George airy biography

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George Biddell Airy

English mathematician and astronomer (–)

Sir George Biddell Airy (; 27 July &#;&#; 2 January ) was an English mathematician and astronomer, as well as the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics from to and the seventh Astronomer Royal from to His many achievements include work on planetaryorbits, measuring the mean density of the Earth, a method of solution of two-dimensional problems in solid mechanics and, in his role as Astronomer Royal, establishing Greenwich as the location of the prime meridian.

Biography

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Airy was born at Alnwick in Northumberland, one of a long line of Airys who traced their nedstigning back to a family of the same name residing at Kentmere, in Westmorland, in the 14th century. The branch to which he belonged, having suffered in the English Civil War, moved to Lincolnshire and became farmers. Airy was educated first at elementary schools in Hereford, and afterwards at Colchester Royal Grammar School. An introverted child, Airy

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Autobiography of Sir George Biddell Airy by George Biddell Airy

AuthorAiry, George Biddell, EditorAiry, Wilfrid, Title Autobiography of Sir George Biddell Airy Note Reading ease score: (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. Credits Produced by Joseph Myers and PG Distributed Proofreaders Summary "Autobiography of Sir George Biddell Airy" by George Biddell Airy is a historical account written during the late 19th century. The book recounts the life and accomplishments of Sir George Biddell Airy, who served as the Astronomer Royal for 46 years, detailing his scientific work at the Greenwich Observatory along with his interactions with notable figures in both science and government. The opening of the autobiography provides a context for understanding Airy’s character and work ethic. It describes Airy as a dedicated and methodical individual, emphasizing his strict adherence to order and detail in both his personal life and professional du

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Biography

George Airy's father was William Airy while his mother was Ann Biddell. William Airy was from Lincolnshire and Ann was the daughter of a farmer from Suffolk. Originally William had been a farmer too, but he had educated himself and risen to the position of tax inspector. When George was born his parents were living in Northumberland where William was a collector of excise, but in the following year the family moved to Hereford when William was transferred there.

George attended Byatt Walker's school in Colchester and at the age of ten he took first place at the end of his primary school career. He had learnt some useful skills at the school such as arithmetic, double-entry book keeping and how to use a slide rule. He had probably learned more, however, from studying his father's books. He wrote in his autobiography that (see [4]):-

he was not a favourite with his school mates.

Eggen writes [1]:-

An introverted but not shy child, Airy was, even for the time and es