In 1/100 of an hour, the total descent = 10,000 = 100

And so on, in strict _decimal_ relation with the earth's semi-polar axis.

A two-fold reason why the constant for latitude 45° is vastly better than

any other, is in its having this simple relation with the semi-axis, and

at the same time a less complex way of applying the correction for

latitude.

Scientific American Supplement, No. 483, April 4, 1885 · 第 37 / 55 题