If you are not immediately redirected, please click here
Royal Greenwich Observatory
Nathaniel Bliss papers (included with James Bradley papers), circa 1762-1764.
Contains: A. Three ledgers of observations. B. Documentation of important topics and events, such as: the second trial of John Harrison's marine chronometer number 4, during a voyage (which took place during Bliss's tenure) to the West Indies in compliance with the "Longitude Act" of 1714. C. Correspondents.
Bliss (1700-1764) was fourth Astronomer Royal, in office 1762-1764. A graduate of Pembroke College, Oxford, Bliss had been in correspondence with James Bradley for some twenty years when the latter died. On some occasions Bliss had assisted Bradley at Greenwich, and he was a natural choice for the office of Astronmer Royal. Unfortunately, Bliss was in poor health during his tenure of office, and the observations were frequently undertaken by Charles Green, who had been the Assistant at Greenwich on Bradley's demise and who maintained the routine of the Observatory in the absences of the Astronomer Royal. Bliss thus had little impact on the development of the Observatory as a scientific institution.
Astronomical observatories -- England.
Astronomy -- England -- Observations.
Chronometers -- Testing -- 18th century.
Nautical instruments -- Testing -- 18th century.
Scientific expeditions -- West Indies -- 18th century.
Voyages and travel -- West Indies -- 18th century.
Ledgers. aat
Bliss, Nathaniel, 1700-1764 -- Records and correspondence.
AIP-ICOS
Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives Department of Manuscripts and University Archives. Cambridge University Library, West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DR, England UK
Catalog