An Engineer-Astronomer

Abstract

IT is always interesting and sometimes profitable to turn for a moment from the achievements of to-day to contemplate the difficulties, struggles, and aspirations of the pioneer in some special field of scientific endeavour. To do so, however, is not always a simple matter, since it often entails a laborious search through the publications of various learned societies; and, at the end of the search, a feeling that something of importance may after all have been missed. When, however, the whole of the written work of some specialist has been collected together and republished in one volume, it can be studied at any time with the greatest facility.

The Scientific Papers of William Parsons, Third Earl of Rosse, 1800–1867.

Collected and republished by the Hon. Sir Charles Parsons., K.C.B., F.R.S. Pp. v + 221 + 18 plates. (New-castle-upon-Tyne: Sir Howard Grubb, Parsons and Co., 1926.)