The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. IV. Being the Second of the Second Voyage.Cook, James
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The Three Voyages of Captain Cook Round the World. Vol. IV. Being the Second of the Second Voyage.
Cook, James
Cook, James, 1728-1779 -- Travel; Explorers -- Great Britain -- Biography; Voyages around the world -- History -- 18th century
It is necessary to observe, that each set of observations, consisting of
between six and ten observed distances of the sun and moon, or moon and
stars, the whole number amounts to several hundreds; and these have been
reduced, by means of the watch, to all the islands; so that the
longitude of each is as well ascertained as that of the two ports
above-mentioned. As a proof of this I shall only observe, that the
longitude of the two ports, as pointed out by the watch and by the
observations, did not differ two miles. This also shows what degree of
accuracy these observations are capable of, when multiplied to a
considerable number, made with different instruments, and with the sun
and stars, or both sides of the moon. By this last method, the errors
which may be either in the instruments or lunar tables, destroy one
another, and likewise those which may arise from the observer himself;
for some men may observe closer than others. If we consider the number
of observations that may be obtained in the course of a month (if the
weather is favourable) we shall perhaps find this method of finding the
longitude of places as accurate as most others; at least it is the most
easy, and attended with the least expense to the observer. Every ship
that goes to foreign parts is, or may be, supplied with a sufficient
number of quadrants at a small expense; I mean good ones, proper for
making these observations. For the difference of the price between a
good and bad one, I apprehend, can never be an object with an officer.
The most expensive article, and what is in some measure necessary in
order to arrive at the utmost accuracy, is a good watch; but for common
use, and where that strict accuracy is not required, this may be
dispensed with. I have observed before, in this journal, that this
method of finding the longitude is not so difficult but that any man,
with proper application, and a little practice, may soon learn to make
these observations as well as the astronomers themselves. I have seldom
known any material difference between the observations made by Mr.
Wales, and those made by the officers at the same time.[9]
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