1731 in science

The year 1731 in science and technology involved some significant events.

Astronomy

* The octant is developed by John Hadley; the sextant eventually replaced the octant and became an essential tool of navigation.
* The orrery (or planetarium model) is developed as an apparatus showing the relative positions of heavenly bodies in the solar system by using balls moved by wheelwork.

Geology

* The modern seismograph was developed by Nicholas Cerillo, an Italian scientist, using a pendulum.

Technology

* The thermometer was developed, to measure the temperature of either water or air.
* The harpoon gun was developed and used for the purpose of throwing the harpoon into the body of whales.

Awards

* Copley Medal: The first Copley Medal is awarded to Stephen Gray.

Births

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Deaths

* December 29 - Brook Taylor, English mathematician (born 1685)