*************************************************************************** * * * ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE HISTORY OF ASTRONOMY * * * * Published by the Work Group for the History of Astronomy * * in the Astronomische Gesellschaft * * * * Number 1, February 23, 1994 * * * * A translation of * * * * ELEKTRONISCHE MITTEILUNGEN ZUR ASTRONOMIEGESCHICHTE * * Nr. 1, 25. Januar 1994 * * * * Edited by: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick * * * * Translated by: Donald Bellunduno <76450.1741@CompuServe.COM> * * * *************************************************************************** INTRODUCTION ------------ This is the first issue of the "Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy" (ENHA), which will be sent exclusively over E-mail. This journal should be thought of as a supplement to "Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" (MA). It contains all information pertaining to timetables for upcoming exhibits, conferences, and lectures which will take place, and have taken place before the next issue of MA is released. Besides this information, one will also find contributions which were not included in the previous issues of "Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte". ENHA is not to be thought of as a replacement for the printed form of "Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte". In order to obtain further information on the History of Astronomy over the E-Net, one may refer to HASTRO-L (cf. MA Nr. 3, p. 1). ENHA will not as a rule include any information from HASTRO-L. ENHA is circulated free of charge. In order to obtain a subscription inside Germany, one must first obtain a subscription for MA, in order for the subscriber and publisher to arrive at a fair price for covering the expenses arising by obtaining information through regular mail. Please inform us in advance if you are no longer interested in obtaining the ENHA. Contributions for MA and ENHA/EMA, preferably over E-Mail, are welcome at any time. ........................................................................... ANNUAL REPORT 1993 ------------------ For the members of the work group: Please think about putting together and communicating your astronomical and historical publications to the "Mitteilungen der Astronomischen Gesellschaft" for the January 31, 1993 report. ........................................................................... CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1994 ----------------------- February 17, 1994 Symposium on the "200th anniversary of the observatory at the University of Leipzig." Astronomical lectures and research on the University of Leipzig by: Siegfried Marx. Also; on Johannes Hartmann in Leipzig by: Hans-Joachim Ilgauds. Timetable: 2pm. at the Hall of the Sachson Academy of Sciences (Sitzungssaal der Saechsischen Akademie der Wissenschaften) Goethe Strasse 3-5. (Dr. Karl-Heinz Schlote, Tel.: 0431-7197 324) Feb 21, Dortmund Viewing of the newly reorganized magazine of historical surveying instruments and the library of the promotion society (Foerderkreis) and the technical surveying-instrument exhibit at the Westpark Museum. Timetable: 10am. Ritterhausstr. 34 At the Museum of Art and Cultural-History of the City of Dortmund, (Hansastr. 3): "Man in the Universe;" by R. Kischel; also, "Historical surveys on the Rhein," by R. Holewa. Timetable: 1pm. Meeting of the Members of the Work-Group. Timetable: 2pm. Mar 8-11, Paris International colloqium for the 200th Anniversary of the Ecole Polytechnique (Centre de recherche en historie des sciences et de techniques, Cite des sciences et de industrie, F-75930 Paris-Cedex 19) Mar 22, London Discussion meeting of the Scientific Instrument Society: "How to look at Old Instruments." Demonstration of Engraving. Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, Picadilly, London W1 May 8, London The Sixteenth International Scientific & Medical Instrument Fair Portman Hotel, Portman Square, London W1 Timetable: 10am-4:30pm. For further details: 081-866-8659 Mai 12-14, Sohland/Oberlausitz Sundial Meeting 1994 (with lectures, among them on historical sundials, as well as excursions). Fee DM 53.00. (Dr. Hugo Philipp, Arbeitskreis Sonnenuhren, Duesseldorfer Str. 73, D-40721 Hilden) May, London Meeting of the British Society for the History of Science "The Outsider in Science" (I. Gratten-Guiness, 43 St. Leonard's Road, Bengeo, Gertfordshire, SG143JW, Great Britain) Aug 24, London Schmidt Globe Exhibition Lectures by Elly Dekker and Gloria Clifton are planned Christie's, King Street, London SW1 Towards the end of August in Bochum (?) Meeting for the European Society for Astronomy in Culture (Prof. Dr. Wolfhard Schlosser, Ruhr University-Astronomical Institute, Universitaetsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum) October, London The Seventeenth International Scientific & Medical Instrument Fair Portman Hotel, Portman Square, London W1. Details: 081-866 8659 Nov 16, London The SIS Invitation Lecture: Prof. D.A. King (Frankfurt/M.) "Medieval European Astronomical Instruments and their secrets" Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, Picadily, London W1 ........................................................................... MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITS -------------------- Up until the 28 February 1994 the Berlin State Library (Staatsbibliothek, Building #2, Potsdamer Strasse 33) is showing an extensive exhibit on "The Red Planet in cartographic pictures. 