Stephen Peter Rigaud (1774-1839), astronomer, was Savilian Professor of Astronomy at Oxford University, 1810-39, and also Radcliffe Observer from 1827. He came of a French Protestant family, and was the son of Stephen Rigaud, Observer at Kew. He was educated at Richmond and Exeter College, Oxford (matriculated 15 April 1791, BA 1797, MA 1799, Fellow of the College, 1794-1810). He was especially interested in the historical side of science, and is best known for his editions of Miscellaneous works and correspondence of the Rev. James Bradley (Oxford, 1832) and of Correspondence of Scientific Men of the Seventeenth Century, a posthumous work (Oxford, 1841). Further details are given in the Dictionary of National Biography.

Manuscripts of S.P. Rigaud, including transcripts, summaries of lectures, and papers relating to Edmond Halley.

The manuscripts were transferred to the Library from the Radcliffe Observatory in 1935, except for MS. Rigaud 89, which was given to the Library in 1935.

Entry to read in the Library is permitted only on presentation of a valid reader's card (for admissions procedures see http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/services/admissions/).

M. Clapinson and T.D. Rogers, Summary Catalogue of Post-Medieval Western Manuscripts in the Bodleian Library Oxford. Acquisitions 1916-1975. (Oxford, 1991), vol. II, nos. 52036-56.

See also Papers of Stephen Peter Rigaud and the Savile Collection.

Astronomy

Halley | Edmond | 1656-1742 | Astronomer

Rigaud | Stephen Peter | 1774-1839 | Astronomer

University of Oxford