Längen-Bestimmung durch den Mond…
Längen-Bestimmung durch den Mond. Eine nautisch-astronomische Abhandlung.
Hamburg: Perthes-Besser & Mauke, 1849.
Octavo, [vi], [74], 218 pp; contemporary presentation romantique binding of dark brown morocco, sides ornately gilt, flat spine decorated and lettered in gilt, white silk moiré endpapers, all edges gilt.
Superb presentation copy of the former NSW astronomer on longitude
A beautifully bound presentation copy, inscribed by Rümker in ink to Ernest Augustus, the son of George III, Duke of Cumberland and King of Hanover (1771-1851), whose picturesque library stamp appears on the verso of the title-page.
A beautifully bound presentation copy, inscribed by Rümker in ink to Ernest Augustus, the son of George III, Duke of Cumberland and King of Hanover (1771-1851), whose picturesque library stamp appears on the verso of the title-page.
This rare astronomical work by Rümker reflects his close interest in the nautical aspects of astronomical science. After he left New South Wales in 1829, as well as becoming the director of the Hamburg Observatory he also took over as the superintendent of the Hamburg Nautical School. Earlier in his life he had served in the British merchant navy, which did not preclude him being press-ganged onto a warship in 1813. During some years of naval service in the Mediterranean he made use of his mathematical skills to become a skilled navigator.
Unsurprisingly therefore he was particularly interested in longitude, publishing on the subject in journals during his Parramatta time. This work, the first part of which consists of an introduction and explanation, much of which couched in complex mathematics, the second part containing astronomical tables, is about the determination of longitude by lunar observations.
Provenance: Florid presentation inscription from the author to Ernest Augustus, Duke of Cumberland and King of Hanover (1771-1851), with stamp of his library on verso of title. "Fifth son of George III, Ernest Augustus served in the English and Hanoverian armies during the war with France. He was created Duke of Cumberland in 1799. He entered the House of Lords as an ardent Tory who opposed Catholic emancipation and the Reform Act. His repressive politics and private influence over the Prince Regent, made the Duke the subject of much popular resentment. In 1810, amid rumours of incest and the murder of his valet, he suffered an assassination attempt. When William IV died in 1837, Cumberland succeeded as Ernest I of Hanover under Salic law which excluded Queen Victoria as a woman" (NPG).
Houzeau & Lancaster, 10636; Poggendorff II, 714 f. Not recorded by Peters, Crone Library or the catalogue of the Netherlands Scheepvart Museums.
Condition Report: In fine condition.
Price (AUD): $4,850.00
US$3,167.35 Other currencies