George Minchin

George Minchin Minchin (born George Minchin Smith; 1845–1914) was an Irish mathematician and experimental physicist. Quotes Distant scintillating star, Shall I tell you what you are? Nay, for I can merely know What you were some years ago. For, the rays that reach me here May have left your photosphere Ere the fight of Waterloo— Ere the pterodactyl flew! . . . Strange, if you have vanished quite, That we still behold your light, Playing for so long a time Some celestial pantomime! But, supposing all is well, What you’re made of, can I tell? Yes, ’twill be an easy task If my spectroscope I ask! "Balnibarbian Glumtrap Rhyme", in Nature, vol. 57 no. 1485 (14 April 1898), p. 564 External links