Product Description

This volume deals specifically with recent original research in the history of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Islamic, and Indian astronomy. It strikes a balance between landmarks in the history of ancient and medieval astronomy in the Orient on one hand, and on the other the transmission of European astronomy into the countries of the Orient. Most contributions are based on research by experts in this field.

The book also indicates the status of astronomy research in non-European cultural areas of the world. It will be of interest to historians of astronomy and science, and students of cultural heritage.

Product Description

Ganita-yukti-bhasa (Rationales in Mathematical Astronomy) of Jyesthadeva (c.1530) is a seminal text of the Kerala school of astronomy. It is composed in the Malayalam language and presents detailed yuktis or explanations and demonstrations for the results and processes of mathematical astronomy. The text, comprising fifteen chapters, is naturally divided into two parts, mathematics and astronomy, and purports to give an exposition of the techniques and theories employed in the computation of planetary motions as set forth in the great treatise Tantrasangraha (c.1500) of Nilakantha Somayaji. Even though the importance of Ganita-yukti-bhasa was brought to the attention of modern scholarship by C.M Whish in the 1830s, a critical edition of the entire Malayalam text is published here for the first time along with an English translation and detailed explanatory notes.

The mathematics part is divided into seven chapters. The topics covered are Parikarma (logistics), Dasaprasna (ten problems), Bhinnaganita (fractions), Trairasika (rule of three), Kuttakara (linear indeterminate equations), Paridhi and Vyasa (infinite series and approximations for the ratio of the circumference and diameter of a circle) and Jyanayana (infinite series and approximations for sines). A distinguishing feature of the work is that it presents detailed demonstrations of the famous results attributed to Madhava (c.1340-1420), such as infinite series for p, the arc-tangent and the sine functions, and the estimation of correction terms and their use in the generation of faster convergent series. Demonstrations are also presented for some of the classical results of Aryabhata (c.499) on Kuttakara or the process of solution of linear indeterminate equations, of Brahmagupta (c.628) on the diagonals and the area of a cyclic quadrilateral, and of Bhaskara (c.1150) on the surface area and volume of a sphere.

The astronomy part is divided into eight chapters. The topics covered are Grahagati (computation of mean and true longitudes of planets), Bhugola and Bhagola (Earth and celestial spheres), Pancadasa-prasna (fifteen problems relating to ascension, declination, longitude, etc.), Chaya-ganita (determination of time, place, direction, etc., from gnomonic shadow), Grahana (eclipses), Vyatipata (when the sun and moon have the same declination), Darsana-samskara (visibility correction for planets) and Candra-srngonnati (phases of the moon). A distinguishing feature of this work is that it gives a detailed exposition of the revised planetary model proposed by Nilakantha which, for the first time in the history of astronomy, gives the correct formulation of the equation of centre and the latitudinal motion of the interior planets, Mercury and Venus. Another unique feature of Ganita-yukti-bhasa is that it presents systematic derivations of most of the results of spherical astronomy (pertaining to diurnal and shadow problems, parallax, eclipses, and so on) that are discussed in Indian astronomy.

The work will be of interest to historians of mathematics and astronomy and to philosophers of science.

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the few useful books
if you want to know what nautical navigation is all about. There are many modern books out there which either explain the use of your GPS system or give you algorithms so that you can take bearings with the sextant and know where you are. Books on the history of navigation too often contain wonderful color pictures of historical nautical instruments but fail in informing you how they were used and why.Cotter's classical book is very different from this. One not only learns the history of the subject, but also the subject itself. This is the best book I ever saw on the history of nautical navigation. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is both an indispensable reference on the history of astronomy in Australia, and a highly readable study of a scientific discipline in the context of emerging nationhood. It covers not only the science, but the individuals involved and the social and economic climate in which they worked. Starting from the ancient Aboriginal beliefs about the Sky World--the earliest known astronomy anywhere in the world--the authors lead us to the most exciting, high-tech, current and projected research being carried out at Australia's world-class astronomy facilities and universities. The authors cover all branches of astronomy--optical, infrared, X-ray, gamma-ray, microwave, gravitational wave and theoretical--and they include the contribution of amateur astronomers. The nontechnical language, many illustrations, and explanatory figures, ensure that this guide will appeal to a wide range of readers, including professional astronomers, historians of science, students, amateur astronomers and general readers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

world class efforts
In modern science, astronomy is one of the few areas in which Australia maintains world class standing. In part because it is a developed country, with the resources to spare for a modest investment in various observatories scattered throughout Australia, as discussed by Haynes. But also because by default, about the third of the night sky cannot be seen by the northern hemisphere. So Australia's main rivals in this regard are only Chile and South Africa.

