42 Method of determining the Latitude. 
the latitude immediately afterwards. But this would reverse the 
claims! Mr. R. finds that the theorems of correction are pre- 
cisely the same. We beg leave to remark, that there is a typo- 
graphical error in the denominator of the first factor of the first 
term in General B.’s formula, which he telis us with an honest 
frankness he got from Delambre. This however is corrected in 
the second line below, though one still remains in the second 
term in both places. As Mr. R. says the two are the same, his 
of course partakes of the same error, which we wonder much he 
has not corrected! ‘* But,” says Mr. R. on the subject of the 
theorem, “ | dare say neither of us fancies he has made any dis- 
covery.” I do not know what Mr. R. may at some future period 
be tempted to think, but sure am [ that General B. can think no 
such thing, when he tells us from whom he got it. We may ob- 
serve, too, that the method of observing both upper and under 
imbs has been long practised at Greenwich. 
“ Though the absolute identity,’ says Mr. R. [erroneous for- 
mula and all, I suppose] “in every particular is, to say nothing 
else, a very curious circumstance, I have no reason to believe that 
General B. has availed himself of any thing that I have done on 
the subject, notwithstanding the publication of my letter took 
place long before his communication was written.” [General B,’s 
example is for November 8, 1817.] 
We do not know what to make of this sentence. It is certain 
General B, never supposed it a new discovery, but one he had 
received from the continental observers, and is substantially the 
same as those detailed at large by Baron Zach; also in the Base 
du Systéme-metrique; and by Delambre in his Astronomie, 
tome il. page 247, 248, &c.; which creates some surprise that 
Mr. R. ever thought of claiming it as a discovery,—for General 
Brisbane does no-such thing, but merely wishes to draw the at- 
tention of his countrymen to that method of observing. Mr. R.’s 
surprise at Dr. Brewster’s conduct might perhaps be lessened, if 
he would look into the Edinburgh Encyclopedia, article RE- 
PEATING CIRCLE, we think (for we quote from memory), where 
he will find several tables the same as General Brisbane’s, with 
their description and use in astronomical and geodetical obser- 
vations. Dr. Brewster’s object in both cases is to bring the me- 
thod into more general practice in this ccuntry, though it is not 
absolutely new. 
I have extended this letter far longer than the importance of 
the subject seemed to demand; for the assertions or insinuations 
contained in Mr, R.’s paper, can only mislead the ignorant, 
either real or intentional, but can have no effect whatever on the 
character of individuals blamed in it. 
I have the honour to be, dear sir, yours, 
To the Lditor of the Phil. Mag. Y 
