in scientific history. Unlike many others who have risen by their
scientific discoveries from obscurity to fame, the great Earl of
Rosse was himself born in the purple. His father, who, under the
title of Sir Lawrence Parsons, had occupied a distinguished position
in the Irish Parliament, succeeded on the death of his father to the
Earldom which had been recently created. The subject of our present
memoir was, therefore, the third of the Earls of Rosse, and he was
born in York on June 17, 1800. Prior to his father's death in 1841,
he was known as Lord Oxmantown.

The University education of the illustrious astronomer was begun in
Dublin and completed at Oxford. We do not hear in his case of any
very remarkable University career. Lord Rosse was, however, a
diligent student, and obtained a first-class in mathematics. He
always took a great deal of interest in social questions, and was a
profound student of political economy. He had a seat in the House of
Commons, as member for King's County, from 1821 to 1834, his
ancestral estate being situated in this part of Ireland.

[PLATE: THE EARL OF ROSSE.]

Lord Rosse was endowed by nature with a special taste for mechanical
pursuits. Not only had he the qualifications of a scientific
engineer, but he had the manual dexterity which qualified him
personally to carry out many practical arts. Lord Rosse was, in
fact, a skilful mechanic, an experienced founder, and an ingenious
optician. His acquaintances were largely among those who were
interested in mechanical pursuits, and it was his delight to visit
the works or engineering establishments where refined processes in
the arts were being carried on. It has often been stated--and as I