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XI. Observations made with the invariable pendulum (No. 4. Jones), at the 
Royal Observatory , Cape of Good Hope, for the purpose of determining the 
compression of the earth. By the Rev. Fearon Fallows, F.R.S. Astronomer 
of the Cape Observatory. Communicated by the Lords Commissioners of 
the Admiralty. 
Read February 18, 1830. 
The important problem of ascertaining the ellipticity of the earth has, for 
a long time past, drawn forth the talents and labours of some of the most 
scientific men in Europe ; and it still continues to be deemed an object of 
especial regard by all who feel an interest in the promotion of natural know- 
ledge. To attempt to depict the strenuous exertions, the innumerable fatigues, 
the ardour for the improvement of science, which actuated so many illustrious 
persons in endeavouring to discover the true figure of the earth, would only be 
a waste of time ; as learned Societies have always recognised and stamped the 
due meed of merit to each, and invariably appreciated and published to the 
world the valuable results which have with so many difficulties been obtained. 
The nations of Europe, emulous of each other in a work which particularly 
distinguishes the acquirements of modern times, have encouraged and laudably 
given their protection and sanction to eminent individuals engaged in under- 
takings so conducive to the honour of an enlightened community. 
Whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the respective values to be 
attached to observations in the admeasurement of an arc of the meridian, or 
by the variation in the lengths of the seconds pendulum made in different 
latitudes, there can be no doubt that the former has this paramount ad- 
vantage ; that certain fixed points are determined, by which the geography 
of a country is considerably promoted, and at length brought as nearly as 
possible to perfection: whilst the latter method possesses a superiority in 
being able to concentrate under the immediate eye of the observer the results 
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