Author: Stroobant, P.
Title: Étude sur le satellite énigmatique de Vénus avec les textes originaux relatant les observations de cet astre.
Description: Bruxelles, F. Hayez, 1887. Large 4to (29.0 x 23.0 cm). 48 pp.; three plates (two partly coloured), several text figures. Original printed front wrapper. = Science at its best: in this paper, the Belgian astronomer Paul Stroobant (1868-1936) effectively debunked the myths of a Venus moon by systematically reviewing all previous claims, including those by Cassini and De la Grange. Well-illustrated. Signed by Stroobant on the title page (dedication to the Belgian mathematician François Deruyts - here spelled de Ruyts). "Paul Stroobant directed the Royal Observatory at Uccle, Belgium, and contributed to a number of astronomical specialties, including the study and discovery of minor planets. Before he was 20 years old, he observed the bright comets of 1882 (C/1882 RI) and 1885 and became a voluntary assistant at the Royal Observatory. Stroobant earned a doctorate in mathematics and physics from the University of Brussels in 1889. During the following year, he studied at the Sorbonne, Paris and the Observatoire de Paris. In 1891, Stroobant returned to Belgium and joined the staff of the Royal Observatory as assistant astronomer. He was to spend the remainder of his career there, becoming in succession assistant director (1918) and director (1925), succeeding Georges Lecointe. He retired only a few weeks before his death. Stroobant also served as professor of astronomy at the University of Brussels after 1896" (Biographical Encyclopaedia of Astronomers). Wrapper edges a bit soiled, no rear wrapper, otherwise a very good, clean copy. Rare.

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