Page:Philosophical Transactions - Volume 004.djvu/214

 being, the Caroline, of Mr. Street, and these I shall here present you with at large. These Supputations, when I first framed them, I fitted to the Meridian of my habitation, intending them only for my own private use; but upon second consideration, finding, how much the Observations, if rightly and accurately performed, might conduce to the better stating the Dimensions of the Moons Orbite, and solving the Irregularities of several Phænomena, I resolv'd to communicate them to the Ingenious, and to desire their utmost care in observing these Appearances, which I had not un-accurately calculated. And I now humbly prostrate them to their perusal, desiring, that, if they seem worthy, you will be pleased to impart them in such a way, as you shall think fit, to such intelligent and industrious persons either of the R. Society, or others, as will be accurate in their Observations, and willing to communicate what they shall have observed.

I hope, My Lord, you will not account me faulty for having adapted the Calculations to the Meridian of a place no more famous than Derby. You had the occasion before; to which I may add, that the Meridian passing over Derby is nearer the middle of England, than that of London; and that its Latitude bi-sects it nearer, than any yet stated: So that this Town, which is seated in Umbilico quasi Regni, must needs be the most convenient place, that can be chosen, where-on to fix our Calculations. For, the distance of any place within this kingdom from it, will not much vary the manner of their Appearance in any of the Phænomena, except the Eclipse of the Sun: for, in the Occultations, the Stars will appeare to pass nearly under the same Angles and Spots of the