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:
Item
Letter from Israel Lyons, 1774-08-22 - 1774-09-28
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/7: 1-3
Scope and Contents
Letter dated 22 August 1774, regarding a problem to find instrumental errors using the known right ascensions of stars, and errors in a pendulum at altitudes. An unconnected note, dated 22 August to 28 September 1774, concerning theodolite measurements for the Schiehallion Experiment has been included with the letter.
Dates:
1774-08-22 - 1774-09-28
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
Letter from Israel Lyons Jnr, Cambridge, 1766
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/1: 1-2
Scope and Contents
Letter containing calculations for the occultations of stars.
Dates:
1766
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
Letter from J. Merdbey, Woolwich, 1809-04-18
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/46: 1-2
Scope and Contents
The letter refers to trouble Maskelyne has had with a watch belonging to a friend of Merdbey. On the reverse are various equations in Maskelyne's hand.
Dates:
1809-04-18
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
Letter from James Horsburgh, Bombay, 1804-05-31
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/37: 1-2
Scope and Contents
The letter contains observations of the first and second satellites of Jupiter in 1803.
Dates:
1804-05-31
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
Letter from James Inman to [Nevil Maskelyne], 1803-08-05 - 1803-08-08
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 209-216
Scope and Contents
Concerning observations taken at Garden Island, Sydney, New South Wales, and his equipment and instruments. A postscript concerns a gift of a pet for Miss Maskelyne, with mention of the different animals of the country.
Dates:
1803-08-05 - 1803-08-08
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
Letter from James Pascoe, Honiton, 1806-10-11
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/39: 1-2
Scope and Contents
The letter confirms the accuracy of the French tables, with equations on the ellipsis overleaf in Maskelyne's hand.
Dates:
1806-10-11
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).
Item
Letter from John Boddington to Nevil Maskelyne, 1779-10-22
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 218/3/26
Scope and Contents
Signifying that the payment of land tax on his salary as Astronomical Observator would henceforth be paid by the Office of Ordinance.
Dates:
1779-10-22
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
Letter from John Campbell, East Sheen, Surrey, 1771-09-15
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/2: 1-2
Scope and Contents
Letter forwarding an account of a solar eclipse of 25 July 1767 observed by Captain Wallis from HMS 'Dolphin' in Port Royal Harbour, King George's Island (Tahiti). See also [RGO 4/187: 3].
Dates:
1771-09-15
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
Letter from John Crosley to Nevil Maskelyne, 1794-11-18
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 93-94
Scope and Contents
Concerning observations from a voyage of HMS Providence.
Dates:
1794-11-18
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
Letter from John Crosley to Nevil Maskelyne, 1794-12-20
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 95
Scope and Contents
Partial letter concerning observations from a voyage of HMS Providence.
Dates:
1794-12-20
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
Letter from John Crosley to Nevil Maskelyne, 1795-02-13
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 96-97
Scope and Contents
Concerning observations from a voyage of HMS Providence.
Dates:
1795-02-13
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
Letter from John Crosley to Nevil Maskelyne, 1795-10-06
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 98-105
Scope and Contents
Sent from New South Wales, concerning observations from a voyage of HMS Providence.
Dates:
1795-10-06
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).
Item
Letter from John Daly to Nevil Maskelyne, 1797-01-31
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/38: 213-214
Scope and Contents
From the Item:
Four letters from Daly, with a copy of a reply from William Wales.
Dates:
1797-01-31
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).
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
/
Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives
/
Papers of the Board of Longitude
/
Correspondence regarding methods and instruments used to establish longitude and the use of chronometers at sea
/
John Daly on his theory of the disposition of the Earth and on an instrument for finding longitude
Item
Letter from John Dumbell to the Astronomer Royal, 1799-11-19
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/23: 227-228
Scope and Contents
From the Item:
Two letters.
Dates:
1799-11-19
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
Letter from John Flamsteed to the Bishop of Worcester, William Lloyd, 1703-11-27
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 1/77
Scope and Contents
Concerning calculations of the time of the lunar eclipse of 3 April [AD] 33 [and its identification as eclipse recorded as occurring on the day of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ].
Dates:
1703-11-27
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
Letter from John Newton to Nevil Maskelyne, 1788-10-26
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/40: 521-521a
Scope and Contents
Concerning his invention 'for discovering the longitude by a true bearing' which involved 'a real timepiece', and which he claims much exceeded calculations based on lunar distance; addressed from Whitehaven, Cumberland.
Dates:
1788-10-26
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
Letter from John Stoyle to Nevil Maskelyne, 1803-12-12
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/34: 140-141
Scope and Contents
From the Item:
Three letters.
Dates:
1803-12-12
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).
Item
Letter from Joseph Cawthorne, Greenwich Park, 1795-09-09
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/23: 1
Scope and Contents
The letter concerns an appointment to meet Mr Ward and friends at the Royal Observatory, with algebraic equations on the back.
Dates:
1795-09-09
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
Letter from Joseph Emmanuel Pellizer to the Board of the Admiralty, 1801-09-20
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/53: 130-131
Scope and Contents
Outlining his 'new and good method of finding the longitude'.
Dates:
1801-09-20
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
Letter from Joseph Manton to Nevil Maskelyne, 1809-03-08 - 1809-06-01
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/24: 449-450
Scope and Contents
With a note by Maskelyne.
Dates:
1809-03-08 - 1809-06-01
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).
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
/
Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives
/
Papers of the Board of Longitude
/
Papers regarding the public trials and improvements of clocks and chronometers, 1784-1828
/
Papers regarding miscellaneous chronometer improvements, 1790-1828
/
Correspondence concerning Joseph Manton's chronometer
Item
Letter from Mathew Flinders, 1802-05-25
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/68: 17-18
Scope and Contents
Letter sent to Nevil Maskelyne from HMS Investigator at Port Jackson, concerning observations he had made on the voyage; for the observations, see [RGO 14/68: 15-16].
Dates:
1802-05-25
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).
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
/
Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives
/
Papers of the Board of Longitude
/
Correspondence and related papers regarding observations made on voyages of discovery
/
Correspondence regarding applications for a reward by Matthew Flinders and Lieutenant S.W. Flinders
Item
Letter from Messrs Key and Sons, 1803-08-15
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/35: 1
Scope and Contents
The letter accompanied samples of papers under consideration for use in publications. On the reverse are various stellar observations taken on 12 October 1804.
Dates:
1803-08-15
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
Letter from Mr Dempster to Nevil Maskelyne, 1786-04-25
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/55: 46-46a
Scope and Contents
From the Sub-file :
With an index of names.
Dates:
1786-04-25
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
Letter from Mr Rowed of the Globe Tavern, Fleet Street, 1795-06-15
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/22: 1-2
Scope and Contents
The letter reminds Nevil Maskelyne of the meeting of the 'Club' to be held at his house. The letter is covered with various computations.
Dates:
1795-06-15
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
Letter from Mrs Mary Edwards, Ludlow, 1785-06-18
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/10: 1
Scope and Contents
Letter directing and thanking Maskelyne for assisting with settling the accounts of the late husband of Mary Edwards (John Edwards) with a number of London instrument makers, and for transporting her husband's instruments back and forth for sale. The reverse of the letter is covered in notes and sketches.
Dates:
1785-06-18
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).
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