FLAMSTEED, JoHN, the first astronomer-royal of England, for whose use the royal observatory at Greenwich (called Flamsteed house) was built, was b. near Derby, 19th Aug., 1646, and early devoted himself to mathematical and astronomical pursuits. While yet a youth, he mastered the theory of the calculation of eclipses; and his cal culations of some remarkable eclipses of the moon were the means of introducing him to the notice of the eminent scientific men of his time, among others to sir Jonas Moore, then surveyor-general of the ordnance, through whom, and in connection with whose department, he was appointed astronomer to the king in 1675. The year following, the observatory at Greenwich was built, and F. began that series of observations that con stitute the commencement of modern practical astronomy. He formed the first trust worthy catalogue of the fixed stars, and furnished those lunar observations on which Newton depended for the verification of his lunar theory. Extracts:from the papers of
F., found in the observatorty by Mr. Trancis Badly, and published by authority 9f the admiralty, in 1835, brought to light a very sharp quarrel that had taken place between F. and Newton and Halley with regard to the publication of the results of F.'s labors. The Historia Ucelestis Britannica, his great work, in 3 vols., giving an account of the methods and results of astronomical observation up to his time, was begun to be printed before his death in 1719, but was not published till 1725. It may be mentioned that F., while following his scientific pursuits, qualified himself for holy orders, and in 1684 was presented to the living of I3urslow, in Surrey, which he held till his death.