Richard Anthony Proctor
(1837-1888), AstronomerSitter in 4 portraits
In 1865 Procter published his first book, Saturn and his System, at his own expense. Although not a commercial success, Proctor was recognised at once by the scientific community as a writer of consummate ability. An expert in all that related to map-drawing, he published two star-atlases and made contributions to the field of astronomy with research on the stellar system, the law of distribution of stars, their motions, the relations between stars and the nebulae, and the general constitution of the heavens. In 1869 he advanced a theory of the solar corona that has since been generally accepted, and also that of the inner complex solar atmosphere. He was active in the transit-of-Venus expeditions of 1874 and 1882.
by Sir Leslie Ward
watercolour, published in Vanity Fair 3 March 1883
NPG 5789
by William Notman
albumen cabinet card, cut to carte-de-visite, 1870s
NPG Ax18211
by Edward Taylor, by Richard Taylor, published by The Illustrated Review
wood engraving, published 28 August 1873
NPG D5560
Richard Anthony Proctor ('Men of the Day. No. 277.')
by Sir Leslie Ward
chromolithograph, published in Vanity Fair 3 March 1883
NPG D44110
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