Hi everyone,
My temporary home in Tucson, AZ was broken into over the weekend. Among the items stolen (all the way down to some underwear and shampoo!) was a first-edition copy of the famous Uranometria Nova by F.W.A. Argelander. The description of this book is below along with a photo of the front cover. This copy has pencil annotations on some pages by the then director of the Berlin Observatory, including a sketch of a newly discovered comet from night to night. The rear cover is a bit mouse damaged (e.g. the lower left corner of the book when viewed from behind is chewed, cover and a few pages into the book from the back).
Title: URANOMETRIA NOVA. STELLAE PER MEDIAM EUROPAM SOLIS OCULIS CONSPICUAE SECUNDUM VERAS LUCIS MAGNITUDINES E COELO IPSO DESCRIPTAE. AD. FR. ARGELANDRO. [Title repeated in German]
Author: ARGELANDER, Fr[iedrich]
Description: First edition of this atlas (text not present) which the Dictionary of Scientific Biography describes in its lengthy biography of Argelander as "One of his finest works." Oblong folio, approximately 11-1/2 x 16-1/2 inches in original boards with cloth spine. Original title label on front cover. Lower right corner of rear cover and all adjacent paper (about 2 x 1 inches) worn, but without loss. Complete with all 17 plates. As the title says, the stars recorded are those which were visible to the naked eye.
If you happen to find a listing for this book anywhere, do let me know, as there is a chance I can get it returned.
Thanks!
Kevin B. Marvel
AAS Executive Officer & AAVSO Member MKV
[quote=kevinbmarvel]
My temporary home in Tucson, AZ was broken into over the weekend. Among the items stolen (all the way down to some underwear and shampoo!) was a first-edition copy of the famous Uranometria Nova by F.W.A. Argelander.
[/quote]
So sorry to hear this Kevin. I too have been in your situation before, with "remote" observatories. "nobody home = easy target". However, usually the thieves leave the astronomy stuff alone, because they haven't a clue about what it is! Kind of odd.
Mike LMK
Bummer - not a good return from the meeting. Hope it shows up and somebody catches whodunit.