Frustrations, wrangles and difficulties make good stories. So, Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope, 1820-1831 by Dick Warner and Niall Fallon (Kluwer Academic Publishers Group, £75/$119, ISBN 0 7923 3527 9) is far from dull. Much of its attraction lies in its extracts from contemporary and forthright documents, for instance, criticising the faulty construction of the domes, “We might as well expect that a Tea cup inverted on a violin cello would be free from vibration.” An enjoyable surprise.
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
Are Neanderthals descendants of modern humans?
2
The biggest threat to Chernobyl is no longer radiation
3
Hospital-acquired pneumonia reduced by daily toothbrushing
4
Exclusive report: Inside Chernobyl, 40 years after nuclear disaster
5
Neanderthal infants were enormous compared with modern humans
6
We might finally know how to use quantum computers to boost AI
7
Is a super El Niño imminent, and what could the impacts be?
8
A key solution to climate change isn't happening – and that's good
9
Why the right kind of stress is crucial for your health and happiness
10
Beef is making a comeback – does it fit into a healthy diet?
