Joseph Harris
Scientist, Artisan, Assay Master
Author(s) Martin Griffiths
Language: English
Genre(s): Science
Series: Scientists of Wales
- October 2025 · 176 pages
- · eBook - pdf - 9781837723010
- · eBook - epub - 9781837723027
About The Book
Joseph Harris, elder brother of the methodist preacher Howell Harris, made important contributions to the sciences and public life of Great Britain in the eighteenth century. A protégé of Edmond Halley and an apprentice to globe and mapmakers, Harris made a lasting impression on some of the most illustrious scientists of his day, contributing to our understanding of astronomy, longitude, navigation, instrument making and optics. And, as assay master at the Royal Mint, he influenced the standardisation of weights and measures, and became a confident of politicians, Prime Ministers and Chancellors of the Exchequer. His essays on our monetary system still impact on political structures today. Remarkably, Harris also found time to make astronomical observations and teach navigational techniques for the Royal Society, and in 1761 was the only man in Wales to record the Transit of Venus.
Contents
List of Illustrations
Introduction
Chapter One Joseph’s early life
Chapter TwoLondon and Apprenticeship
Chapter Three Caribbean Voyages
Chapter FourNavigation, Cartography and Mathematics
Chapter Five Assay Master at the Mint
Chapter Six Joseph and his Family Relationship
Chapter SevenThe Carysfort Commission
Chapter Eight The Transit of Venus
Chapter NineEconomics and Essay on Money and Coins
Chapter TenJoseph’s Final Scientific Treatise
Chapter Eleven Joseph and his Heirs
Appendix Genealogy of Joseph Harris
Endpiece A Timeline of Joseph Harris
Bibliography
Index