60 Variation of the Magnetic Needle. 
have had in view the benefit of those, who have but just en- 
tered the threshold of this important and extensive science. 
Whether I have succeeded in the attempt, is submitted to 
the decision of those, who are skilled in mathematical pursuits. 
Arr. X.—Variation of the Magnetic Needle. 
E are happy to be able to lay before our readers the 
following important papers, relating to the variation of the 
needle. The first is from the “ Transactions of the Albany 
Institute,” published in June, 1828. It contains a very in- 
teresting document, exhibiting a series of observations on 
the variation of the needle, made simultaneously at Boston, 
Falmouth, and Penobscot, during a period of one hundre 
and twenty cight years, namely, from 1672 to 1800. It is 
also accompanied by some important remarks, by the Hon. 
Simeon De Witt; from which it appears that at Albany, and 
east to west, as observed in the state of New York. 
In the third paper, we insert a few results obtained by our 
lamented friend, Professor Fisher, from a series of observa- 
tions instituted during the years 1819 and 1820. These, ta- 
en in connexion with those of Dr. Bowditch, indicate that 
the retrograde movement of the needle, is not general, but 
that, in this part of the country at least, the needle is still 
approaching the pole of the earth. 
L. Table of Variations of the Magnetic Needle, copied from 
one furnished by the late Gen. Scuvy.er t “D: ITT, 
Surveyor General,— Presented 27th April, 1825. 
_ Inow present to the Institute, for the purpose of having 
if preserved, what I consider an interesting document. It is 
