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The Globe Corner Bookstores and the Harvard Map Collection celebrated the
publication of The Quest for Longitude last evening. A lively slide and
video presentation was given by William Andrewes, Editor of the volume and
David Wheatland Curator of the Collection of Historical Scientific
Instruments at Harvard University. A small exhibit of scientific
instruments, books from the Houghton Library, and maps from the Harvard
Map Collection were on view for those attending.
 
The Quest for Longitude traces the fascinating story of finding longitude
at sea from about 1500, when voyages across the oceans began to increase
significantly, to about 1790, when the marine chronometer had been
developed as a reliable instrument by which longitude could be determined.
Through hundreds of illustrations and detailed studies written by leading
authorities in the field, this volume places the early history of finding
longitude at sea in the context of many subjects, including astronomy,
cartography, the history of science and technology, mathematics,
navigation, and time. Copies are available in bookstores now.
 
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David A. Cobb                           Tel (617) 495-2417
Harvard Map Collection                  FAX (617) 496-0440
Harvard University                      E-Mail: [log in to unmask]
Cambridge, MA 02138
                        VE * RI * TAS
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