts and ideas about the hereafter in
the texts of the pyramids. - In German]. Wiesbaden: Otto Harrassowitz,
1997. XVI, 297 p., 34 ill., ISBN 3-447-03979-5, DM 128.00 (pb)
(Aegyptologische Abhandlungen ; 59)
[Also: Hamburg, Universitaet, Habilitations-Schrift, 1992]
Stern, Alan; Mitton, Jaqueline: Pluto and Charon.
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1997. 216 p., 23.5 x 16 cm,
ISBN 0-471-15297-8, $ 27.95, GBP 22.50 (hb)
[From the discovery of Pluto in 1930 to the current understanding of the
ninth planet and its moon, Charon. "Throughout the book, the authors bring
to life for the reader the personalities who, in some cases, have devoted
their careers to understanding this seductive and wonderfully complex
planetary system. In addition to Lowell, Slipher, and Tombaugh ... we
learn here of Hardie, Cruikshank, Christy, Andersson, Tholen, Buie,
Elliot, McKinnon, Jewitt, Luu, and others less well known outside the
realm of contemporary planetary astronomy." (Robert Millis)]
Rezension: R.Millis: Sky & Telescope 95 (1998) 6, 73-74
Rezension: P.Moore: The Observatory 118 (1998) 1144, 175
Wattenberg, Diedrich; Brosche, Peter: Archivalische Quellen zum Leben und
Werk von Franz Xaver von Zach [Archival sources on the live and works of
Franz Xaver von Zach. - In German]. Goettingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht,
1993. 89 p., facsim., ISBN 3-525-82122-0, DM 40.00 (pb)
(Abhandlungen der Akademie der Wissenschaften in Goettingen.
Mathematisch-Physikalische Klasse. Dritte Folge ; Nr. 45)
...........................................................................
Acknowledgements
----------------
For information we thank all authors and in addition:
Inge and Karl-August Keil, Izold Pustylnik, and Juergen Staude.
...........................................................................
Imprint
-------
Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA)
Published by the Working Group for the History of Astronomy in the
Astronomische Gesellschaft
Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick
All items without an author's name are editorial contributions.
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URL: http://www.astro.uni-bonn.de/~pbrosche/astoria.html
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