Page 292 - 89 history of astronomy_opt
P. 292

But again it was Laplace who solved the
                                         problem of the inequalities of Jupiter and
                                         Saturn by the theory of gravitation, reduc-
                                         ing the errors of the tables from 20’ down
                                         to 12”, thus abolishing the use of empiri-
                                         cal corrections to the planetary tables, and
                                         providing another glorious triumph for the
                                         law of gravitation. As Laplace justly said:
                                         ”These inequalities appeared formerly to be
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