PLUMIAN

[Anthony Shepherd, Plumian Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge, after whom his friend Captain Cook named a group of islands.] Autograph Letter Signed, asking the recipient to consult ‘the Arundelian Mss’ with regard to Burnham Rectory in Norfolk.

Author: 
Anthony Shepherd (c.1721-1796), Plumian Professor of Astronomy at Cambridge, after whom his friend Captain Cook named a group of islands
Publication details: 
1 May 1767. Maddox Street [London].
£90.00

See his entry in the Oxford DNB, which notes his unpopularity at his college Christ’s, which terminated his fellowship in 1783. According to Fanny Burney he was ‘dullness itself’. 1p, 12mo. In good condition, on lightly aged and browned paper. Folded for postage. Signed ‘A. Shephard Plume’s Profr. / Camb.’ The recipient is not named.

[ William Marrat, mathematician and topographer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Wm. Marrat'), asking Professor Robert Wodehouse of Cambridge to give his opinion of his 'demonstration of the Binomial Theorem', which is included in the letter.

Author: 
William Marrat (1772-1852), mathematician and topographer [ Robert Woodhouse (1773-1827), Plumian Professor of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge ]
Publication details: 
54 Copperas Hill, Liverpool. 20 July 1822.
£220.00

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly aged-paper, with small piece torn from second leaf. Addressed, with postmark, on reverse of second leaf, to 'Robt. Woodhouse Esqr. A.M. | Plumian Professor of Astronomy & Experimental Philosophy, | Cambridge'. He writes: 'I have just made out the following demonstration of the Binomial Theorem, & as it is very short, & quite elementary, I shall be extremely obliged if you will condescent [sic] to honour me with your opinion of it before I make it public.' A full two pages of calculations, in a smallish hand, follow.

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