Download Huygens` Outline - Académie des Sciences {1666} Leiden

HUYGENS’ OUTLINE - ACADÉMIE DES SCIENCES {1666}
Leiden, Collection Huygens, MS C, 92 & 93 [NB: Compare]
Transcribed & Translated by Robert A. Hatch ©
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A Paris 1666
1. Find the meridian line and the altitude of the pole of Paris, which are the
foundations of all other astronomical observations.
2. Re-establish the [position of the] fixed stars, in which rests all the
foundation of astronomy.
3. Measure the diameters of the sun and of the moon in their various
distances which will serve to find new hypotheses for their motion and
which will be better than those that we have had until now.
4. Observe the quantity of the atmosphere's refraction, which is necessary to
know to rectify the observations of the altitude of the sun and of the stars.
5. Observe the inequality of the days, and establish an equation, which is so
necessary for the calculation of the movement of the moon and for the
Eclipses.
6. Perfect the telescopes [Lunette d’approche] and microscopes.
7. Observe the refraction in all sorts of diaphanous bodies.
7,1. Observe if light travels from great distances in an instant.
8. Observe the diameters of the planets, in order to determine the proportion
of their sizes between them and in relation to the sun.
9. Observe the spots on the planets and from there find their motion around
their axis.
10. Observe the movement of Jupiter's companions [moons] and make tables
from the observations.
11. With the help of these tables, observe here and in other places in the
world, such as Madagascar, the eclipse of some of the said companions
behind or in front of Jupiter, to find by these means the true longitude of
these places and to rectify the maps.
11,1. Observe the declination of the magnet and the change that arises there.
12. Send the pendulum clocks to sea with the necessary instructions and a
person who, in taking care, practices the calculation [l’invention] of the
Longitudes, that have already been successfully proven in the experiments
that we have done.
13. Measure the time and the proportion of the decent of the heavy bodies in
the air.
14. Measure the size of the Earth. Distinguish the means to make geographic
maps with more accuracy than ever before.
15. Establish once and for all the universal measure of the magnitudes by
means of pendulums, and then establish also the universal measure of
weight.
16. Find the accurate proportion of the gravity of metals, and of all sorts of
solid and liquid bodies.
17. Find the weight of the air, by means of an air pump [machine du vuide],
which serves an infinite number of other beautiful experiments.
18. Observe the force [force] and speed of wind.
19. In the same way, observe the speed and strength of running water and
their relation with the inclination [of the land].
19,1. Distinguish the best and the simplest ways of lifting water.
20. Examine the force [force] of canon powder.
21. In the same fashion, examine that of exploding [fulminant] gold.
22. Following the above, examine that of water evaporated by fire.
23. Examine the force [force] of the percussion or the communication of
motion by the impact [la rencontre] of bodies; this knowledge is very
useful/helpful in mechanics.
24. Examine the force [force] that the bodies have to recede from the center
[s’eloigner du centre] by a circular motion.
25. Examine the relation of tones to the magnitude and shape of the
sounding bodies.
26. In the same manner, examine the relation of sounds of cords to their
length, width, weight, and tension.
27. Determine which is the best agreement [accord] for organs, cymbals,
carillons of bells &c.
[28]. Observe and define the various degrees of the heat and cold and their
effects by means of thermometers. Have tubes made of mercury [barometers]
in a continuous experiment in order to examine its diverse altitudes and their
relation to the constitution of the air present or future.
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HUYGENS’ OUTLINE - ACADÉMIE DES SCIENCES {1666}
Leiden, Collection Huygens, MS C, 92 & 93 [NB: Compare]
Transcribed & Translated by Dr Robert A. Hatch ©
This WebVersion edited, modified & paginated
By Dr Robert A. Hatch©
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