author

Joseph Harris

1704–1764

Raised in rural Wales and largely self-taught, he rose from blacksmithing to become a respected astronomer, navigator, and expert on coinage. His life joined practical skill with scientific curiosity, and that unusual path still makes him a memorable figure of the eighteenth century.

1 Audiobook

The description and use of the globes and the orrery To which is prefix'd, by way of introduction, a brief account of the solar system

The description and use of the globes and the orrery To which is prefix'd, by way of introduction, a brief account of the solar system

by Joseph Harris

About the author

Born in 1704 at Trefecca in Brecknockshire, Wales, he is described by major reference sources as a blacksmith, astronomer, navigator, economist, natural philosopher, government adviser, and eventually King's Assay Master at the Royal Mint. That combination alone hints at why his story stands out: he came from a modest background but built a reputation across several fields.

Sources on his life say he came to the attention of Edmond Halley while still a young man and later spent time connected with astronomical observation, navigation, and the testing of mathematical instruments. He also wrote on money and coinage, including An Essay upon Money and Coins, which helped establish his reputation as an authority beyond astronomy.

He died in 1764. Even in a century full of specialists, his career remained unusually broad, moving from hands-on craft work to science, public service, and economic writing in a way that feels both practical and adventurous.