Sciences

1838 — [On the Use of the Transit Instruments for the Determination of Geographical Positions. For use by Officers of the State in Russia, by F.G.W. Struve] Translation of Struve's German work into French, by Alexandre Schyanoff. 4to. vi, 93 pages, plus 3 folding plates and single leaf errata. Bound in green continental paper boards with gilt titled label to spine. Near fine condition and very crisp. An early treatise on the transit telescope, consisting of detailed theory and instruction for use of the apparatus, as set forth by renowned astronomer Struve while he was teaching at the Dorpat observatory in Estonia. With 3 diagrams for illustration. This is the original French translation - expanded and augmented with new material - of a separately printed pamphlet by Struve, published in German Language in St. Petersburg 1833. This french edition evidences formulae corrections by the author and also a new comparisons beween transit instruments devised and built by Troughton and by Ertel. A fascinating work revealing scientific advance in the making of instruments which would revolutionize navigation. Quite rare as COPAC only finds 15 copies in Libraries Worldwide.