Orrery appeals to almost anyone interested in popular astronomy,
astronomical mechanical devices, scientific instruments, the
history of clocks- and even the history of aristocratic and
prestigious families Many people these days not only astronomers
have a good idea of the main components of the Solar System. They
might also know about the orrery, a mechanical model that shows the
movements of the Moon and planets. But not too many know why it was
so named and who it was named after. The Boyle family the Earls of
Orrery include the famous Boyle of Boyle s Law. But others were key
in the history of the orrery, not the least being clockmakers.
Aware of the lunar and planetary content of the sky, they strove to
make scientific instruments to demonstrate their movements and
introduced measuring devices to predict their positions. In
antiquity, their lives on occasion depended on the accuracy;
upsetting kings and lords was dangerous business
Orreries are found everywhere. They can be made of wood or
metal, and are even available today as home-assembly kits and
children s toys. They appear in paintings, on computers, on the
side of royal clocks, in stately home hallways, and of course, in
museums all over the world. This book contains illustrations of
orreries to give a guide as to what is and was available and where
to see the best examples. It also contains information and
references to help readers who want to make (or buy) their own
orrery.
The story of the Boyles is not just relevant to a tiny corner of
Ireland, but spans the world. Orrery highlights the process of
discovery and humankind s universal fascination with the heavens.
Provides a fascinating example of the relationship between
innovative thinking (invention) and precision engineering
(execution)."
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