Francis Watkins and the Dollond Telescope Patent Controversy

Nonfiction, History, Modern, 19th Century, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences
Cover of the book Francis Watkins and the Dollond Telescope Patent Controversy by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell ISBN: 9781317133292
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 15, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
ISBN: 9781317133292
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 15, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

Francis Watkins was an eminent figure in his field of mathematical and optical instrument making in mid-eighteenth century London. Working from original documents, Brian Gee has uncovered the life and times of an optical instrument maker, who - at first glance - was not among the most prominent in his field. In fact, because Francis Watkins came from a landed background, the diversification of his assets enabled him to weather particular business storms - discussed in this book - where colleagues without such an economic cushion, were pushed into bankruptcy or forced to emigrate. He played an important role in one of the most significant legal cases to touch this profession, namely the patenting of the achromatic lens in telescopes. The book explains Watkins's origins, and how and why he was drawn into partnership with the famous Dollond firm, who at that point were Huguenot incomers. The patent for the achromatic telescope has never been satisfactorily explained in the literature, and the author has gone back to the original legal documents, never before consulted. He teases out the problems, lays out the evidence, and comes to some interesting new conclusions, showing the Dollonds as hard-headed and ruthless businessmen, ultimately extremely successful. The latter part of the book accounts for the successors of Francis Watkins, and their decline after over a century of successful business in central London.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Francis Watkins was an eminent figure in his field of mathematical and optical instrument making in mid-eighteenth century London. Working from original documents, Brian Gee has uncovered the life and times of an optical instrument maker, who - at first glance - was not among the most prominent in his field. In fact, because Francis Watkins came from a landed background, the diversification of his assets enabled him to weather particular business storms - discussed in this book - where colleagues without such an economic cushion, were pushed into bankruptcy or forced to emigrate. He played an important role in one of the most significant legal cases to touch this profession, namely the patenting of the achromatic lens in telescopes. The book explains Watkins's origins, and how and why he was drawn into partnership with the famous Dollond firm, who at that point were Huguenot incomers. The patent for the achromatic telescope has never been satisfactorily explained in the literature, and the author has gone back to the original legal documents, never before consulted. He teases out the problems, lays out the evidence, and comes to some interesting new conclusions, showing the Dollonds as hard-headed and ruthless businessmen, ultimately extremely successful. The latter part of the book accounts for the successors of Francis Watkins, and their decline after over a century of successful business in central London.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Palladio's Children by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Studies in Jaina History and Culture by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Guta Lag and Guta Saga: The Law and History of the Gotlanders by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book 70 Activities for Tutor Groups by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Creativity for Innovation Management by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Islam and the Arabs by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Communication Yearbook 19 by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Language Endangerment and Language Maintenance by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book The Sociology of Postmarxism by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Hindu Mahasabha in Colonial North India, 1915-1930 by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book An Instinct for Dragons by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book On Knowing Humanity by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book Early Childhood Education for Muslim Children by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book State Feminism, Women's Movements, and Job Training by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
Cover of the book The Regulation of Post-Communist Party Politics by Brian Gee, edited by Anita McConnell
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy