Memoirs of John Napier of Merchiston

434 THE LIFE OF NAPIER OF MERCHISTON.
computed, I arranged uniformly with the remainders of all the subtractions. In
this manner I ascertained that there was no essential error in these logarithms ;
though some little errors had crept in, either of the pi'ess, or in that minute
distribution of the greater logarithms about the beginning of the quadrant.
I mention this to you by the way, in order that you may understand how
gratifying it would be to me at least, (and I should think to others,) if you
would put the world in possession of the methods by which you proceeded, of
which I make no doubt you have many, and most ingenious, at your hand.
" Now, let us come a little closer to your tables," &c. &c.
" That none may doubt, upon this artifice I have framed the present Ephe-
meris, and therefore of right it is inscribed to you, illustrious Baron. Thus,
of necessity, your Logarithms become a part of the Rudolphine Tables ; be-
ing in the first place reprinted in my printing-office ; and so astronomers
shall have cause to congratulate themselves upon my delays. If any better
plan suggest itself to you, pray communicate it to me as soon as possible ;
and this same request, which by private letters long ago I made to some pro-
fessors of astronomy, I now publickly repeat to all of them. Farewell, Illus-
trious Baron, and, according to the sympathy of our common studies, receive
this address from an inferior in rank, and one most observant of your high
distinction.
" John Keppleh."
" At Lintz on the Danube,
28th July 1619."