Newtonian telescope by William Herschel

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Newtonian telescope by William Herschel
Manufacturer	William Herschel
Production years	1783-1785

This 7ft Newtonian reflecting telescope was made by the famous astronomer William Herschel (1738-1822). With a fine mahogany tube and stand it was specially built for his good friend Sir William Watson (1744–1824) a physician in Bath. Watson promoted the quality of Herschel's telescopes and his astronomical research to the Royal Society in London. Later in 1860 the telescope was bought by Mr Edwin Smith in Bath at the sale of Watson’s effects.

A drawer in the stand of the instrument contains directions for its use in William Herschel’s own hand.

[edit] In the Science Museum's Records

Inv. no: 1876-1000