Observatorii fund. posita. ab
J. F.
Risum tene atigamite.
“Few men rightly temper with the stars.”—Shakspeare.
Flamsteed was the first astronomer-royal, and from him the Observatory at Greenwich derives its popular name, “Flamsteed-house.” His “Scheme of the Heavens,” may be found there in a folio vellum-bound manuscript on the second page. Opposite to it, also drawn by himself, with great exactness, and signed by his own name within it, is a ground plan of the Observatory. On the following, being the fourth page, is a list of “Angles, betwixt eminent places observed with the sextant in the months of February and March, 1679—80.” The remainder of the book consists of about one hundred and seventy pages of “Observations,” also in Flamsteed’s hand-writing. Whatever astrological judgement he may have exercised upon the positions of the stars in his horoscope, he has not left his opinion in writing; but the circumstance of his having been at some pains to ascertain and set them down among his other “Observations,” may be taken as presumptive that this great astronomer practised astrology.
In another folio manuscript in calf binding, containing also one hundred and thirty-two pages of his “Observations,” there is a document of more general importance; namely, a series of notices or memoranda also in his own hand-writing of circumstances in his life which he deemed most worthy of committing to paper. The most curious portion of this labour relates to a difference which is well known to have existed between himself, and sir Isaac Newton. The whole of these memoirs, with the astrological scheme, a scientific gentleman was permitted by Dr. Maskelyne, the late astronomer-royal, to transcribe from the MSS. at the Observatory. Until now, they have been unprinted, and having been obligingly communicated to the Editor of the Every-Day Book, the latter conceives that the public will be gratified by their perusal, and therefore preserves them in the pages of this work without comment. Without any view of detracting sir Isaac Newton, or Mr. Flamsteed, by their publication, he offers the singular statements as Flamsteed wrote them. His birth is stated at their commencement; he died at Greenwich, on the 31st of December 1719.
Memoirs of Mr. John Flamsteed, by himself.
I was borne At Denby, 5 miles from Derby, August 19, 1646—my father having removed his family thither because the Sickness was then in Derby.
Educated in the free school at Derby till 16 years old.