Albert A. Michelson,
Master U.S. Navy.
Note.
The probability that the most accurate method of determining the solar
parallax now available is that resting on the measurement of the velocity
of light, has led to the acceptance of the following paper as one of the
series having in view the increase of our knowledge of the celestial
motions. The researches described in it, having been made at the United
States Naval Academy, though at private expense, were reported to the
Honorable Secretary of the Navy, and referred by him to this Office. At
the suggestion of the writer, the paper was reconstructed with a fuller
general discussion of the processes, and with the omission of some of the
details of individual experiments.
To prevent a possible confusion of this determination of the velocity of
light with another now in progress under official auspices, it may be
stated that the credit and responsibility for the present paper rests with
Master Michelson.
Simon Newcomb,
_Professor, U.S. Navy_,
_Superintendent Nautical Almanac_.
Nautical Almanac Office,
Bureau of Navigation,
Navy Department,
_Washington, February 20, 1880._
Table Of Contents.
Introduction
Theory of the New Method
Arrangement and Description of Apparatus
Determination of the Constants
The Formulæ
Observations
Separate results of Groups of Observations
Discussion of Errors
Objections Considered
Postscript
Experimental Determination of the Velocity of Light.