But it has never
extended its operations far outside the field of observation,
reduction, and comparison with existing tables. It shows clearly,
from time to time, the errors of the tables used in the British
Nautical Almanac, but does nothing further, occasional
investigations excepted, in the way of supplying new tables. An
exception to this is a great work on the theory of the moon's
motion, in which Professor Airy is now engaged.
It will be understood that several distinct conditions not yet
fulfilled are desirable in astronomical tables; one is that each
set of tables shall be founded on absolutely consistent data, for
instance, that the masses of the planets shall be the same
throughout. Another requirement is that this data shall be as near
the truth as astronomical data will suffice to determine them. The
third is that the results shall be correct in theory. That is,
whether they agree or disagree with observations, they shall be
such as result mathematically from the adopted data.
Tables completely fulfilling these conditions are still a work of
the future. It is yet to be seen whether such co-operation as is
necessary to their production can be secured under any arrangement
whatever.
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