Norwood found the perfect solution to the problem of measuring the earth. He proceeded upon the principle that 360 degrees was contained in the earth, which was a circle and corresponded to the celestial sphere. Because the center of the earth might be considered concentric to both spheres, one might, by analogy, discover the diameter of the earth. And thus, by making his calculations by measuremen ts at London and at York, and by transverse sailing, Norwood found that 69 1/2 English miles were contained in one degree, that the circumference of the earth was 25,020 miles, and that its diameter was about 8000 miles. Examined by Goldsbrow Banyar. Entered before the commission to settle the boundary between New York - New Jersey 21 September 1769.
Subjects
United States--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775; Jay, John, 1745-1829