1 Prelude and Framework
3
Fig. 1.1 The heading and upper part of the front page of the Staatscourant (the Government Gazette) of 15 December 1877 (top). Below the text of the decisions to appoint
the Kapteyn brothers as professors
Although astronomy had been taught in Groningen since the founding of
the university in 1614, there had not been a special chair in it until then.
This was in contrast to Leiden and Utrecht, where respectively Hendricus
Gerardus van de Sande Bakhuyzen (1838–1923) and Jean Abraham Chrétien
Oudemans (1827–1906) not only taught astronomy—but also mathematics
and physics—, but also had their own observatory for scientific research. In
Groningen there were no facilities for astronomical education, let alone research. Kapteyn would never see his fervent desire to have his own observatory
realized. This is the background to the quote, which was close to his heart: ‘If
3
Fig. 1.1 The heading and upper part of the front page of the Staatscourant (the Government Gazette) of 15 December 1877 (top). Below the text of the decisions to appoint
the Kapteyn brothers as professors
Although astronomy had been taught in Groningen since the founding of
the university in 1614, there had not been a special chair in it until then.
This was in contrast to Leiden and Utrecht, where respectively Hendricus
Gerardus van de Sande Bakhuyzen (1838–1923) and Jean Abraham Chrétien
Oudemans (1827–1906) not only taught astronomy—but also mathematics
and physics—, but also had their own observatory for scientific research. In
Groningen there were no facilities for astronomical education, let alone research. Kapteyn would never see his fervent desire to have his own observatory
realized. This is the background to the quote, which was close to his heart: ‘If