Page:Baylee's Method of Finding the Longitude.djvu/20

Rh the deflection of the fixed star Y, from the perpendicular at X, be accurately the difference in right ascension between X and Y, and vice versa.


 * —When the meridian is found the variation is found; but the meridian is found by the method here presented, and therefore the variation is found.


 * —Having found the times of the culminations of two or three fixed stars, let good common watches be set to each of these times respectively, considering the time of each culmination as noon: the time thus found, compared with the time found by computing the difference of the right ascensions of those stars, will give a result so near the true time, as to leave scarcely any error capable of affecting the observation for the longitude.

I have no doubt but the longitude will be found with ease and facility by my method, within eight miles of absolute distance, and perhaps within half that distance: and with respect to tracing the firmament, I may, I conceive, from long experience and extensive research, challenge all the publications extant for a method which will bear any moderate competition with what I am prepared to present, in point of simplicity, accuracy, or easiness of attainment.

The corrections applicable to the several particulars here presented are obvious; and I do ardently desire to undergo the most severe scrutiny. JOHN TYRRELL BAYLEE.

London, Eleventh Month 7, 1822.