Shagin Antonіy Franzevich ( Franzovich) General data:
1800 - 18.11.1842
Studied in: Teacher ′s Seminary at the Imperial Vilnius University, Russian Empire (1814-1818);
Key interests: history of astronomy, mathematisc, astronomy, geodesy
Biography:
He was born around 1800. He came from a poor Polish noble family.
After graduating from the Vilnius Gymnasium in 1814, he entered the teacher's seminary at the Imperial Vilnius University or the Pedagogical Institute for about 14 years and studied physics and mathematics until June 30, 1818. In 1815 he received the degree of Candidate of Philosophy, in December 1817 the degree of Master of Philosophy. In the same year he was appointed assistant at the Vilnius Astronomical Observatory, where he served for 7 years. While working in this position, he performed certain astronomical calculations. During the last two years of this service he taught astronomy at Vilnius University. In 1824 the scientist was expelled from the observatory and appointed teacher of geodesy and topography at the same university. In 1829 he published books on geodesy, surveying and leveling, which he presented to the emperor as a gift, and as a reward for his work received a diamond ring. From the words of his speech at the act of Kharkiv University in 1837, "I was a" witness "to Tenner's triangulation," it can be assumed that he took part in these measurements.
In addition to geodesy, he studied astronomy and higher mathematics in Vilnius; he compiled for his students a guide to astronomy and speech on differential and integral calculus, which remained in the manuscript. In 1832, after the closure of Vilnius University, the scientist got a job as a mathematics teacher in Vitebsk, but took that position temporarily, hoping to move later to the Belarusian Lyceum, which was supposed to open soon. In 1834, the Supreme Order abolished the opening of the Belarusian Lyceum, and he began to apply for the Department of Pure Mathematics, Astronomy and Geodesy at the University of Kiev or Kharkiv. On May 31, 1834, he was approved as an adjunct professor, and on February 20 of the following year - an ordinary professor at the Imperial Kharkiv University, Department of Astronomy. Heading the Department of Astronomy during 1834-1842, he tried to create a permanent astronomical observatory at the university, but without success, spending a lot of effort and time, so the teaching of astronomy was almost exclusively theoretical. He paid much attention to the technical equipment of the future observatory, in particular, conducted consultative correspondence on this subject with V. Ya. Stuve, and also took care of the early compilation of its library.
At the university, the scientist taught courses in spherical and practical astronomy, the theory of motion of celestial bodies, using it to determine the elements of planets and comets; about the phenomena caused by the motion of the planets; higher geodesy, and a course of practical application of astronomical instruments. In addition to teaching astronomy to university students, he conducted additional classes with talented graduates, apparently as part of their preparation for future research and teaching work. During his stay in Kharkov he made two scientific trips: one in 1838 to Vilno city, and the other the following year to Pulkovo village on the occasion of the opening of an observatory there. The last trip, despite a short time (about 1½ months without travel), was quite productive for the scientist in terms of getting to know the leading astronomers of the time and a little new tools.
All the activities of A. F. Shagin at the university were quite diverse. He insisted on the establishment of a new chemical laboratory and the expansion of the physical cabinet in 1838. He also participated in drafting the charter of the "Society of Sciences at Kharkiv University", being first a member and then chairman of the committee established for this purpose, and was, throughout probability, one of the initiators of this Society. In 1837 A. F. Shagin temporarily held the position of dean of the 2nd branch of the Faculty of Philosophy, then was approved and remained in it until December 8, 1841. However, he was constantly chairman of the test committee for entrants to the teacher of drawing, drawings and calligraphy. As a member of the board, he had to perform many administrative tasks, and here he declared himself a zealous official.
On November 18, 1842, the state adviser, an ordinary professor, committed suicide.
The best time of his life and scientific activity is connected with Kharkiv University. Here he published a number of scientific works. Although from 1837, by order of the Minister, the title of professor was added to the title of professor at the Imperial Kharkiv University, the astronomer-observer A. F. Shagin was not. He held the chair of astronomy from May 31, 1834 until the fall of 1842, when he was dismissed.
Main publications:
1. Шагин А. Ф. Обозрение важнейших астрономических и геодезических способов, служащих к определению фигуры Земли // Речь, произнес. в торжеств. собрании Имп. Харьков. ун-та 30 августа 1837 г.-Харьков, 1837.
2. Шагин А. Ф. Обозрение важнейших астрономических и геодезических способов, служащих к определению фигуры Земли//Журнал Министерства Народного Просвещения, ч. XVI, 273
3. Шагин А. Ф. О собственном движении звезд//Журнал Министерства Народного Просвещения, ч. ХVIII, 445
4. Шагин А. Ф. О аберрации, годичном параллаксе и собственном движении звезд. //Речь, произнесенная в торжеств. собрании Харьк. университета 30-го августа 1840 г. Харьков, 1840 г.
Sources:
1 АСТРОНОМЫ И АСТРОНОМИЧЕСКАЯ ОБСЕРВАТОРИЯ ХАРЬКОВСКОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА ОТ 1808 ПО 1842 ГОД ,проф. Г. В. Левицкий, 1893 год//200 ЛЕТ АСТРОНОМИИВ ХАРЬКОВСКОМ УНИВЕРСИТЕТЕ, Под редакцией проф. Ю. Г. Шкуратова ГЛАВА 1 ИСТОРИЯ АСТРОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ ОБСЕРВАТОРИИ И КАФЕДРЫ АСТРОНОМИИ Харьков –2008 -С. 10, 25-45
2 ru.wikipedia.org
3 enc-dic.com
4 Шагин, Антоний Францевич//Энциклопедический словарь Брокгауза и Ефрона
