Papers of Warren De La Rue

Warren De La Rue (1815-1889) was born at Guernsey in January 1815, the son of the printer Thomas De La Rue (1793-1866). After attending the Collège de Ste Barbe in Paris, he joined his father's printing firm and began to study science privately. His early scientific work led to his election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1850. Over time, his research work focussed increasingly on astronomical subjects. He installed a small observatory at Canonbury, which was transferred to Cranford in Middlesex in 1857, and developed a reputation for his work on celestial photography. In 1862 he carried out observations of sunspots in cooperation with Balfour Stewart and Benjamin Loewy. De La Rue was one of the original members of the Chemical Society, serving as President, 1867-1869 and 1879-1880, and for many years he carried out chemical research with Dr Hugo Müller. He was also President of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1864-1866. He died in London on 19 April 1889.

A volume of handwritten notes 'On the Total Solar Eclipse of July 18th, 1860, observed at Rivabellosa, near Miranda de Ebro, in Spain, by Warren De La Rue', dated and signed at the end 'The Observatory, Cranford, Middlesex. February 1st 1862' (fo. 184). The volume begins with a history of the expedition (fos 1-25), including how it was formed. There follows a description of the equipment and of the camp in Spain, under the title 'Determination of the Geographical Position' (fos 26-37), including an engraving of the eclipse observatory depicting De La Rue and his companions (fo. 33). The text continues with various observations establishing the location of the observatory (fos 37-47). These are followed by the report proper on the eclipse, comprising 'I. Observations with the Telescope, and with the unassisted Eye' (fos 47- 78), including various inserted items, and 'II. Account of the Photographic observations' (fos 79-148), including an engraving of the members of the expedition (fo. 79) and other insertions. The volume concludes with 'Photographs of the Totality' (fos 149-184), containing various photographs and plates. The manuscript has been rebound, and parts of the original binding have been retained. There is also part of a printed proof copy of the report, 26 pages, apparently prepared for printing in 'Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society', 1862.

Probably presented by De La Rue to G.B. Airy.

Please cite as Royal Greenwich Observatory Archives, Papers of Warren De La Rue, RGO 73

A short catalogue is available in the Manuscript Reading Room. Two copies of the handwritten version of this catalogue are with the volume. Indexed

This description was created by Robert Steiner, Department of Manuscripts and University Archives. The biographical history was compiled with reference to the entry on Warren De La Rue in Sidney Lee, ed., 'Dictionary of National Biography', Vol. XVII (London, 1909), pp. 387-389.