200 years of Mars cartography from Herschel, Beer and Maedler up until the CD." The author Dr. Juergen Blunck, fellow worker at the State Library has brought together numerous maps, globes, books, and photos on loan from all over the world for this exhibit. Opening times are Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm. Entrance is free of charge. For a catalog see: Section NEW BOOKS. Local celebrations will take place commemorating the occasion of the anniversary of Kepler's arrival in Graz. On the 11th of April a temporary exhibit, which will focus on old instruments and books, will be opened in the Astronomical Tower, where much was invested for the renovation of the main telescope and other instruments. Timetable: No fixed opening time (For further information: Prof. Dr. H. Haupt, Institut fuer Astronomie der Karl-Franzens-Universitaet, Universitaetsplatz 5, A-8010 Graz, Austria, Tel. (0316) 380-5270 (Secretary) Early in the year in 1994 a new stock room annex will be opened at the Museum of Arts and Crafts on the edge of Paris in Saint-Deniers. It will be open to the public. (Musee des Arts et Metiers, 292 rue Saint Martin, F-75141 Paris Cedex 03) From the 24th of August to the 14th of September the Scientific Instrument Society will put on an exhibit under the title: "Instruments of Discovery." A catalog will be on display. (Maria Blyzinsky, The Old Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London SE1 9NF, Great Britain) In the middle of 1995 a new museum on the History of Computers will be opened in Paderborn. (Norbert Ryska und Theodor Rode, Forum fuer Informationstechnik GmbH, Fuerstenallee 7, D-33102 Paderborn, Tel. 05251 8 11066) ........................................................................... NEW BOOKS --------- Freddy Litten (Ed.): Phillipp Fauth - Leben und Werk (Life and Works). From the autobiography of unpublished works put together by Hermann Fauth. (Algorismus. Studien zur Geschichte der Mathematik und der Naturwissenschaften, Vol. 9) Muenchen: Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, 1993. XI, 297 pp. ISBN 3-89241-008-9 (To be obtained from: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Institut fuer Geschichte der Naturwissenschaften, Postfach, D-80306 Muenchen) Juergen Blunck: Der rote Planet im Kartenbild. 200 Jahre Marskartographie von Herschel, Beer und Maedler bis zur CD. Ausstellung der Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin. Konzeption und Katalog: Juergen Blunck. (Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preussischer Kulturbesitz. Ausstellungskataloge, N. F., 7) [The Red Planet in cartographic pictures. 200 years of Mars cartography from Herschel, Beer and Maedler up until the CD. Exhibit of the State Library at Berlin. Concept and catalog: Juergen Blunck.] Gotha: Justus Perthes Verlag, 1993. 132 pp. ISBN 3-623-00490-1, DM 24.80. ........................................................................... INSTITUTE FOR THE CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF AUGSBURG ---------------------------------------------------------------- The main task of this institute is the furthering of research on the Cultural History of Europe on the basis of historical sources in the libraries and archives in Augsburg and in Schwabia. Publications of the results of this research can be reached through: - Publication series "Studia Augustana - Augsburger Forschungen zur europaeischen Kulturgeschichte" by publishing house Max Niemeyer Verlag). - Guest Professors, students, lectures, conferences, exhibits (up until this printing 3 exhibit catalogues) and other activities. - Proposals and plans of the lectures given in the area of the project's research. - For projects which require a study of sources in Augsburg, Doctorate-Candidates and Post-Doctorate are eligible for a stipend for a duration of 1-12 months. Adress: Philippine-Welser-Str. 7, D-86150 Augsburg, Tel. 0821/156477 and 313308. ........................................................................... CHRONICLES ---------- The following are events which have taken place since the founding of the work group, which could not be included earlier earlier in the MA. Supplements are welcome. Sept. 25-27, 1992, Sonneberg/Thueringen Conference of the German Federal Workers Society for variable stars. (Bundesdeutschen Arbeitsgemeinschaft fuer Veraenderliche Sterne e.V.) (with a lecture by G. A. Richter: Zum 100. Geburtstag Cuno Hoffmeisters) Sept 25-28, 1992 Jena Conference of the German Society for the History of Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Technology. (astronomical and historical lectures by B. Nagel, K. Hentschel/M. Renneberg, G. Wolfschmidt) Nov. 15-16, 1992, Hurbanovo/Slowakei Symposium "150th Anniversary of the Founder of Hurbanovo Observatory - Nicolaus Konkoly Thege" Nov. 21, 1992, Archenhold Observatory Berlin Scientific colloquium on the 25th anniversary of the death of Ejnar Hertzsprung (with historical lectures from E. Knobloch, D. B. Herrmann, O. Schwarz, G. Wolfschmidt, K. Gyldenkerne) Nov. 3-5, 1992, Strasbourg Annual meeting of European archaeo- and ethnoastronomers Nov. 30th, 1992, German Museum (Deutsches Museum) of Munich Kerschensteiner Kolleg (with a lecture