Solar and Lunar Eclipses: Calculated and Delineated by Ephraim Walker, Jr., 1830-38

Beschreibung:

Square 12mo. [24] manuscript pages. Contains specific calculations for 12 solar and lunar eclipses which occurred or will occur in the United States from 1821 through 1854. All 12 are illustrated with beautifully drawn and meticulous delineated diagrams, each Signed and dated underneath: "Calculated and Delineated by Ephraim Walker, Jr." All but the first two diagrams are dated by Walker from 1830-38. The first six leaves (12 pages) are loose (split along the spine folds): it may be the first of two separate booklets, as the following six leaves are stitched. Among the loose leaves, the first three leaves have a narrow strip of light tape on the spine edge, the first page (with title header) and one other page are toned and lightly soiled, and a few page edges have scattered short tears and nicks, very good overall with light toning to the fore-edge of the stitched pages. An extraordinary gathering of calculations and delineated diagrams for 12 solar and lunar eclipses made by Walker during the 1830s at Springfield, Vermont. Largely self-taught, Ephraim Walker (1802-66) was home schooled by Samuel Hemenway: "One of the distinguishing marks of Mr. Hemenway s pupils was an ability to calculate eclipses, and it is still remembered that Mr. Walker and some friends of similar tastes used to make their calculations in pleasant rivalry". Walker divided his time between teaching and farming, and was Superintendent of schools at Springfield from 1846-60. (History of the Town of Springfield, Vermont, p. 473). A splendid surviving body of his work, showing that Walker was undoubtedly Hemenway s best pupil. A list of all 12 calculations follows: 1. [pp. 1-2]. Title header. Solar eclipse August 27, 1821, illustrated with diagram on verso. [no date]. 2. [pp. 3-4]. Lunar eclipse July 22, 1823, illustrated with diagram on verso. [no date]. 3. [pp. 5-6]. Solar eclipse May 15, 1836, illustrated with diagram on verso. July 11, 1830. 4. [pp. 7-8]. Lunar eclipse September 2, 1830, illustrated with diagram on verso. Signature and date are faded (1830). 5. [pp. 9-10]. Great Solar eclipse February 12, 1831, illustrated with diagram on verso. August 1830. 6. [pp. 11-12]. Great Lunar eclipse October 13, 1837, illustrated with diagram on verso. October 10, 1830. 7. [pp. 13-14]. Solar eclipse November 30, 1834, illustrated with diagram on verso. October 9, 1831. 8. [pp. 15-16]. Lunar eclipse February 5, 1841, illustrated with diagram on verso. November 4, 1838. 9. [pp. 17-18]. Lunar eclipse November 24, 1844, illustrated with diagram on verso. November 25, 1838. 10. [pp. 19-20]. Great Solar eclipse May 26, 1854, illustrated with diagram on verso. November 25, 1838. 11. [pp. 21-22]. Solar eclipse April 25, 1846, illustrated with diagram on verso. November 4, 1838. 12. [pp. 23-24]. Great Solar eclipse September 18, 1838, illustrated with diagram on verso. October 16, 1831. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 415787

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