Men of the Time, eleventh edition/Ball, Robert Stawell
BALL, Robert Stawell, LL.D., F.R.S., was born at Dublin, July 1, 1840, and educated at Chester by Dr. Brindley. He was appointed University Student at Trinity College, Dublin, in 1861; Lord Rosse's Astronomer at Parsonstown in 1865; Professor of Applied Mathematics and Mechanism at the Royal College of Science for Ireland in 1867; Fellow of the Royal Society in 1873; Andrews Professor of Astronomy in the University of Dublin, and Royal Astronomer of Ireland in 1874. He obtained the Cunningham Gold Medal of the Royal Irish Academy. Mr. Ball is author of the following works among others:—"Experimental Mechanics," 1871; "Theory of Screws," Dublin, 1876; "Elements of Astronomy," 1880; besides many papers on mathematics, astronomy, and physical science in various publications. He has frequently lectured on Astronomy in the leading institutions in the United Kingdom, and we may especially refer to his "Christmas Lectures on Astronomy" at the Royal Institution in 1881–2.