After graduating in mathematics from the University of Cambridge, Desmond King-Hele began 40 years working at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough. There, he developed the mathematical theory of Earth satellite orbits. By analysing actual satellite orbits, he led the world in determining more accurately the shape of the Earth and the properties of its upper atmosphere. This pioneering work earned him numerous awards, including the Royal Society Bakerian Lecture.
Desmond worked mainly on literary and historical subjects. Since his 1960 study of the poet Shelley, he focused on the life and work of Erasmus Darwin, and his many mechanical inventions. Desmond wrote the standard biography of Darwin, edited a 685-page collection of his letters and, 2014, published a book covering his role in biological evolution.
At the Society, Desmond was active as the chairman of many committees; for ten years he was Chairman of the British National Committee for the History of Science, and for seven years he was Editor of the Royal Society journal, Notes and Records.
Dr Desmond King-Hele FRS died on 25 December 2019.
Subject groups
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Other
History of science
Awards
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Bakerian Medal and Lecture
On 'A view of Earth and air'.
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Wilkins Lecture
On 'Erasmus Darwin, the Lunatiks and evolution'.
