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Popular AstronomyFrom the middle of the 18th century, natural knowledge – above all, astronomy – came to be seen as a type of learning that was a suitable adornment for gentlemen and even ladies. Such knowledge might encourage individuals to turn away from more frivolous occupations and toward a contemplation of the sublime nature of the universe and its Creator. The Newtonian system that was taught and demonstrated in popular books, through lectures and with diagrams and instruments encouraged thoughts of divine harmony, unifying laws and the power of man’s genius to interpret his surroundings. Browse the entire collection or: View by:
About this collectionFrom the middle of the 18th century, natural knowledge – above all, astronomy – came to be seen as a type of learning that was a suitable adornment for gentlemen and even ladies. Such knowledge might encourage individuals to turn away from more frivolous occupations and toward a contemplation of the sublime nature of the universe and its Creator. The Newtonian system that was taught and demonstrated in popular books, through lectures and with diagrams and instruments encouraged thoughts of divine harmony, unifying laws and the power of man’s genius to interpret his surroundings. The astronomy that was delivered to this genteel audience was largely stripped of its mathematical components, and presented with large helpings of natural theology. Books often offered their lessons familiarly, in the form of a conversation, and were increasingly advocated as suitable for children’s education. One of the most famous and popular early books on natural philosophy to be aimed at a youthful audience was 'The Newtonian System, Adapted to the Capacities of Young Gentlemen and Ladies, familiarized and made entertaining by Objects with which they are intimately acquainted', written by John Newbury in 1761. It was presented in the form of lectures by a boy called ‘Tom Telescope’ to his family members, underlining the message that a basic grasp of astronomy’s essentials was possible for all who could read. In the 18th century, therefore, such knowledge was largely accessible only to the leisured and literate classes. It was the following century that saw an explosion in literacy rates, cheap publishing and the provision of lecture courses aimed at the working classes. While some believed that scientific education would encourage acceptance of the natural order and a reverence for religion, for others it was a means of self-improvement that might lead to social mobility. Cheap books containing ‘useful’ knowledge and popular scientific lectures were the starting point of the careers of some 19th century men of science but, for most, gaining knowledge was an end in itself rather than a means to earning a living or gaining social advancement. The material remains of popular enthusiasm for astronomy in the 18th and 19th centuries are represented in the collections of the National Maritime Museum by prints, books, instruments and models, lecturers’ visual aids and even games. They provide a glimpse of both consumers of popular scientific knowledge and some of the producers, from astronomers to instrument-makers, lecturers, writers and teachers. |
