The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Story of the Herschels, by Anonymous

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Title: The Story of the Herschels

Author: Anonymous

Release Date: May 14, 2004 [EBook #12340]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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THE STORY OF THE HERSCHELS

A FAMILY OF ASTRONOMERS.

SIR WILLIAM HERSCHEL
SIR JOHN HERSCHEL
CAROLINE HERSCHEL.

"Stars
Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move;
Each has his place appointed, each his course."

MILTON.

1886

PREFATORY NOTE

From the best available sources have been gathered the following
biographical particulars of a remarkable family of astronomers--the
Herschels.

They will serve to show the young reader how great a pleasure may be
found in the acquisition of knowledge, and how solid a happiness in
quietly pursuing the path of duty.

On the value of biography it is unnecessary to insist. It is now well
understood that we may learn to make our own lives good and honest and
true, by carefully and diligently following the example of the good and
honest and true who have gone before us. And certain it is that the
lessons taught by the lives of the Herschels are such as young readers
will do well to lay to heart.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I.

The study of astronomy a source of intellectual pleasure--By
contemplating the heavens, the mind is led to wonder and adore--A
proof of the existence of a Creator is afforded by creation--"We
praise thee, O Lord!"--The beauty of Nature--Intellectual
curiosity--"Order is Heaven's first law"--Value of astronomical
study

CHAPTER II.

Herschel's parents--The two brothers--A musical family--An
inventive genius--The brothers in England--Herschel as an
organist--A laborious life--Mechanical ingenuity of William
Herschel--Telescope-making--A Sunday misadventure--Constructing a
twenty-foot telescope--A domestic picture--Discovery of a new
planet--Herschel's combined musical and astronomical pursuits-