Maskelyne, Nevil, 1732-1811 (astronomer and mathematician)
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1732 - 1811
Biography
Nevil Maskelyne (1732-1811), astronomer and mathematician, was born in London on 6 October 1732, and educated at Westminster School. He entered Catherine Hall, Cambridge, in 1749, but migrated subsequently to Trinity College (B.A., 1754; M.A., 1757; D.D., 1777), where he became a Fellow in 1757. He was ordained curate of Barnet, Hertfordshire, in 1755, and received the living of Shrawardine, Shropshire, 1775, and the rectory of North Runcton, Norfolk, 1782. He was appointed Astronomer Royal in 1765 and oversaw the publication of the first 'Nautical Almanac' in 1766. In 1774 he planned and superintended the Schiehallion Experiment, which attempted to determine the earth's density by examining the gravitational attraction of a mountain in Perthshire. During his lifetime, he made over 90,000 observations, which were published in instalments between 1776 and 1811. He died at Greenwich Observatory on 9 February 1811.
Found in 263 Collections and/or Records:
File
Correspondence with the Royal Society, 1937 - 1948
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 9/564
Scope and Contents
Miscellaneous correspondence with the Royal Society relating mainly to the re-establishment and expansion of astronomy after the Second World War. The papers include the following items:Correspondence concerning the re-equipping of Cambridge observatories, 1948.Minutes of the meeting of the Gassiot Committee on 31 October 1947, with reports from the Kew and Eskdalemuir Observatories.Correspondence concerning Maskelyne manuscripts, 1947.Correspondence regarding...
Dates:
1937 - 1948
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Sub-Series
Correspondence with tradesmen, 1894 - 1916
Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 7/73
Scope and Contents
Correspondence regarding accounts held with various tradesmen:Section (i)Correspondence with tradesmen concerning the settlement of bills and accounts for repairs to buildings, instruments and stationery, 1908.Estimate from Williams and Norgate for supplying millimetre paper, 1894.Correspondence with Bernard Quaritch concerning the purchases of books, 1894.Bill from Gridley and Ford for the carriage of parcels, 1894.Bill from H.J. Smith for...
Dates:
1894 - 1916
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Dedication of Taylor's logarithms, 1810
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/46: 332-333
Scope and Contents
From the File:
Correspondence regarding various astronomical and nautical tables.
Dates:
1810
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Diary of 'Nautical Almanac' work, 1767 - 1817
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/324
Scope and Contents
A diary of work performed on the 'Nautical Almanac' and arrangements for its compilation and publication.
Dates:
1767 - 1817
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Discussion of star places, 1755 - 1862
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/195
Scope and Contents
Correspondence on the position and identity of stars; requests for star catalogues; parts of star catalogues, including Maskelyne's star ledgers, 1755-1816; and some computations. There are brief papers by R.C. Carrington on 20 circumpolar stars; works on variable stars by N.R. Pogson; drawings of the ring and dumb-bell nebulae by W. Lassell; and treatments of the Great Nebula in Orion by G.P. Bond and O. Struve. There is also a piece on variable stars from the 'Aberdeen Free Press' and a...
Dates:
1755 - 1862
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Draft instructions for John Crosley to go on a voyage to New Holland on board HMS Investigator on a scientific expedition, 1801-03-07
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/185: 4-4c
Scope and Contents
The letter gives instructions on observations to be taken on board ship, details of observations to be taken on shore, general directions and an inventory of required instruments, books and charts.
Dates:
1801-03-07
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Draft letter from Maskelyne to the Board of Longitude, 1763-12-22
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/320/7: 1-4
Scope and Contents
The undated draft letter concerns the eclipses of Jupiter's satellites and the deduction of longitude from observations made on board HMS Princess Louisa during a voyage to Barbados. Maskelyne mentions his inability to make these observations from either of Christopher Irwin's marine chairs, which he had been asked by the Commissioners of the Board of Longitude to use and give an opinion on. On the reverse are observations made by Maskelyne whilst in Barbados.
Dates:
1763-12-22
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Draft letter to George Dollond, 1808-09
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/185: 3
Scope and Contents
Concerning the focal length of a 6 foot telescope.
Dates:
1808-09
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Draft letter to James Ewart Esq. of Lancaster, 1794-08-18
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/185: 1-1a
Scope and Contents
Letter forwarding details of lunar occultations, with notes and calculations on an eclipse.
Dates:
1794-08-18
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Draft letter to Monsieur Julian Canelas, Directeur de l'Observatoire a l'Isle de St Leon, 1806-12-11
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/185: 2
Scope and Contents
Letter on occultations of stars and a solar eclipse. There are notes on Stephen Groombridge's circle on the reverse.
Dates:
1806-12-11
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Draft letters to Ewart, Canelas, Dollond, Crosley and Inman, 1794 - 1808
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/185
Scope and Contents
Miscellaneous draft letters.
Dates:
1794 - 1808
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Draft of a letter from Nevil Maskelyne to the Royal Society concerning the inadequacy of the equatorial sector for observing comets, 1770-07-12
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/320/5: 1-2
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
The collection comprises a large series of observations, calculations, computations and tables, with accounts, booklets, illustrations, journals of voyages, notes, treatises and other material. There is a large volume of correspondence, which reflects the varied nature of the Astronomer Royal's work, and includes correspondence with computers and comparers; letters from Gauss, Piazzi, Zach and Olbers, who contacted Maskelyne at the time of the discovery of the minor planets; and...
