Diagram for determining the angular radius of a rainbow
Date
24 November 1667
Object type
Archive reference number
Manuscript page number
p97
Material
Dimensions
height (page): 313mm
width (page): 195mm
width (page): 195mm
Subject
Description
Diagram for determining the angular radius of a rainbow that any fluid would produce. This demonstration was included in Renatus Franciscus Slusius's letter to Henry Oldenburg dated 24 November 1667 [N.S.], which was read to the Royal Society on 28 November 1667.
The diagram in the original letter is at EL/S1/51/003. There are other copies at EL/OB/70/004 and LBC/2/115.
The diagram in the original letter is at EL/S1/51/003. There are other copies at EL/OB/70/004 and LBC/2/115.
Object history
At the meeting of the Royal Society on 28 November 1667, ‘Mr. Oldenburg produced a letter written to him by Renatus Franciscus Slusius, canon of Liege, dated there 24 November, 1667, N. S. giving an account of his method of reducing an equation of the fourth degree or biquadratic into two quadratic equations, by a circle and a parabola; and expressing his great respect to the society. It was ordered, that the secretary should return him the thanks of the society, and that Mr. Hooke and Mr. Collins should have a copy of the letter to consider, whether Mr. Slusius had effected what he had undertaken’ (Birch 2:217-18). Oldenburg’s reply is dated 25 November 1667.
Related fellows
Renatus Franciscus Slusius (1622 - 1685, Belgian) , Mathematician
Henry Oldenburg (1612 - 1677, German) , Scientific correspondent
Henry Oldenburg (1612 - 1677, German) , Scientific correspondent
Associated place