James West, Elements of Navigation, 1785

Summary

Creator:

West, James

Abstract:

Elements of Navigation, a manuscript adaptation of John Robertson’s work of the same name, provides instruction and practical exercises in arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, geography, astronomy, and navigational principles (781 pages). The volume is heavily illustrated with mathematical diagrams. It also contains a 1785 copy of a ship log for a 1772 voyage from England to Madeira, (21 pages).

Extent:

1 volume

Language:

English

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Hixon, May 2012

Background

Scope and Content:

"Elements of Navigation," a manuscript adaptation of John Robertson’s work of the same name, provides instruction and practical exercises in arithmetic, geometry, trigonometry, geography, astronomy, and navigational principles (781 pages). The volume is illustrated with mathematical diagrams. It also contains a 1785 copy of a ship's log for a 1772 voyage from England to Madeira (21 pages). The book is divided into 14 primary chapters, 11 of them preceded by an ink or watercolor illustration of buildings, ships, and places, such as the watercolor drawings "The Desire in a Storm" and "A west View of Islington, old Church." (See below for complete list.) Several chapters are further divided into sections, and most chapters or sections are followed by problems, questions, case studies, answers, and explanations. Please see the box and folder listing below for a table of contents.

The volume begins with explanations of basic mathematical principles, including arithmetic operations, decimals and fractions, roots and powers, notation, and "Tables of English Money, Weights, and Measures" (pp. 9 verso-10 verso). This chapter is followed by theorems and problems of geometry and trigonometry. The subsequent section on geography contains prose explanations of the discipline's foundations, such as the shape of the Earth, the concept of latitude and longitude, and the currently known world. Remarks on the continents are accompanied by tables showing major countries, principal cities, rivers, and mountains. The tables for North and South America are split, and individual states within the United States are identified as "countries," as are California, New Mexico, Old Mexico, Louisiana, Canada, New Britain, New Wales, and others. Introductory geographic material also includes content on winds, tides, and bodies of water. A segment on "chronology" introduces several scales for measuring time, and explains the reasoning behind concepts such as the leap year and the "Golden Number" (pp. 147-147 verso).

The remainder of the work focuses on the art of maritime navigation. Several topics include: the calculation of compound courses, oblique and windward sailing, sailing in currents, and globular sailing. The sections devoted to each topic are comprised primarily of rules or theorems, exercises, and illustrations of practical applicability. A chapter on "spherics" introduces spherical geometry and trigonometry. Two chapters on astronomy explain concepts in "star astronomy," "terrestrial astronomy," and "spherical astronomy," such as the composition of the Solar System, planetary movements, and mathematical applications. The final 80 pages contain information on the art of sailing and expand on principles previously discussed. These pages include instructions on how to calculate the location of a ship at sea, make necessary observations, and correct a ship's course, among other similar topics.

The final 21 pages consist of a log from an unknown ship traveling from England to Madeira in 1772, transcribed by James West in 1785. Between July 2 and July 11, the log contains notes on the weather, wind direction, and general remarks of occurrences on board as the ship prepared for its journey at Deptford, London. On one occasion, the author mentioned a sailor being disciplined for drunkenness (July 3). Between July 12 and July 28, the log documents the weather, wind direction, ship's location, use of various sails, and other information compiled throughout the course of each day. The ship arrived at Madeira on July 28. The log is followed by a brief note by James West concerning the location of Funchal, Madeira.

The non-mathematical illustrations separating the book's chapters are done in ink or watercolor, and depict rural scenes and sailing ships.

These are:

• [View of a village, with a man fishing in a river], p. 2
• [View of a river, with a cylindrical building in the foreground and a church in the background], p. 76
• [View of an arched gateway, with attached buildings and bridge], p. 114
• [View of a stone building with a high-peaked roof, alongside a body of water], p. 138
• "The Victor in a calm sea," p. 187
• [Oval-framed view of two persons sitting beside a river, with a ship and fortifications in the background], p. 202
• "The Desire in a Storm," p. 223
• [Oval-framed view of a small sailing vessel on shore beside a stone building], p. 241
• "A west View of Islington, Old Church," p. 267
• "Teneirs House," p. 319
• "At Abingdon 1782," p. 349

The royal coat of arms of the British monarch is imprinted on the volume's front and back covers.

Biographical / Historical:

This volume is adapted from the work originally published by John Robertson (1712-1776): Elements of Navigation…Composed for the use of the Royal Mathematical School at Christ's Hospital, the Royal Academy at Portsmouth, and the Gentlemen of the Navy (London: Printed for J. Nourse, 1754).

Acquisition Information:

1991. M-2698 .

Processing information:

Cataloging funded by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC). This collection has been processed according to minimal processing procedures and may be revised, expanded, or updated in the future.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Related

Additional Descriptive Data:

Related Materials

The Book Division holds 2 books written in part by John Robertson:

• Hammond, John, and Samuel Warner. The Practical Surveyor: Containing the Most Approved Methods for Surveying of Lands and Waters by the Several Instruments Now in Use... 4th. ed. London: Printed for Heath and Wing, mathematical-instrument makers, 1765.
• Robertson, J. A Treatise of Such Mathematical Instruments, as are Usually Put Into a Portable Case: Containing Their Various Uses in Arithmetric, Geometry, Trigonometry, Architecture, Surveying, Gunnery, &c. : With a Short Account of the Authors Who Have Treated on the Proportional Compasses and Sector. To Which is Now Added an Appendix; Containing, the Description and Use of the Gunners Callipers. The second edition, with many additions. London: Printed for T. Heath and J. Nourse, J. Hodges, and J. Fuller, 1757.

Subjects

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Subjects:

Arithmetic--Early works to 1800.
Arithmetic--Study and teaching.
Astronomy--Early works to 1800.
Astronomy--Study and teaching.
Chronology, Historical--Early works to 1800.
Geography--Early works to 1800.
Geometry--Early works to 1800.
Geometry--Study and teaching.
Nautical astronomy--Early works to 1800.
Navigation--Early works to 1800.
Navigation--Study and teaching.
Sailing--Early works to 1800.
Sailing ships.
Sailing--Study and teaching.
Seafaring life--Early works to 1800.
Spherical trigonometry.
Devices (Heraldry)
Landscapes.
Sailing ships.

Formats:

Ships' logs.
Treatises.

Names:

Robertson, J. (John), 1712-1776.

Places:

Madeira (Madeira Islands)
Abingdon (England)
Islington (London, England)