Since its founding in 1891, many people have passed through the doors of the Vatican Observatory.  A quick perusal of our guestbook reveals several Names, including Popes, nobel laureates, astronauts, actors, and saints. Today’s guestbook entry is from April 8, 1910, when three notable Dunediners–George Chrystal, P. Hume Brown, and John Sutherland Black–made a visit. Next to his name, George Chrystal FRSE, FRS (1851-1911) wrote “Prof. Math. Univ. Edinb.” (Professor of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh). He was one of the founders of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society. His work on seiches (standing waves in ponds and other enclosed bodies of water) earned him a posthumous Gold Medal from the Royal Society of London. He was a member of the Royal Society of Edinburgh as well as the Royal Society of London. He is also known for having written several books on algebra. Next to his name, Peter Hume Brown FBA (1849-1918) wrote “Historiographer-Royal, Edinburgh.” He published a definitive three-volume history of … Continue reading →