the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

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John Flamsteed : astronomical calculations (lunar positions)

"When [Isaac] Newton arrived at Greenwich in September 1694, the astronomer [John Flamsteed] showed him 157 lunar positions calculated at the observatory ... Newton asked permission to take copies of them."

Century: 1600-1699     Reader/Listener/Group: Isaac Newton      Manuscript: Unknown

John Flamsteed : sections of catalogue of stars

Adrian Johns discusses John Flamsteed's reading of sheets 1 and 3 of his star catalogue (submitted for printing without his authorisation, and much added to), apparently supplied to him by printing-house staff.

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: John Flamsteed      Print: sheets

John Flamsteed : catalogue of stars

Adrian Johns describes how "[Edmond] Halley ... [took] to 'correcting' the copy [of John Flamsteed's star catalogue] in Child's coffeehouse, and pointing out to his 'impious friends' there all Flamsteed's purported errors."

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Edmond Halley      

John Flamsteed : Atlas Coelestis

"As late as 1782 ... [Caroline Herschel] would employ a telescope to 'sweep' the sky for comets, with her brother William seated beside her. William helped her attain the vital skill of correlating in an instant what she observed in the sky with its representation in the Atlas [Coelestis] lying open beside her."

Century: 1700-1799     Reader/Listener/Group: Caroline and William Herschel     Print: Book

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