Astronomical Societi/. 235 



solitary example, of the influence which talents and character may 

 have on the fortunes of an individual, under circumstances apparently 

 the most untoward. He was born, July 4, 1789, at Cockermouth, in 

 the county of Cumberland, and his early years were spent in following 

 his father's occupation, that of a weaver, with no further time or 

 opportunity for education than could be aflorded by the ordinary 

 intervals of labour. Fortunately, his father was himself a man of 

 considerable information and studious habits, and devoted these lei- 

 sure moments to the education of his child, who thus became early 

 acquainted with the principles of arithmetic and geometry, subjects 

 in which he chiefly delighted. When a mere boy, a mathematical 

 book was his constant companion at the loom ; and this taste was 

 encouraged by the kindness of many persons in the vicinity, who 

 supplied him with books, and such assistance in his studies as they 

 were competent to give. His father having become parish clerk at 

 the neighbouring church of liridekirk, the extraordinary acquirements 

 of the young mathematician became known to the Rev. Mr. Hervev, 

 yicar of that parish ; and by the advice and recommendation of this 

 gentleman, Mr. Fallows was engaged as an assistant by Mr. Temple, 

 at that time head-master of Plumbland school. On the death of Mr. 

 Temple in 1808, Mr. Hervey further exerted himself to obtain for 

 Mr. Fallows the patronage of some gentlemen of fortune and in- 

 terest, in order that he might be enabled to go to the University. In 

 this purpose he was successful; and in 1809, Mr. Fallows com- 

 menced residence as a student of St. John's College, Cambridge. 



Whatever difficulties might have previously embarrassed Mr. Fal- 

 lovvs' career were now dissipated. At St. John's, honourably distin- 

 guished (perhaps above all other colleges) for attention to the edu- 

 cation and interests of unfriended merit, he found everv assistance 

 which could be desired, — kind friends, most able instructors, and an 

 unlimited power of consulting books. His progress was, accordingly, 

 rapid and successful, though directed, as was to be expected, in the 

 line of the older English geometers, with whom he was already fa- 

 miliar, rather than according to the continental mathematicians. In 

 1813, he proceeded bachelor of arts, and was third, Sir John Herschel 

 being senior wrangler. 



Shortly after taking his degree, as there was no fellowship open at 

 St. John's to which Mr. Fallows was eligible, he removed to Benet 

 College, as mathematical lecturer ; but was gladly recalled to his 

 own college in 181.0, when a fellowship became vacant. Here he 

 resided for some years ; and when His .Majesty's Government had 

 resolved upon establishing an Observatory of the highest class at the 

 Cape of Good Hope, Mr. Fallows was selected as the person best 

 qualified to direct the future establishment. 



The few months which intervened between the time of his appoint- 

 ment and his removal to the Cape, wtre spent by Mr. Fallows in 

 the |)ublic and private ol)servatories of this country, in the work.sliops 

 of our most celeljraU'd artibts, in the calculation of special tables, and 

 in devising the best and sim|)kst means of making, registering, and 

 reducing astronomical observations. 



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