Science Collection in the Russell Library

How do you measure the distance of a cloud or the height of a mountain on the moon? Can you calculate the beginning, end, and total duration of an eclipse? How do you calculate the length of the earth's shadow? These were just some of the problems presented in Turner's 'Plain Trigonometry' printed in 1765. The answers to these questions, and many more, are available in some of the treasures of the Science collection in the Russell Library.

Images from top reading clockwise:

Nichol, J. P. (John Pringle), 1804-1859.
   The phenomena and order of the solar system / by J.P. Nichol. --    Edinburgh : : W. Tait, ; 1838.. 241 p., 21 leaves of plates : ill. ; 21 cm.

Digges, Leonard, d. ca. 1559.
[Pantometria]
   A geometrical practical treatize named Pantometria : diuided into three bookes, longimetra, planimetra, and stereometria : containing rules manifolde for mensuration of all lines, superficies and solides, with sundrie strange conclusions both by instrument and without, and also by glasses to set forth the true description or exact platte of an whole region / first published by Thomas Digges ... ; with a mathematicall discourse of the fiue regular platonicall solides, and their metamorphosis into other fiue compound rare geometrical bodyes, conteyning an hundred newe theoremes at least of his owne inuention, neuer mentioned before by anye other geometrician.    Lately reviewed by the avthor himselfe, and augmented with sundrie additions, diffinitions, problemes and rare theoremes ... --    At London : : Printed by Abell Jeffes, ; 1591..  [8], 152, 151-195 [i.e. 197], [3] p. (the first leaf blank) : ill. ; 25.8 cm.

Turner, R. (Richard), 1723 or 4-1791.
   Plain trigonometry rendered easy and familiar, : by calculations in arithmetick only: ... By the Rev. Mr. Turner, ... --    London : : printed for S.Crowder; and S. Gamidge, in Worcester, ; 1765. [4],39,[1]p. : ill. ; 2

Euclid.
[Elementa.English]
   The elements of Euclid, / Viz. the first six books, together with the eleventh and twelfth. The errors, by which Theon, or others, have long ago vitiated these books, are corrected, and some of Euclid's demonstrations are restored. Also, the book of Euclid's Data, in like manner corrected. By Robert Simson. To this edition are also annexed, Elements of plane and spherical trigonometry. --    Dublin : P. Wogen, ; 1795. vii, 520 p. : ill. ; 22 cm.

Galilei, Galileo, 1564-1642.
[Dialogo dei massimi sistemi.Latin]
   Systema cosmicum, : autore Galilaeo Galilaei lynceo, Academiae Pisanae mathematico extraordinario, serenissimi magni--ducis hetruriae philosopho et mathematico primario: in quo quatuor dialogis, de duobus maximis mundi systematibus, Ptolemaico & Copernicano, utriusque rationibus philosophicis ac naturalibus indefinitè propositis, disseritur. Ex Italica lingua Latine conversum, accessit appendix gemina, qua SS. Scripturae dicta cum terrae mobilitate conciliantur. --    Londini : : prostat voenale apud Thomam Dicas sub signo Gallinae & Pullorum in Coemiterio D. Pauli, ; MDCLXIII. [1663].  [22], 704, [24] p. : diagrams ; 8vo.

Adams, George, 1750-1795.
   Astronomical and geographical essays : containing, I. A full and comprehensive view, on a new plan, of the general principles of astronomy. II. The use of the celestial and terrestrial globes, ... III. The description and use of the ... planetarium, ... IV. An introduction to practical astronomy. Third edition. By George Adams, ...  3rd ed. --  London : printed by R. Hindmarsh; Printer to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Old-Bailey; and sold by the author, No. 60, Fleet-Street, ; 1795..  xx,564p.,XVI plates ; 8 ˚

Centre image:

Burnet, Thomas, 1635?-1715.
[Telluris theoria sacra.English]
   The sacred theory of the earth : containing an account of the original of the earth, ... The sixth edition. To which is added, the author's defence of the work, from the exceptions of Mr. Warren, and the examination of Mr. Keil. ... --    London : : printed for J. Hooke, ; 1726.   2v.,plates : ill.,port.,maps ; 8˚