* Astronomy

The Reverend Dr Nevil Maskelyne FRS (6 October 1732 - 9 February 1811) was the fifth English Astronomer Royal. He held the office from 1765 to 1811.
His interest in astronomy had begun while at Westminster School, shortly after the eclipse of 25 July 1748.
In 1758 Maskelyne was admitted to the Royal Society, which in 1761 despatched him to the island of St. Helena to observe the transit of Venus.
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