PREFACE. THE present volume is intended to meet the wants of those Students whose knowledge of Mathematics is limited to an acquaintance with the Elements of Euclid, Algebra, and Plane Trigonometry. In a few cases easy formulæ in Dynamics are introduced, but the articles containing these may, if necessary, be omitted without a breach in the continuity of the work. Many of the examples have been selected from papers set to third and fourth year Students of Trinity College, Dublin; while a considerable number have been chosen with a view to assist those reading for Degrees in the London and Royal Universities. The book forms, to some extent, a connecting link between the many popular works on Astronomy and more advanced treatises on the subject. The author, therefore, hopes that it may be found useful, not only by those for whom it has been specially 179755 written, but also by many others among the general public. The author is much indebted to MR. PIERS WARD, M.A., LL.B., for his kind assistance in reading the proof-sheets. 13, TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN,. July 19th, 1894. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. In this Second Edition the work has been carefully revised and some new matter added. The number of the examples has also been increased. The Author desires to express his thanks to several friends who have suggested many of the additions, and more especially to MR. RAYMOND WALTER A. SMITH (Sch.), B.A., to whom most of the corrections are due. 13, TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN, March 13th, 1900. Fundamental Definitions. Apparent diurnal Motion of the Heavens. The Ptolemaic and Copernican Systems. Changes in the Sun's Declination, PAGE Altitude of the Celestial Pole. Length of a Degree of Latitude. Magnitude of the Earth. Proofs of the Earth's Rotation. Foucault's Experiment, 1 The Transit Instrument. Various Errors .nd Adjustments. The Meridian Circle. Regulation of the Clock. Equatorial and Micrometer. Alt- Effect on the Apparent Position of a Heavenly Body. Law of Refraction. The Constant Coefficient determined by various methods. Oval appear- |
