THE PRACTICAL ASTRONOMER, COMPRISING ILLUSTRATIONS OF LIGHT AND COLOURS-PRACTICAL THE USE OF THE EQUATORIAL-TRANSIT- A PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE EARL OF ROSSE'S LARGE TELESCOPES, PREFACE. in THE following work was announced several years ago the preface to the volume on "The Sidereal Heavens; since which time numerous enquiries have been made after it by correspondents in England, the West Indies, and America. It was nearly ready for publication three years ago; but circumstances over which the Author had no controul, prevented its appearance at that period. This delay, however, has enabled him to introduce descriptions of certain instruments and inventions which were partly unknown at the time to which he refers. The title "Practical Astronomer" has been fixed upon, as the shortest that could be selected, although the volume does not comprise a variety of topics and discussions generally comprehended in this department of astronomy. The work is intended for the information of general readers, especially for those who have acquired a relish for astronomical pursuits, and who wish to become acquainted with the instruments by which celestial observations are made, and to apply their mechanical skill to the construction of some of those which they may wish to possess. With this view the Author has entered into a variety of minute details, in reference to the construction and practical application of all kinds of telescopes, &c. which are not to be found in general As Light is the foundation of astronomical science, As this, as well as every other physical subject, forms The present is the ninth volume which the Author has Broughty Ferry, near Dundee, August, 1845. |