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 Nevil Maskelyne, 1765
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/48: 1-2
Scope and Contents
The draft letter is addressed to 'My Lord' and is a response to John Harrison's applications to the Board of Longitude and to Parliament to get a second £10,000 in reward money for his marine timekeepers. The letter continues with notes on longitude determination and marine timekeepers by other makers.
Dates:
1765
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 Nevil Maskelyne, 1782-08-12
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/16: 315-317
Scope and Contents
Regarding the observations made by William Bayly during the voyage of HMS Discovery.
Dates:
1782-08-12
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).
Series
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 12 Nov. 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 103-104
Scope and Contents
Concerning the bill of sale of his son's effects.
Dates:
12 Nov. 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 16 Nov. 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 105-106
Scope and Contents
Concerning the bill of sale of his son's effects.
Dates:
16 Nov. 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 26 Nov. 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 108-109
Scope and Contents
Concerning the heavy percentage required of his son's money.
Dates:
26 Nov. 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 3 Jan. 1794
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 112-113
Scope and Contents
Concerning the money raised by the sale of his son's effects.
Dates:
3 Jan. 1794
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 13 Feb. 1794
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 119-121
Scope and Contents
With a statement concerning monies owed to Gooch by the Board of Longitude.
Dates:
13 Feb. 1794
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 15 Feb. 1794
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 122-123
Scope and Contents
Giving directions concerning further money owed to Gooch by the Board of Longitude.
Dates:
15 Feb. 1794
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 21 Feb. 1794
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 124-125
Scope and Contents
Requesting a receipt for payment of £8 for Gooch's expenses on instruments.
Dates:
21 Feb. 1794
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 18 July 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 94-95
Scope and Contents
Concerning his deceased son's salary and will, and offering his condolences.
Dates:
18 July 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 17 Aug. 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 96-97
Scope and Contents
Concerning the date of his son's death and the payment of his salary, and including an extract from a letter by George Vancouver respecting the sale of Mr Gooch's effects at Nootka Sound.
Dates:
17 Aug. 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 7 Sept. 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 98-99
Scope and Contents
On the proving of Mr Gooch's will and payment of his salary, and clarifying the date of his death (10 May 1792).
Dates:
7 Sept. 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 17 Sept. 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 100-101
Scope and Contents
Providing directions with regard to his son's will.
Dates:
17 Sept. 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 26 Dec. 1793
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 110-111
Scope and Contents
Concerning the bill of sale of his son's effects.
Dates:
26 Dec. 1793
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 14 Jan. 1794
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 114-115
Scope and Contents
Concerning the money raised by the sale of his son's effects and the appointment of John Crosley as William Gooch's replacement as astronomer.
Dates:
14 Jan. 1794
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 25 Jan. 1794
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 117-118
Scope and Contents
Regarding money owed by and to his son.
Dates:
25 Jan. 1794
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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
Letter from Nevil Maskelyne to William Gooch (senior), 23 Aug. 1794
Series
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Mm.06.48: 126-127
Scope and Contents
Regarding the settling of his son's accounts.
Dates:
23 Aug. 1794
Conditions Governing Access:
From the File:
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 Nicholas May to the Board of Longitude, 1782-12-07
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/35: 506-506a
Scope and Contents
With a note on the reverse by Nevil Maskelyne.
Dates:
1782-12-07
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
Letter from Peter and George Dollond, London, 1807-10-08
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/42: 1
Scope and Contents
The letter concerns the dispatch of a pocket globe. On the reverse, in Maskelyne's hand, is a sketch relative to Stephen Groombridge's scheme.
Dates:
1807-10-08
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 Professor Kratzenstein on chronometers and magnetic variation, 1786-08-28
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/38: 464-466
Scope and Contents
Sent to Nevil Maskelyne.
Dates:
1786-08-28
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 Richard Judson to Nevil Maskelyne, 1803-08-20
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 14/40: 308-309
Scope and Contents
Concerning Judson's three solutions for finding longitude: by the globe, by a projection outlined in the letter, and by the right angled triangle.
Dates:
1803-08-20
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 Robert Fenwick, officer of the Royal Artillery, Barbados, 1770-10-17
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/4: 1-2
Scope and Contents
Letter containing observations of the stars and Jupiter's satellites to determine the longitude of Barbados.
Dates:
1770-10-17
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 Sir Harold Parker at the Admiralty, 1792-06-07
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/16: 1
Scope and Contents
Letter concerning a request for Nevil Maskelyne to report on a paper submitted by John Wood concerning an instrument for measuring angles.
Dates:
1792-06-07
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
Letter from Stephen Groombridge, 1809-04-24
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 4/187/47: 1-2
Scope and Contents
The letter concerns amendments to a book. On the reverse are various equations in Maskelyne's hand.
Dates:
1809-04-24
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
Letter from the Earl of Suffolk authorising Nevil Maskelyne to take six weeks leave of absence from the Royal Observatory, 1777-07-17
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 218/3/25
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:
1777-07-17
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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