The library of the Rev. John Flamsteed, F. R. S., first astronomer royal

Abstract

The major sources from which this author index of the books in John Flamsteed’s private library prior to 1685 (I) has been compiled, are two inventories drawn up in his own hand on 4 January 1676/7 and 6 March 1683/4 respectively (2). The earlier document, containing 139 items, begins by listing books which may be broadly classified as mathematical in character (covering subjects like astronomy, horology, optics, etc.). Others grouped under ‘Philosophy: & others y t Arte’, although including the natural philosophies of Rene Descartes and Robert Boyle, are generally of a religious nature. The remainder are standard works by popular classical authors and several astronomical ephemerides. The fact that only nineteen titles are cited under a final sub-heading ‘86 alia’ suggests that Flamsteed did not finish his task, and that his library then comprised well over 200 volumes. No fewer than 92 new titles appear in the later list of 149 items; but it is impossible to determine which (and how many) of those were acquired during the intervening seven years, particularly from 1681 to 1684 while Flamsteed was giving the Gresham College lectures in Astronomy.