Overview

La Caille was one of the observational astronomers and geodesists who followed Newton in developing ideas about celestial mechanics and the shape of the earth. He provided data to the great 18th-century mathematicians involved in understanding the complex gravitational effects that the heavenly bodies have on one another. Observing from the Cape of Good Hope, he made the first ever telescopic sky survey and gave many of the southern constellations their present-day names. He measured the paths of the planets and determined their distances by trigonometry. In addition, he made a controversial measurement of the radius of the earth that seemed to prove it was pear-shaped. On a practical level, La Caille developed the method of `Lunars' for determining longitudes at sea. He mapped the Cape. As an influential teacher he propagated Newton's theory of universal gravitation at a time when it was only beginning to be accepted on the European continent. This book gives the most comprehensive overview so far available of La Caille's life and work, showing how he interacted with his often difficult colleagues. It places special emphasis on his life at, and his observations and comments on, the Cape of Good Hope, where he spent the years 1751-53.

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9780199668403

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Professor Glass brings brilliantly to life the indefatigable 18th-century Frenchman De la Caille, who in his two-year sojourn at the Cape of Good Hope named more constellations than any other recorded astronomer. Vividly portrayed are his triumphs and failures, his friends and detractors. Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics La Caille was a leading figure among eighteenth-century observational astronomers, and his observations at the Cape of Good Hope are discussed in this eloquent and informed narrative. While his period at the Cape forms only a part of his life and work, it is no doubt the most striking in his biography. Peter Harman, Department of History, Lancaster University Nicolas-Louis De La Caille was an engaging and significant figure in the fascinating world of eighteenth century science. No armchair philosopher, La Caille travelled far in pursuit of scientific truths. Ian Glasss book on La Caille will appeal to astronomers and geodesists concerned with the development of their disciplines, historians of science, and readers drawn to adventurous characters. Robert Smith, University of Alberta

Another strength of Glass's book is that the author is widely read and so explains details and puts them in context. It is recomended for those interested in the history of the Cape, astronomy or the mapping of southern Africa. Professor Glass brings brilliantly to life the indefatigable 18th-century Frenchman De la Caille, who in his two-year sojourn at the Cape of Good Hope named more constellations than any other recorded astronomer. Vividly portrayed are his triumphs and failures, his friends and detractors. Owen Gingerich, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics La Caille was a leading figure among eighteenth-century observational astronomers, and his observations at the Cape of Good Hope are discussed in this eloquent and informed narrative. While his period at the Cape forms only a part of his life and work, it is no doubt the most striking in his biography. Peter Harman, Department of History, Lancaster University Nicolas-Louis De La Caille was an engaging and significant figure in the fascinating world of eighteenth century science. No armchair philosopher, La Caille travelled far in pursuit of scientific truths. Ian Glasss book on La Caille will appeal to astronomers and geodesists concerned with the development of their disciplines, historians of science, and readers drawn to adventurous characters. Robert Smith, University of Alberta

Author Information

Ian Glass is an Astronomer at the South African Astronomical Observatory, and Adjunct Professor at James Cook University. His previous books include Revolutionaries of the Cosmos: The Astrophysicists, Victorian Telescope Makers: The Lives and Letters of Thomas and Howard Grubb, and Proxima: The Nearest Star (Other than the Sun).

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