Author
Edward S. (Edward Singleton) Holden
1846-1914
Edward S. (Edward Singleton) Holden (1846-1914) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Edward S. (Edward Singleton) Holden
Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works
"Sir William Herschel: His Life and Works" by Edward S. Holden is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This biography chronicles the life, achievements, and contributions of Sir William Herschel, renowned as one of the greatest practical astronomers. It covers his journey from humble beginnings to his discovery of Uranus and includes insights into his scientific methods and personal life, as well as his relationship with his sister, Caroline Herschel. The opening of the work establishes Herschel as a largely unknown figure among modern philosophers, despite his great contributions to astronomy. It references a previously unpublished biographical memorandum prepared by Herschel himself and the memoirs of his sister, Caroline, as primary sources for the account. Holden emphasizes the struggle to construct a comprehensive biography due to the scarcity of detailed material about Herschel's personal life and offers a glimpse into his formative years, shedding light on his early education, musical career, and eventual transition into astronomy. The text sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Herschel’s innovative spirit and tireless dedication to understanding the cosmos.
Studies in Central American Picture-Writing First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-80, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 205-245
"Studies in Central American Picture-Writing" by Edward S. Holden is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the deciphering of hieroglyphic inscriptions from ancient Central American civilizations, particularly focusing on the ruins of Copan and Palenque. It explores the principles of interpretation related to these inscriptions, aiming to uncover the methods used by their creators and the information they intended to convey. The opening of this work introduces Holden's motivation and approach to the study of Central American hieroglyphs. He discusses his prior familiarity with the works of John L. Stephens, which fostered his curiosity about the meanings behind the inscriptions. Holden outlines his plan to systematically decipher these inscriptions, addressing key questions such as the linguistic unity of the inscriptions and the directional reading of the hieroglyphs. He expresses a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of grounding his conclusions in demonstrable evidence while avoiding conjecture beyond his knowledge of the subject matter. Furthermore, the introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the characters and symbols that underpin these ancient writings.