Since the mid-18th century, England had been the centre of the optics industry, due to the work of instument-maker John Dolland (1706-1761). Dolland manufactured small ‘achromatic’ telescopes with high-quality lenses made of flint glass (instead of the inferior crown glass). His products were in high demand from astronomers all over Europe. This began to change, when a poor man’s son who had had a lot of bad luck in his youth, met the Bavarian Prince Elector. Continue reading
Author
Sir George Cayley
Title
On Aerial Navigation
Published in
A Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Arts, 1810
This paper from 1810 was vital for writing my post “The Origin of Now (Part 3) – The Man Who Understood Why Airplanes Fly”.
Author
James Watt & Co.
Title
Directions for using the Patent Portable Copying Machines, invented & made by James Watt and Company, of Soho, near Birmingham
Publisher
T. A. Pearson’s Printing Office, 1810.
An original technical manual – a fascinating source for fans of the history of science. I used it for writing my post “The Origin of Now (Part 4) – The Letter Copying Press and Mr Watt’s Secrets Recipes for Ink and Liquor”.
Title
Specification of the patent granted to Mr. James Watt of Birmingham, for his new method of copying letters and other writings
Published in
The Repertory of Arts and Manufactures, Vol 1; London, 1794.
The Repertory of Arts and Manufactures is a brilliant source for research on the history of science. I found it very helpful for writing my post “The Origin of Now (Part 4) – The Letter Copying Press and Mr Watt’s Secrets Recipes for Ink and Liquor”.
Author
Ackroyd, J. A. D.
Title
Sir George Cayley: The Invention of the Aeroplane near Scarborough at the Time of Trafalgar
Published at
Journal of Aeronautical History, Paper No. 2011/ 6; L
The book was helpful for writing my post “The Origin of Now (Part 3) – The Man Who Understood Why Airplanes Fly”.
Author
Shectman, Jonathan
Title
Groundbreaking Scientific Experiments, Inventions, and Discoveries of the 18th Century
Publisher
Greenwood, 2003.
Mr. Shectman is the former editor of a series of science education books published by the National Science Resources Center. His book is a treat for everybody interested in the History of Science. I found it very helpful for writing my post “The Origin of Now: Part I”.
Author
Stanyard, Robert
Title
Tales from the Pen Room
Publisher
The Pen Room, Birmingham
Robert „Nibman“ Stanyard is manager at The Pen Room in Birmingham. His leaflet provides an fascinating insight into the lifes of the metal workers producing pen nibs in 19the century Brimingham. I found it very helpful for writing my post “The Origin of Now: Part I”.
Author
Kottick, Edward L.
Title
A History of the Harpsichord, Volume 1
Publisher
Indiana University Press, 2003.
Mr Kottick is professor emeritus of musicology at The University of Iowa. Interestingly, the book is not only about hapsichords, but also contains a notable passage about roller blades. I found it very helpful for writing my post “The Origin of Now: Part I”.
Author
Pocock, George
Title
The Aeropleustic Art or Navigation in the Air by the use of Kites, or Buoyant Sails
Publisher
W. Wilson, 1827
The book is brilliant primary source for delving into a historical amateur scientist’s work and passion. It is freely accessible here.
I used the book for writing my post “The Girl, the Kite and the Eccentric Inventor”.
Author
Holmes, Richard
Title
The Age of Wonder
Publisher
HarperPress, 2009
Mr Holmes introduces you to the leading scientists of the Second Scientific Revolution in Britain. Even if you never liked science at school you will enjoy this skillful and witty description of an amazing time and its thrilling discoveries. The book is a must-read for every Regency Enthusiast.
The book was helpful for writing my post “The Girl, the Kite and the Eccentric Inventor”.
