MECHAIN PIERRE: (1744-1804) French Astronomer. A main figure in the early studies of comets. He participated in the ...

MECHAIN PIERRE: (1744-1804) French Astronomer. A main figure in the early studies of comets. He participated in the Anglo-French Survey to measure by trigonometry the precise distance between the Paris Observatory and the Royal Greenwich Observatory. A.L.S., Méchain, one page, small 4to, n.p., n.d., in French. A good letter with very precise explanations by Méchain reporting on marine watch, stating in part `Work of the marine watch - conclusions reached after comparisons done over several days at the National Observatory, work achieved with a pendulum adjusted with exactitude… Further reporting on precise lags, clockwise, etc.. A scientific letter of interesting horology content. With blank integral leaf. Small overall age wear, otherwise VG £250-350