Question

In the following passage from Great Astronomers by Robert Stewall Ball, the author states that he will trace the developments in astronomy from the time of Ptolemy to the nineteenth century. Based on the content and style of the excerpt, what kind of audience did Ball primarily have in mind when he was writing this book?

The history of astronomy thus becomes inseparable from the history of the great men to whose labours its development is due. In the ensuing chapters we have endeavoured to sketch the lives and the work of the great philosophers, by whose labours the science of astronomy has been created. We shall commence with Ptolemy, who, after the foundations of the science had been laid by Hipparchus, gave to astronomy the form in which it was taught throughout the Middle Ages. We shall next see the mighty revolution in our conceptions of the universe which are associated with the name of Copernicus. We then pass to those periods illumined by the genius of Galileo and Newton, and afterwards we shall trace the careers of other more recent discoverers, by whose industry and genius the boundaries of human knowledge have been so greatly extended. Our history will be brought down late enough to include some of the illustrious astronomers who laboured in the generation which has just passed away.



A. students specializing in the study of astronomy

B. people with a casual interest in astronomy

C. scientists and mathematicians working with astronomers

D. geologists and cartographers

Answer 1

The author of 'Great Astronomers' targeted an audience with an interest in the historical aspects of astronomy and seminal figures in the field, suitable for students and general readers with some foundational knowledge.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the content and style of the excerpt from Great Astronomers by Robert Stewall Ball, the author had in mind an audience that is primarily interested in the historical development of astronomy and the contributions made by notable figures in the field. This audience would likely include students specializing in the study of astronomy, as well as individuals with a more general interest in the history of science. The detailed development of the subject matter, with reference to key figures like Ptolemy, Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton, as well as the inclusion of their philosophical and historical impact, suggests an educational yet accessible tone suitable for an audience with at least a foundational understanding of astronomy or history of science.

Answer 2

The best and most correct answer among the choices provided by the question is the third choice or letter C.

Scientists and mathematicians working with astronomers are kind of audience did Ball primarily have in mind when he was writing the book.


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