246 A Review of some leading Points in the Official Character 



Dr. Maskelyne evinced itself most frequently in the Board of 

 Longitude, of which he was, ex officio, a member. Sir Joseph 

 was altogether ignorant of nautical astronomy, of the construc- 

 tion of nautical instruments, and the principles of mechanics 

 employed in the construction of new apparatus: hut, notwith- 

 standing these disqualifications, he was incessantly setting up his 

 judgement against that of the Astronomer Royal. If the Astro- 

 nomer Roval brought forward any new plan of nautical improve- 

 ment, the President of the Royal Society was sure to oppose it. 

 If the Astronomer Roval recommended a new instrument, the 

 President's opposition followed as naturally as niglit succeeds day. 

 This habitual opposition bv degrees brought the Oxford and 

 Cambridge Professors (who were also tx officio members of the 

 Board) to he uniform supporters of Dr. Maskelyne ; and this 

 soon led Sir .(oseph to regard them as his enemies. Determined 

 to maintain his ascendency, notwithstanding the op])osition of 

 this powerful phalanx of men of science, he laid a plan for re- 

 modelling the Board. This he could not carry during Dr. Mas- 

 kelyne's life-time; but by dint of perseverance and intrigue he 

 at length succeeded, and in ISIS had influence enough to effect 

 such an entire change in the constitution of the Board, as brings 

 it under the management of a little committee in Loudon, and, 

 whenever it is necessary, throws the Oxford and Cambridge pro- 

 fessors, certainly the most useful members oj the Board, into a 

 complete and decided minority. Thus, to adopt the language 

 of the New Times' eulogist, has " the Presidency been in honour 

 and activity." 



Often, again, has the dislike of Sir Joseph to this eminent 

 astronomer been manifested by causing to be "black-balled" 

 candidates whose certificates Dr. Maskelyne had signed. From 

 twenty instances of this kind which I could specify, 1 shall only 

 select one. Mr. Stephen Groomhridge, residing at Blackheath, 

 in the immediate vicinity of the Royal Observatory, maintained 

 a friendly intercourse with Dr. Maskelyne, and became himself 

 a most sedulous astronomical observer, having at considerable 

 expense provided excellent instruments for that purpose. About 

 two years before Dr. Maskelyne's death, he (with others) signed 

 the usual certificate recommending Mr. Groombridge as a fit 

 person to be a fellow of the Society. The signature of Dr. Mas- 

 kelyne was fatal. But Sir Joseph put the rejection of Mr. Groom- 

 bridge upon another pretext. Mr. Groombridge, it seems, has a 

 mercantile occupation in London. Sir Joseph, therefore, actively 

 directed his appropriate observations to the danglers at his levees 

 during the twelve weeks' probation. " 0! ho! ive are to have 

 London tradesmen thrust upon us, are we P I am astonished at 

 Dr, Maskelyne, But we will not degrade the Royal Society In/ 



the 



