Sect. VIII.] Astronomy. 85 



But among all the contrivances of this nature 

 which have been executed by modern artists, the 

 machine invented by the illustrious American, 

 Dr. David Rittenhoase, and modestly called by 

 him an Orrery^ after the production ol" (riaham, is 

 by far the most curious and valual)le, whether we 

 consider its beautiful and ingenious structure, or 

 the extent and accuracy with v/hich it displays the 

 celestial phenomena*. 



Among the instruments for making astronomical 

 observations, invented during the last century, 

 there is none more important than the celebrated 

 Quadrant, invented by Mr. Godfrey, of Philadel- 

 phia, though afterwards claimed as a production 

 of Mr. Hadley, whose name it still bears |. The 

 inestimable value of this instrument, for various 

 purposes, and especially for the direction of the 

 mariner, is. well known. Since the original plan 

 of constructing it was announced, improvements 

 of much value have been suggested by the rev. Dr. 

 Ewing*|, provost of the university of Pennsylvania, 

 by professor Patterson §, of the same institution, 

 and by Mr. Magellan, of London. AVe may next 

 mention the Astronomical or Equatorial Sector, an 

 instrument of great utility, invented by the ingeni- 



* For a fiirther account of this celebrated Onny, see the 

 Transactions of the American Philosophical Societi/, vol. i. Those 

 who wish to see a brief and comprehensive view of the genius, 

 character, and works of Dr. Rittenhoase, will find a good sketch 

 of them in an Euloi^iiim, pronounced in honour of his memory, 

 before the American Philosopliiad Society, by Dr. Rusii. 



f See Additional Notes — (S). 



X Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, vul i. 



§ Ibid. vol. iv. 