The book does cover a history of astronomy in Australia. Starting with the efforts of Aboriginal astronomers. But perhaps to many readers, the most interesting sections are on the contemporary front. Here, Haynes explains the contributions in the many areas of the spectrum. Including the telescopes of Mt Stromlo and Siding Spring. Which were quite considerable monetary investments, by Australian standards. ... Read more

Product Description
Astronomy Across Cultures: A History of Non-WesternAstronomy consists of essays dealing with the astronomicalknowledge and beliefs of cultures outside the United States andEurope. In addition to articles surveying Islamic, Chinese, NativeAmerican, Aboriginal Australian, Polynesian, Egyptian, and Tibetanastronomy, among others, the book includes essays on Astronomy andReligion, Astronomy and Myth, and Astronomy and Astrology. The essaysaddress the connections between science and culture and relate theastronomical practices to the cultures which produced them. Each essayis well illustrated and contains an extensive bibliography. Becausethe geographic range is global, the book fills a gap in both thehistory of science and in cultural studies. It should find a place onthe bookshelves of advanced undergraduate students, graduate students,and scholars, as well as in libraries serving those groups. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Very Useful Sourcebook
This book has wide-ranging essays on the astronomies of the ancient world (other than Greek and Mesopotamian which are traditionally taken to be the forerunners of Western astronomy). The book is steeply priced, but it is worth it. ... Read more

Product Description
The Solar System: From the renaissance to the Nineteenth Century presents major chapters on Tycho Brahe and the Tychonic world systems, Johannes Kepler, Galileo and the early telescope astronomy of the solar system, Cartesian vortex theory, magnetic philosophy and astronomy, and the Newtonian achievement.There is a glossary of technical terms, as well as an extensive bibliography and thorough index.Published under the auspices of the International Astronomical Union and the International Union for the History and philosophy of Science, this work of great distinction and scholarship will be the standard reference on the historical development of solar system astronomy. ... Read more

Product Description
Volume 4 of The General History of Astronomy, originally published in 1984, concerns the birth of modern astrophysics in the nineteenth century, the growth of astronomical institutions to around 1920, and the development of instrumentation. The volume commences in the 1850s, with the first astronomical applications of photography and spectral analysis. It closes in the 1950s, before the explosive growth made possible by new electronic devices and computers. In Part A, there are eleven chapters, written by an international panel of eighteen authors, on subjects such as observatories, large telescopes, astronomy in the southern hemisphere, and early radio astronomy. Intended for general readership, this book formed part of an in-depth synthesis of the development of astronomy from the earliest times. ... Read more

Product Description
Since humans first looked towards the heavens, they have attempted to predict and explain the motions of the sun, moon, and planets. This book describes the theories of planetary motion that have been developed through the ages, from the homocentric spheres of Eudoxus to Einstein's general theory of relativity. It emphasizes the interaction between progress in astronomy and in mathematics, demonstrating how the two have been inextricably linked since Babylonian times. ... Read more

Product Description
Aristarchus of Samos was the first man to suggest that the sun, and not the earth, is the real centre of our system, and thus for the first time to assign to the earth a subordinate rank. In this volume, Heath gives us a translation of that work, plus a detailed history of Greek astronomy. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the text that can both be accessed online and used to create new print copies. This book and thousands of others can be found in the digital collections of the University of Michigan Library. The University Library also understands and values the utility of print, and makes reprints available through its Scholarly Publishing Office. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1899.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Washington, D.C. : National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA History Office : For sale by the U.S. G.P.O., Supt. of Docs.; Publication date: 1996; Subjects: Planetology; Planets; Radar in astronomy; Planetology/ United States; Planets/ Exploration; Radar in astronomy; Science / Astronomy; Science / Astronomy; Science / Astrophysics ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more