Biographical Memoir of James Dinwiddie, L.L.D., Astronomer in the British Embassy to China, 1792, '3, '4,: Afterwards Professor

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Biographical Memoir of James Dinwiddie, L.L.D., Astronomer in the British Embassy to China, 1792, '3, '4,: Afterwards Professor
Authors and Contributors      By (author) William Jardine Proudfoot
SeriesCambridge Library Collection - Physical Sciences
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:152
Dimensions(mm): Height 216,Width 140
Category/GenreAsian and Middle Eastern history
ISBN/Barcode 9781108013796
ClassificationsDewey:951.033
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 10 June 2010
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

This is an account of the career of James Dinwiddie (1746-1815). First published in 1868 by Dinwiddie's grandson William Jardine Proudfoot, the work is based on Dinwiddie's own autobiographical notes, travel logbook and personal correspondence. The biography traces Dinwiddie's career from the scientific lectures he gave from 1781 and the journal series Queries and Hints, which he began in 1779, to his visit to the Chinese imperial court as official astronomer in Lord Macartney's mission (1792-1794); his residence in Beijing and Canton; and his move to India, where he was appointed Professor of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry at the College of Fort William, Bengal. Dinwiddie's career was marked by passionate commitment to the dissemination of scientific knowledge - his travels, lectures and publications were undertaken for this cause. His life is a fascinating account of a polymathic mind which will fascinate and entertain a modern-day readership.