Publisher's Synopsis
From the introductory.
Some of the noteworthy features of the investigation are the following:
1. The area treated extends over a wide range in latitude and in longitude-18 50' in latitude and 57 07' in longitude.
2. A large number of astronomic determinations have been used (507).
3. All the astronomic determinations are connected by continuous primary triangulation. The triangulation does not consist of separate and distinct belts of triangulation or arcs.
4. Unusual methods of computation have been used.
5. The effects of all topographic irregularities within 4126 kilometers of each astronomic station have been taken into account.
6. The effect of the possible distribution of densities beneath the surface of the earth corresponding to the condition called isostasy has been carefully taken into account and the existence of said condition established.
7. The investigation leads to values of the equatorial and polar dimensions of the earth, based on observations in a single country, the United States, which are of a very high degree of accuracy.
The order of presentation in this publication is as follows:
First. A statement is made of the data used and of the methods of investigation and computation, accompanied by sufficient illustration and explanation to enable the reader to understand what was done and to understand, in a general way only, why it was done. In this portion, to preserve the continuity and to avoid confusion of thought, but little space is devoted to showing the accuracy of the data and of the methods or the reasons for various features of the method of treatment.
Second. The accuracy of the data and of each step of the method is discussed in detail and the advantages of the adopted methods are set forth.
Third. Various minor questions and supplementary investigations are treated. Though these questions are such as naturally arise in connection with the main investigation, it is believed to be conducive to clearness to deal with them separately, rather than to interrupt the continuity of the main statement by dealing with these questions when they first arise.
Fourth. The conclusions reached and the degree of certainty of the conclusions are summarized at the end."
