The Heavens on Earth : Observatories and Astronomy in Nineteenth-Century Science and Culture PDF
Edited by Aubin David Aubin, Bigg Charlotte Bigg, Sibum H. Otto Sibum
Part of the Science and Cultural Theory series
Description
The contributors examine "observatory techniques" developed and used not only in connection with observatories but also by instrument makers in their workshops, navy officers on ships, civil engineers in the field, and many others. These techniques included the calibration and coordination of precision instruments for making observations and taking measurements; methods of data acquisition and tabulation; and the production of maps, drawings, and photographs, as well as numerical, textual, and visual representations of the heavens and the earth. They also encompassed the social management of personnel within observatories, the coordination of international scientific collaborations, and interactions with dignitaries and the public. The state observatory occupied a particularly privileged place in the life of the city. With their imposing architecture and ancient traditions, state observatories served representative purposes for their patrons, whether as symbols of a monarch's enlightened power, a nation's industrial and scientific excellence, or republican progressive values. Focusing on observatory techniques in settings from Berlin, London, Paris, and Rome to Australia, Russia, Thailand, and the United States, The Heavens on Earth is a major contribution to the history of science.
Contributors: David Aubin, Charlotte Bigg, Guy Boistel, Theresa Levitt, Massimo Mazzotti, Ole Molvig, Simon Schaffer, Martina Schiavon , H. Otto Sibum, Richard Staley, John Tresch, Simon Werrett, Sven Widmalm
Information
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Download - Immediately Available
- Format:PDF
- Pages:400 pages
- Publisher:Duke University Press
- Publication Date:26/01/2010
- Category:
- ISBN:9780822392507
Information
-
Download - Immediately Available
- Format:PDF
- Pages:400 pages
- Publisher:Duke University Press
- Publication Date:26/01/2010
- Category:
- ISBN:9780822392507