| RefNo | CLP/2/4 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Paper, 'A demonstration of an error committed by common surveyors in comparing of surveys taken at long intervals of time arising from the variation of the magnetick needle' by William Molyneux |
| Date | [1697] |
| Description | Molyneux provides observations on the errors of magnetic needles during periods of long use by surveyors. The variation of the magnetic needles was commonly known, so it is not explained extensively. Molyneux confirms that the certainty that the true solar meridian and the meridian shown by a needle only match in a few places of the world, and only for a moment.
An end note states this paper was chiefly designed for the ending of contests in the kingdom of Ireland about the interests of those whose lands are neighbouring and have been surveyed by magnetic instruments. Considering its universal use, it was thought useful to publish it at the Royal Society.
Subject: Scientific Instruments / Geodesy
Published in Philosophical Transactions as 'A demonstration of an error committed by common surveyors in comparing of surveys taken at long Intervals of time arising from the variation of the Magnetick Needle'.
Read to the Royal Society on 20 July 1697. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| Digital images | View item on Science in the Making |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| RelatedMaterial | DOI: 10.1098/rstl.1695.0111
Printed in 'Philosophical Transactions', vol 19, no 230, p 625 |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA5638 | Molyneux; William (1656 - 1698); natural philosopher and writer | 1656 - 1698 |