Question

In his introduction to Great Astronomers, Ball states, “The history of astronomy thus becomes inseparable from the history of the great men to whose labours its development is due.” What does Ball mean by this statement? How does this statement relate to the purpose of the text?
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Answer 1

His Statement is saying that even though the History of Astronomy is down and marked forever,The people that helped or created something for them to discover is due the same credit.

Answer 2

When Ball makes this statement, he means that the lives of the great astronomers who helped create the field of astronomy are an important part of the development of astronomy itself. The statement helps Ball to convey to the audience that the purpose of Great Astronomers is not only to relate the stories of astronomers but to explore the development of astronomy from ancient times to the nineteenth century.