Early astronomy in America: the role of The College of William and Mary

Details Early astronomy in America: the role of The College of William and Mary Early astronomy in America: the role of The College of William and Mary

Jun 2002

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002jahh....5...41s&link_type=abstract

Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage (ISSN 1440-2807), Vol. 5, No. 1, p. 41-64 (2002).

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

The College Of William And Mary, Bishop James Madison, Early American Asstronomy, Early American Observatories, Astronomical Education, College Of William And Mary, Bishop James Madison, Early American Astronomy, Early American Observatories, Astronomical Education

Scientific paper

During the late eighteenth century, The College of William and Mary in Virginia, led by its president, Bishop James Madison, became a leading institution in the USA for the study of Natural Philosophy, and especially astronomy. In 1768, the College acquired scientific apparatus that had no equal in the colonies, and amont the items in this collection were astronomical instruments that were the finest in America. In 1778, Bishop Madison constructed what was certainly the first permanent observatory established anywhere in America. Madison's educational reforms and his personal involvement in the teaching of the natural sciences led to the first complete elective system of college courses in the USA. Unfortunately, the Revolutionary War devastated William and Mary and depleted its resources. Subsequently, the College was never able to achieve the great contributions to astronomy that may otherwise have been possible. Nevertheless, through its teaching programme, William and Mary contributed significantly to the education of many of the nation's early leaders, and it continues today as one of the foremost institutions of higher education in the USA.

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