How Long to Read A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition

How Long Does it Take to Read A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition?

It takes the average reader 13 hours and 6 minutes to read A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition by Agnes Mary Clerke

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

INTRODUCTION We can distinguish three kinds of astronomy, each with a different origin and history, but all mutually dependent, and composing, in their fundamental unity, one science. First in order of time came the art of observing the returns, and measuring the places, of the heavenly bodies. This was the sole astronomy of the Chinese and Chaldeans; but to it the vigorous Greek mind added a highly complex geometrical plan of their movements, for which Copernicus substituted a more harmonious system, without as yet any idea of a compelling cause. The planets revolved in circles because it was their nature to do so, just as laudanum sets to sleep because it possesses a virtus dormitiva. This first and oldest branch is known as "observational," or "practical astronomy." Its business is to note facts as accurately as possible; and it is essentially unconcerned with schemes for connecting those facts in a manner satisfactory to the reason. The second kind of astronomy was founded by Newton. Its nature is best indicated by the term "gravitational"; but it is also called "theoretical astronomy." It is based on the idea of cause; and the whole of its elaborate structure is reared according to the dictates of a single law, simple in itself, but the tangled web of whose consequences can be unravelled only by the subtle agency of an elaborate calculus. The third and last division of celestial science may properly be termed "physical and descriptive astronomy." It seeks to know what the heavenly bodies are in themselves, leaving the How? and the Wherefore? of their movements to be otherwise answered. Now, such inquiries became possible only through the invention of the telescope, so that Galileo was, in point of fact, their originator. But Herschel first gave them a prominence which the whole progress of science during the nineteenth century served to confirm and render more exclusive. Inquisitions begun with the telescope have been extended and made effective in unhoped-for directions by the aid of the spectroscope and photographic camera; and a large part of our attention in the present volume will be occupied with the brilliant results thus achieved. The unexpected development of this new physical-celestial science is the leading fact in recent astronomical history. It was out of the regular course of events. In the degree in which it has actually occurred it could certainly not have been foreseen. It was a seizing of the prize by a competitor who had hardly been thought qualified to enter the lists. Orthodox astronomers of the old school looked with a certain contempt upon observers who spent their nights in scrutinising the faces of the moon and planets rather than in timing their transits, or devoted daylight energies, not to reductions and computations, but to counting and measuring spots on the sun. They were regarded as irregular practitioners, to be tolerated perhaps, but certainly not encouraged. The advance of astronomy in the eighteenth century ran in general an even and logical course....

How long is A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition?

A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition by Agnes Mary Clerke is 774 pages long, and a total of 196,596 words.

This makes it 261% the length of the average book. It also has 240% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 17 hours and 54 minutes to read A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition aloud.

What Reading Level is A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition?

A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

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