Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.

This Book contains more than 20 additional b/w images of the telescopes & equipment exclusive to this volume. The 1874 transit of Venus, which took place on 9 December 1874 was the first of the pair of transits of Venus that took place in the 19th century, with the second transit occurring eight years later in 1882. This volume is an excellent addition to any Astronomy library, and is a valuable historic reference book.

Sir George Biddell Airy (1801 1892) was a prominent mathematician and astronomer. He was an honorary fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, fellow of the Royal Society and Astronomer Royal from 1835 until 1881. His many achievements include important work on planetary orbits, the calculation of the mean density of the earth and the establishment of the prime meridian at Greenwich. He was also consulted by the government on a wide range of issues and projects, serving on the weights and measures commission, the tidal harbours commission and the railway gauge commission as well as acting as an advisor for the repair of Big Ben and the laying of the Atlantic cable. His autobiography, edited by his son Wilfred, comprises ten chapters and is drawn from the astronomer's own records of the scientific work he carried out at Greenwich Observatory along with his printed reports and private and business correspondence.