The moon : considered as a planet, a world, and a satellite by James Nasmyth and James Carpent
The moon : considered as a planet, a world, and a satellite by James Nasmyth and James Carpenter. Published by John Murray, London, 1874.James Nasmyth the inventor of steam hammer developed an interest in astronomy and photograph in later life. Photography had not yet advanced to the point where actual photographs of the Moon where possible, Nasmyth made plaster mold models based on the observations he made with his reflecting telescope. The models where photographed by astronomer James Carpenter using lighting from various angles to achieve a realistic result.Both Nasmyth and Carpenter were proponents of the idea that craters on the Moon were of volcanic origin, an idea later proven incorrect. Nevertheless, both authors are honoured by craters on the Moon having been named after them. This 1874 work is an early example of a photobook, a book where photographs make up a prominent component of the overall content. This copy is held by the Library in our Rare Books collection. We also hold a copy once owned by the noted Australian astronomer John Tebbutt. The Moon along with some of the Library’s other astronomical treasures will be on display as part of upcoming Rare Books: Astronomy talk. Bookings are essential. -- source link
Tumblr Blog : statelibrarynsw.tumblr.com
#astromomy#rare books#astrophotography#astronomy books#libraries#librarians#james nasmyth#john carpenter#john tebbutt