by G. Wolfschmidt) Dec. 12th, 1992, Konkoly Observatory, Budapest Meeting "Three Great Hungarian Astronomers: Ferenc Weiss, Maximilian Hell, Miklas Konkoly Thege" Feb. 20th, 1993, University of Jena Lecture-Conference on the "150 years of the Doppler Effect - History of its Discovery and its meaning for the world of Physics, Astronomy, and Space Flight." (with historical lecture by J. Wittig) Feb. 25th, 1993, University of Leipzig Colloqium for the History of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (with astronomical and historical lecture by G. Muenzel) Mar 18-19, 1993, Esslingen Workshop "Astronomy and Astrophysics in the Schools" (with historical lectures by W. Winnenburg, T. Marwinski, D. Vornholz) May 14, 1993, Astronomical Observatory of Strasbourg 15th reunion "Astronomie et Sciences Humaines" (with historical lectures by F. Suagher, J. Delattre, P. Verdier, J.P. Parisot, E. Peterschmidt, G. Alfonso) May 25th, 1993, Archenhold Sternwarte, Berlin Scientific colloqium on the occasion of the 450th year of the death of Nicolaus Copernicus (historical lecture by H.-J. Felber, H. Nobis, E. Knobloch, J. Hamel) June 10th, 1993, Berkeley, USA Session of the Historical Astronomy Division (HAD) of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) at the AAS meeting June 14-15, 1993, Huntington Library, San Marino, California Special sessions of the HAD "Astronomy in the Time of Copernicus", "Astronomy in the American West" June 24-27, 1993, Notre Dame University, USA Workshop, sponsored by the History of Astronomy Interest Group of the History of Science Society October, 1993, Meeting in Austria Celebration of the 50th anniversary of the solar observatory Kanzelhoehe ........................................................................... FOUND ----- "... That, who has worked already ten years on a Dictionary of the languages of the East, and has wrestled with Astronomy as well, has already read all the authors from Newton to Herschel up to a certain Flammarich [sic!, i.e. Flammarion], and he wants to dig out the facts whether there are life-forms on Venus or Mars and on other planets, what they look like, and how they live, etc." (Iwan Alexandrowitsch Gontscharow, Ein Monat Mai in Petersburg [The month May in St.Peterburg; story; translated from Russian by Ute Baum]. In: A. Gontscharow, Ein Monat Mai in Petersburg, Erzaehlungen und Erinnerungen 1875-1891. Leipzig und Weimar: Gustav Kiepenheuer Verlag 1988, p. 243; found by P. Brosche) ........................................................................... ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ---------------- For information we are grateful to: J.Blunck (Berlin), P.Brosche (Daun), J.Dorschner (Jena), H.Haupt (Graz), K.-D.Herbst (Jena), I. Keil (Augsburg), F.Litten (Muenchen), G.Wolfschmidt (Muenchen). Thanks are also due to Julian A. Smith (Toronto, Candada) for a critical reading of the English version. ........................................................................... IMPRINT ------- Electronic Newsletter for the History of Astronomy (ENHA) Published by the Work Group for the History of Astronomy in the Astronomische Gesellschaft A translation of "Elektronische Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte" Editor: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick Translated by: Mr. Donald Bellunduno <76450.1741@compuserve.com> All news which is not mentioned by name are editorial contributions. Articles as well as information for the several sections will be gladly received. Subscription for the ENHA is free, in order to obtain a subscription inside Germany, one must first obtain a subscription for the Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte (MA). [Mitteilungen zur Astronomiegeschichte: Price: DM 1.50 / issue plus postage and packing costs outside FRG: free Subscription: Send in DM 2.50 (one issue) or DM 5.00 (Nos. 4-5) in stamps to the editor Editor: Dr. W. R. Dick, Otterkiez 14, D-14478 Potsdam, Tel.: (+331) 863199 ] Astronomische Gesellschaft / Astronomical Society: Chairman: Prof. Dr. Hanns Ruder, University of Tuebingen, Theoretical Astrophysics and Computational Physics, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, D-72076 Tuebingen Secretary: Dr. G. Klare, Landessternwarte, Koenigstuhl, D-69117 Heidelberg Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte / Work Group for the History of Astronomy: Chairman: Prof. Dr. Peter Brosche, Observatorium Hoher List der Sternwarte der Universitaet Bonn, D-54550 Daun, Tel.: (+6592) 2150, Fax: (+6592) 2937 Secretary: Dr. Wolfgang R. Dick, Institut fuer Angewandte Geodaesie, Aussenstelle Potsdam, Postfach 60 08 08, D-14408 Potsdam, Tel.: (+331) 316 619, E-mail: wdi@potsdam.ifag.de (in the event I am not reachable at this address, please use the following address: dick@gfz-potsdam.de oder wdick@aip.de) Secretary for Public Work: Dr. Gudrun Wolfschmidt, Deutsches Museum, Museumsinsel 1, D-80538 Muenchen, Tel.: (+89) 2179 277, Fax: (+89) 2179 324, E-mail: t7911ac@sunmail.lrz-muenchen.de Bank Acct. of the Work Group of the Astronomische Gesellschaft: Acct # 261 917, Sparkasse Mannheim (BLZ 670 501 01) Contributions from foreign countries, please sign with: "Fuer Arbeitskreis Astronomiegeschichte" to: acct # 162 18-203, Postgiroamt Hamburg, BLZ 200 400 20 ***************************************************************************