Whys and Wherefores of Navigation

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. I have not considered it desirable to avoid repetition and in order to closely follow a line of thought have freely repeated many points already taken up. This has in a number of cases avoided the distraction of seeking a page of reference elsewhere. I have had in mind that it serve as supplementary reading to the American Practical Navigator, Bowditch, that great bulwark of navigation which for over a hundred years has guided the masters of American ships through every deed of valor and every commercial adventure. It is placed beyond criticism by its venerable name and its remarkable record and, as a reference book for the navi gator, it stands without a peer, but as a text book it founders the beginner.