An Introductory Treatise on the Lunar Theory

Abstract

THE design of this valuable text-book on the lunar theory is similar to that of Tisserand's “Mécanique Céleste,” the object in both cases being to lay before the reader the methods by which various practical problems of gravitational astronomy have been attacked. In each case the recent pure mathematical investigations of Poincaré, Lindstedt, Gyldén, &c, though not passed by without notice, evidently form but a small part of the author's plan. Of the two writers, Prof. Brown is by far the least ambitious; and his work does not extend, like Tisserand's, to planetary theory, figure of the earth, precession, and other gravitational problems that form so large a part of the most recent “Mécanique Céleste.” We venture to think, however, that Prof. Brown has dealt with his more limited subject in a manner that is far clearer, more thorough, and more useful to the student.

An Introductory Treatise on the Lunar Theory.

By Prof. E. W. Brown Pp. xvi + 292. (London: Cambridge University Press, 1896.)