329. ALMANACS, Improvements in.—
I
received your letter on the publication of an
Ephemeris. I have long thought it desirable
that something of that kind should be published
in the United States, holding a middle station
between the nautical and the common popular
almanacs. * * * What you propose to insert
is very well so far; but I think you might
give it more of the character desired by the
addition of some other articles which would not
enlarge it more than a leaf or two. For instance,
the equation of time is essential to the
regulation of our clocks and watches, and would
only add a narrow column to your second page.
The sun's declination is often desirable and
would only add another narrow column. This
last would be the more useful as an element
for obtaining the rising and setting of the sun
in every part of the United States * * * if
you would add a formula for that calculation.—
To Melatiah Nash. Washington ed. vi, 29.
(M.
1811)
