46 KANSAS CITY REVIEW OF SCIENCE. 
Fifth wire 2 42.6 
II 12. 1 
Mean of the five wires 2 14.2 
The mean of all the wires correct the error in observation at the central or 
meridian wire. In the above 2' 14. 14^^ was the observed time at the central wire, 
2' 14.42^^ as the mean of all the time noted at the different wires. This was the 
time that had passed yh, 31' 00^^ by the clock, add the two given yh, 33', i4.42^\ 
the time by the clock at which the star was on the meridian. True time of 
meridian passage from catalogue, yh, 33', 12. 17^^ clock fast 2^^^^ or the differ- 
ence between the observed and the true time. Observations made on seven 
other stars all agree within 0.3''^ This proves the time without doubt to be within 
that limit of error. 
Time is something everybody should know, there is but one true mean and 
sidereal time to each meridian. Mean solar time, or as it is commonly called, 
mean time, is the one in ordinary use, the one clocks and watches are intended 
to keep. It is perfectly equal in its increase, and is measured by the motion of 
a ficticious sun called a mean sun, that is supposed to move in the celestial equa. 
tor with a uniform velocity. This mean sun is supposed to keep on the average, 
as near the real sun as is consistent with perfect uniformity of motion, it is some- 
times in advance of it, and sometimes behind it, the greatest deviation being about 
six minutes. This error in the time taken from the sun is called the " equation of 
time," and was found from the accuracy of sidereal time, which can be converted 
into mean time at any hour of the day. Time varies as we go east or west. In 
this latitude the difference is a trifle less than four seconds to the mile. So the 
time at the eastern limits of our city will be ten seconds faster than at the bank of 
the Kaw river. 
The transit is placed in the rear of No. 141 6 Holmes street, in West longi- 
tude I hour ID minutes 08.0 seconds from Washington. The time there obtained 
is reduced to the meridian of Main street, at the intersection of Seventh, by 
subtracting 1.7 seconds. A clock indicating this time (i. e. mean solar, 
commonly called "city time") can be seen at No. 16 East Seventh street, where 
corrections will be kept as near as possible by conveying the time with a pocket 
chronometer. The time thus conveyed will always be reliable within one or two 
seconds. Persons wishing it more correct are invited to call (on any clear evening) 
and see observations made with transit. Time observations at Kansas City will 
be a regular and permanent thing, and are intended mainly for the benefit of the 
public. 
Kansas City, April 14, 1883. 
