Yet another classic scope appears in the background of a scene in, I believe, the recent Sherlock Holmes movie, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. In a scene where Sherlock comes face-to-face with Cambridge University's brilliant mathematician/astronomer, the alter ego of criminal genius Professor Morairty, one can briefly see a 19th century vintage mahogany tubed 2.5"-3" refractor apparently on a pillar-and-claw stand. It sits just to the left of the offices window and a ways behind Moriarty's left shoulder.
It is said by some that Arthur Canon Doyle may have based Moriarty's character on real world mathematician Simon Newcomb. Newcomb was revered as a multitalented genius, with a special mastery of mathematics and had become internationally famous in the years before Doyle began writing his stories. More to the point, Newcomb had earned a reputation for spite and malice, apparently seeking to destroy the careers and reputations of rival scientists. That does sound like Professor Moriarty all right. 
An alternate persona, suggested by others and the one preferred by me, is the Astronomer Royal George Biddell Airy, the slave-driving head of Greenwich Observatory in Doyle's time. Likewise a mathematical genius, he was noted for his calculations of orbits. In the Game of Shadows movie the scene cited above has Sherlock, in disguise, asks for a dedication signature by the mathematician/astronomer in his office at Cambridge University. The book in question deals with the orbital calculations of an asteroid. That certainly ties in closely with Moriarty's historical identity as being Airy. Did anyone else catch this when viewing the film? 
BrooksObs
Edited by BrooksObs, 02 November 2017 - 03:33 PM.
