G. B. Airy and the Discovery of Neptune

Abstract

THE account by Prof. W. M. Smart of the discovery of Neptune, of which a summary was published in Nature for November 9, depicts the part played by G. B. Airy, the Astronomer Royal, in a most unfavourable light. He describes the treatment of Adams by Airy as “unbecoming to the leading astronomer of his generation”. Prof. Smart's verdict is not, in my opinion, justified, and I feel that, for the sake of historical accuracy, a reply is needed.