Abstract
ASTRONOMY has no direct bearing upon industry, therefore it is neglected in this utilitarian age. Technical education is made to include such subjects as political economy, problems of poverty, and great painters; but the authorities which decide what is or is not technical knowledge, draw a line at celestial science. The result is that astronomy is more studied for its own sake than any other science. But by merely reading popular astronomical literature, it is not possible to obtain a truly scientific knowledge of the heavenly bodies; personal observation of the varying aspects of the midnight sky, and of the chief characteristics of celestial objects is essential practical work compared with which book learning is as nothing. Two obstacles have hitherto prevented a wide enjoyment of the beauties of celestial scenery—first, the prohibitive prices which opticians charge for even small telescopes; and secondly, the absence of small and trustworthy guides to the heavens, suitable for those who have no idea what to seek and where to look. There are several most valuable works for the initiated amateur, but few are of a kind that the unexperienced observer finds intelligible. Mr. Fowler's little book removes both the obstacles referred to. In the words of the sub-title, it is a book showing “how to make a 2-inch telescope, and what to see with it,” and very admirably is the promise of the title-page fulfilled. The telescope described is made by each student in the course of Astronomical Physics at the Royal College of Science, South Kensington. By following out the instructions given, a serviceable instrument can be constructed, capable of bringing into view a multitude of stars and sights beyond the range of the unaided vision. There can be no doubt that whoever makes his own telescope, not only performs thereby a valuable exercise in optics, but he is not likely to make such foolish mistakes as the astronomical tyro who procures his polished instrument from the opticians, and looks upon it as akin to a box of tricks.
Popular Telescopic Astronomy.
By A. Fowler Pp. vi + 77. (London: George Philip and Son, 1896.)
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Popular Telescopic Astronomy. Nature 53, 315 (1896). https://doi.org/10.1038/053315b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/053315b0