Frank R. Fisher notes, 1882-1902

Front cover inscribed "F.R. Fisher. Notes." Frank R. Fisher's "notes" contain observations, drawings, and photographs relating to scientific and technological studies, particularly astronomical observations made while Fisher was a resident in Charleston, S.C. during the 1880s.; Fisher records important discoveries and observations made by various scientists earlier in the century. Fisher's astronomical observations begin in Charleston in 1882 with the sighting of a comet. He also records his observations of the transit of Venus (1883), and an aurora and sun spots (1892). Fisher discusses a new theory concerning the nature of the sun's corona (1892), and theories concerning Jupiter (1894). He includes charts (1878-1902), drawings, and diagrams. Of particular interest are the pages devoted to observations made during the Charleston earthquake (Aug. 1886).; Other notes include inscriptions from buildings in Nineveh, Hebrew alphabets, and the "hieroglyphic alphabet" and hieroglyphs. Fisher discusses the statue of Memnon at Thebes, the Rosetta Stone, and hieroglyphic texts.; In addition, Fisher includes a photograph and description of a "Machine for ruling diffraction plates," "designed and constructed by myself." Drawings, watercolors, and photographs include depictions of the moon, the orbit of the planets, double and binary stars, the movement of the sun and the earth, an eclipse, sun spots, comets, an aurora, and ancient Egyptian art. Loose items include drawings of architectural details and an obelisk, a note, and clippings about a New Jersey earthquake.