Edward Troughton biography
Date of birth : -
Date of death : 1835-06-12
Birthplace : Corney, Cumberland, England
Nationality : English
Category : Science and Technology
Last modified : 2011-12-15
Credited as : scientist, made the first modern transit circle, invented the dip sector
0 votes so far
He designed and made the first modern transit circle (allowing an object's two coordinates to be determined simultaneously) for Stephen Groombridge, invented the Troughton reflecting circle and the dip sector.
He first gained scientific respect in 1809, when he published a paper explaining the methodology behind his device for dividing a circle -- knowledge not devised by Troughton, but previously held in secrecy by instrument-makers. He made substantial improvements in accuracy to the balance, compensated mercurial pendulum, portable astronomical quadrants, marine and mountain barometers, and large-diameter theodolites used for the American coast survey of 1815.
He also supplied all the scientific instruments used by George Everest to conduct his survey of India. He was color-blind, and never married.
Troughton was awarded the Copley Medal of the Royal Society in 1809. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in March 1810.Troughton was involved in a lawsuit against Sir James South, who was dissatisfied with the quality of an equatorial mounting that Troughton made for him. Troughton sued for payment, and with informal legal counsel provided by Richard Sheepshanks, he prevailed.
Author of books:
-Method of Dividing Astronomical and Other Instruments (1809)
