Biography of Percival Lowell

Name: Biography of Percival Lowell
Author: A. Lawrence Lowell

By A. Lawrence Lowell

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About This Book

The biography follows Percival Lowell from childhood and European travel through extended stays in East Asia to his later career in observational astronomy. It describes his study of Japanese religion, the founding of an observatory chosen for superior seeing, meticulous observations and controversial interpretations of Martian markings, and theoretical work on planetary formation and orbital relationships. The narrative covers his sustained search for a trans‑Neptunian planet and the eventual identification of a new distant body, and includes chapters on illness, travels, and interludes. Two technical appendices evaluate the observatory’s work and later assessments of the outer body's size.

About the Author

A. Lawrence Lowell

A. Lawrence Lowell was an American author and educator, recognized for his contributions to political science and biography. He served as the president of Harvard University from 1909 to 1933, during which he significantly influenced higher education. Lowell is known for his detailed examination of political systems, as seen in his notable work "The Government of England (Vol. I)," where he explores the intricacies of British governance. Additionally, he authored a biography of Percival Lowell, which reflects his interest in the intersection of science and society. Through his writings, Lowell has left a lasting impact on both academic and literary fields.