In 1794, he took Owen Rees as a partner; in the same year, Thomas Brown (c. 1777 - 1869) entered the house as an apprentice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q1. Why is "c." used before 1777-1869?
Q2. Does "c." mean "circa"? How do we pronounce "c."?
* circa ((L = about))*
1. c [si:]
2. circa
Q3. Can we use both "ca." and "c." to mean "about"?
1. "c." is used when approximate dates are given, not exact dates.
2. Yes, "c." means "circa" and it's pronounced "sir-ka" with stress on the first syllable. People usually pronounce the word "circa" not just the letter "c."
3. Yes, either abbreviation can be used.