Mary Bruck gained her PhD in astronomy from the University of Edinburgh, where she went on to become a Senior Lecturer in astronomy. Her main research interest was in photographic stellar photometry and spectroscopy. Now retired, she has a special interest in nineteenth century British and Irish women in astronomy, about whom she has written numerous articles. In 2001, Dr Bruck was awarded the Lorimer Medal of the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Family background in County Cork
2. Ireland and Italy
3. London, the literary scene
4. The History of Astronomy
5. A circle of astronomers
6. A visit to South Africa
7. The System of the Stars
8. Social life in scientific circles
9. Homer, the Herschels and a revised History
10. The opinion moulder
11. Popularisation, cryogenics and evolution
12. Problems in Astrophysics
13. Women in astronomy in Britain in Agnes Clerke's time
14. Revised System of the Stars
15. Cosmogonies, cosmology and Nature's spiritual clues
16. Last days and retrospect
17. Epilogue
Notes
Appendix
Bibliography
Index.