Dates:
1770-07-12
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Drawings and engravings, 1849
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/836
Scope and Contents
A pen and ink drawing of the Front Court of the Royal Observatory, 1849; an undated engraving of a house pasted to a blue leaf, titled by Airy 'Newton's Birth Place'; and an undated engraving of Nevil Maskelyne.
Dates:
1849
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Elements of stellar reduction, 1823
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 5/120
Scope and Contents
Elements of reduction for stars in north polar distance and elements for stars in right ascension, with Maskelyne's printed table 21. There are tables for:1. Corrections of the right ascension in time of 59 principal stars for every 10th day of the year.2. Corrections of the right ascension in time of 59 principal stars to every 10th degree of longitude of the Moon's ascending node.3. Deviation of stars in north polar distance, common to all the stars.4. The...
Dates:
1823
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Evidence of Mr John Brockbank, 1804-03-23
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/25: 260-261
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
The first part of collection is comprised of papers concerning the internal affairs of the Board of Longitude, including the granting of awards, accounts, minutes, committee papers, petitions and memorials, the loan of instruments, publications and the payment of staff. These are followed by a wide range of papers relating to the Board's work, concerning clocks, chronometers and other instruments; longitude and latitude; magnetic variation; schemes and inventions; tables; pendulum...
Dates:
1804-03-23
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Evidence of Mr Miles Brockbank, 1804-06-07
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/25: 262
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
The first part of collection is comprised of papers concerning the internal affairs of the Board of Longitude, including the granting of awards, accounts, minutes, committee papers, petitions and memorials, the loan of instruments, publications and the payment of staff. These are followed by a wide range of papers relating to the Board's work, concerning clocks, chronometers and other instruments; longitude and latitude; magnetic variation; schemes and inventions; tables; pendulum...
Dates:
1804-06-07
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Examination of Mr Best and Mr Frodsham, 1804-03-01
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/25: 258-259
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
The first part of collection is comprised of papers concerning the internal affairs of the Board of Longitude, including the granting of awards, accounts, minutes, committee papers, petitions and memorials, the loan of instruments, publications and the payment of staff. These are followed by a wide range of papers relating to the Board's work, concerning clocks, chronometers and other instruments; longitude and latitude; magnetic variation; schemes and inventions; tables; pendulum...
Dates:
1804-03-01
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Examinations of chronometer-makers relative to Earnshaw's claim to a reward, 1803 - 1805
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/25: 247-280
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
The first part of collection is comprised of papers concerning the internal affairs of the Board of Longitude, including the granting of awards, accounts, minutes, committee papers, petitions and memorials, the loan of instruments, publications and the payment of staff. These are followed by a wide range of papers relating to the Board's work, concerning clocks, chronometers and other instruments; longitude and latitude; magnetic variation; schemes and inventions; tables; pendulum...
Dates:
1803 - 1805
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Extract from Captain Matthew Flinders' memoir on the construction of his charts, 1806-05-19
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 75
Scope and Contents
Copied by Dr Maskelyne from pencil writing in Flinders' memoir; with reference made to Australia, Bass Strait and Torres Strait.
Dates:
1806-05-19
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Extract of King's Warrant granting Nevil Maskelyne £70 a year for an assistant, 1771-07-05
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 218/3/19
Scope and Contents
From the File:
Set of documents relating to the Royal Observatory, wrapped in paper marked 'King's warrant of appointment to the Royal Observatory, appointment of visitors and sundry other papers relative to the Royal Observatory'.
Dates:
1771-07-05
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Index to Maskelyne's manuscripts
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/844
Scope and Contents
An undated list of the manuscripts of Nevil Maskelyne, containing 35 entries.
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Series
Inventories of Manuscripts, 1911
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 38
Scope and Contents
Inventories of the printed works (No. I) and manuscripts (Nos II-III) of Nevil Maskelyne presented to the Greenwich Observatory by Mrs Story-Maskelyne. There is a contents page at the start of each volume.
Dates:
1911
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Invitation from James Stuart Mackenzie, 1795-04-24
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/20: 1-2
Scope and Contents
An invitation to dinner at the home of James Mackenzie addressed to 'My Dear Tycho' (after the famed astronomer Tycho Brahe). Various calculations and equations cover the letter.
Dates:
1795-04-24
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Item
Journal of a voyage from England to Barbados in his Majesty's ship Princess Louisa, under Captain Norwood and Admiral Tyrell, 1761 - 1764
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/321: 7v-43r
Scope and Contents
The journal covers the period 23 February-7 November 1763 and consists of daily tabulated log entries showing the course of the ship and meteorological conditions on the voyage.A set of additional pages is loosely inserted [RGO 4/321: 14-20], showing a sketch of an unnamed island, possibly Barbados [RGO 4/321: 14], and various computations [RGO 4/321: 15-20] including comparisons of observations from voyages of 1761-1764 to ascertain errors in the quadrant [RGO 4/321: 15]; observations...
Dates:
1761 - 1764
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Journal of voyage to St Helena, 1761-01-21 - 1761-04-06
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/150
Scope and Contents
'Journal of a voyage from England to St Helena, Ship Prince Henry, East India Man, Charles Haggis, Commander' A record of the observations and calculations carried out by the astronomer Nevil Maskelyne on his voyage to the island of St. Helena. It is a mix of rough and neat observations from the journey and opens with tightly-packed calculations and notes to himself. This is followed by neatly set-out tables of daily entries which run from 21 January to 6 April 1761 (when the...
Dates:
1761-01-21 - 1761-04-06
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Additional filters:
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- Royal Greenwich Observatory (GBR/0180) 238
- Archives and MSS Dept. (GBR/0012) 25
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