Letter 77
Euler to Razumovsky
Berlin, August 13/24 1748
Synopsis: Euler's eclipse predictions overshadow the French astronomers. Mention of Euler's astronomical tables.
[...]After having the happy experience of observing the eclipse of the sun on July 25, and the moon on the 8th of this month, it is my duty to report to Your Excellency our findings that occurred here. The eclipse of the sun was all the more remarkable. The sun became annual against all the contestations of the French astronomers who had submitted against my calculations that the eclipse would not be annual in Berlin. Eventhough we were unable to see the beginning of this eclipse due to the clouds which covered the sun, it was easy to conclude by the ensuing phases that the beginning had started after 10h 17m all of which had been calculated by my tables, and it so happened that the end of the eclipse fell with the same calculations.
I am taking the liberty to present to your Majesty the plan which contains the principle effects of this eclipse with the very distinct image on a piece of paper done with a telescope of 10 feet in length. I observed the beginning at 11h 5m and the end at 1H, 18m and the width was not greater that 5 thumbs. All of this is one minute from my tables, which are actually being printed in our astronomical almanac for next year. As soon as the publishing is finished, I will not hesitate to send an example by post to His Excellency. Since these tables are of a prototypical construction and that they show the first full moon and the new moons in such as way as their usage will be very useful to those who work with these types of calculations.
Please permit me, Monseigneur, to address to Your Excellency as well as Mr. Lomanosoff a question concerning a matter in physics. For I do not know of anyone more capable to handle this thorny issue, but by one who is a most capable person, who provides much knowledge to the Academy and to the entire nation.
While recommending myself to his His Excellency's good graces, I have the honor to be in awesome respect[...]
Translated from the French
by J.S.D.Glaus
