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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Translation of treatise, "On a method of determining geographical Latitudes", by Joseph Johann von Littrow

Reference number: HS/19/241

Date: 1820s

Description

Translation in Sir John Herschel's hand of a treatise by Littrow on the determination of latitudes using the polar star. The calculations are designed to offer a simple formula for observatories across the world and also for "every seaman with however little knowledge". This treatise was likely an early version of the one presented at the Royal Astronomical Society in 1842, according to their Monthly Notices, by William Whewell.

Reference number
HS/19/241
Earliest possible date
1820s
Physical description
Ink on paper
Page extent
7 pp.
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

Joseph Johann Littrow

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Citation

Joseph Johann Littrow, Translation of treatise, "On a method of determining geographical Latitudes", by Joseph Johann von Littrow, 1820s, HS/19/241, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_19_241/translation-of-treatise-on-a-method-of-determining-geographical-latitudes-by-joseph-johann-von-littrow, accessed on 03 December 2024

Link to this record

https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_19_241/translation-of-treatise-on-a-method-of-determining-geographical-latitudes-by-joseph-johann-von-littrow

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    Dates: 1807-1875

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