To my friend Dr. Arthur A. Rambaut I owe my hearty thanks for his kindness in aiding me in the revision of the work.

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Many of the earliest discoveries are indeed prehistoric.

Ptolemy commences with laying down the undoubted truth that the shape of the earth is globular.

The great astronomer had just reached manhood at the time when Columbus discovered the new world.

On Tycho's death, which occurred soon after, an opening presented itself which gave Kepler the opportunity his genius demanded.

The first exhibition of Bradley's practical skill seems to be contained in two observations which he made in 1717 and 1718.

The long tenure of the chair of Astronomy by Brinkley is divided into two nearly equal periods by the year in which the great circle was erected.

The first systematic piece of practical astronomical work which John Herschel undertook was connected with the measurement of what are known as "Double Stars."

Lord Rosse was endowed by nature with a special taste for mechanical pursuits.

One of his most interesting researches in these early days is on the subject of Astigmatism, which defect he had discovered in his own eyes.