THE HAVEN-FINDING ART, Or THE WAY TO FIND any Haven or place at sea, by the Latitude and variation. Lately published in the Dutch, French, and Latin tongues, by commandment of the right honourable Count Mauritz of Nassau, Lord high Admiral of the united Provinces of the Low countries, enjoining all Seamen that take charge of ships under his jurisdiction, to make diligent observation, in all their voyages, according to the directions prescribed herein: And now translated into English, for the common benefit of the Seamen of England.  
❧ Imprinted at London by G. B. R. N. and R. B. 1599   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable Charles Earl of Nottingham, Baron Howard of Effingham, knight of the noble Order of the Garter, Lord high Admiral of England, Ireland, Wales, etc. And her majesties Lieutenant, and Captain general over all her subjects, levied in the South parts of this Realm, etc.  
RIght Honourable, being informed by my learned friend and most earnest and effectual furtherer of Navigation for the common good of his country M. Richard Hackluit, upon the dedication of his first volume of discoveries unto your Lor. about a year since, of the singular affection your Lor. beareth towards the advancement of knowledge and skill among our seamen in marine causes; so far forth that to the end they might be the more stirred up and helped this way, your Lor. would not only be a mean unto her Majesty for the establishing of an ordinary Lecture to be read for their instruction, but also rather than so good a purpose should fall to the ground would be at some charges yourself for the bringing of it to effect: I conceived no small comfort upon this report, considering that now of late, the right honourable Count Maurice of Nassaw, L. high Admiral of the united Provinces of the low countries hath showed himself wholly to be of your Lor. mind, thinking it a most principal point for the welfare of their estate to have their mariners now entering into long voyages to be better informed in matters concerning their faculty, them heretofore they have been. To which end he hath lately caused a certain exhortatory injunction to be published, and hath also given commandment that the same should be diligently observed by all masters of ships and their companies within the same Provinces. By observation whereof they may have a more certain and compendious way, whereby they may guide themselves to come to any place they shall desire at sea, with a straighter course, and in shorter time than hath been commonly accustomed: Which way is to be found by knowledge of the latitude and variation of the place whereto they purpose to go. For seeing one and the same place hath always the same latitude and variation, whereof the one showeth what situation the place hath between North and South, the other between East and West, it cannot be but that the master of the ship bringing himself to the latitude and variation of the place to which he purposeth to go, must needs bring himself to the same place also.  
Considering therefore how great profit might hereby redound to seamen if the variations of all places were truly known, the said Count Maurice hath given commandment to all that shall take charge of ships, that before they set forth, they should provide themselves meet instruments for that purpose, that into what place soever they shall come, they may diligently search out the declination of the magnetical needle from the true North (which they commonly call the variation of the Compass) and that after their return into their own country they should give a true certificate of those observations to the rest of their colleagues and companies of the Admiralty, that by them they may be brought into some good order and method, and so be published for their common good. Desiring also as it may appear to stir up other nations to the same care and diligence in observing the variation, he hath caused the said injunction to be published, not only in his own native tongue, but in the French and Latin also: intending (as it may seem hereby) to make not only it, but also his honourable desire in furthering this observation commonly known to all Christendom. Desiring therefore, according to the measure of my small ability, to be a furtherer of so good a purpose of so famous a parsonage, I have done mine endeavour to make the same known to all English mariners, by publishing the foresaid Injunction in their mother tongue: nothing doubting, but as they have not been inferior to any nation, either for excellency of skill, or felicity in performance of their most wonderful Navigations, and that principally in this most happy time of your Lor. enjoying your most honourable office of high Admiralty: So, if it might please your Lor. to give them to understand that your Lor. would be very loath that English mariners (whom I have known to have had the skill, to find out places at sea by the latitude & variation, after the same manner that is prescribed in this book, more than ten years since) should now (either for too much sparingness in not preparing, or for want of diligence in heedful using meet instruments for that purpose) cast themselves behind the Netherlanders; there may assured hope be conceived, that they will not only not come behind, but far exceed, and go beyond them, or any other nation. And so much the rather there is reason to induce us to be of this opinion, because there hath been a secret of the magnetical needle first revealed by our countryman M. Rob. Norman, whereof other nations as yet seem to be ignorant, I mean the falling of the North end of the needle touched with the loadstone under the horizon. Of which newfound property if there shall be diligent and continual observation made, especially in long voyages, there may in all likelihood no less profit arise thereby then by the variation.  
Considering therefore how greatly your Lor. authority, yea inclination or beck only mought prevail to move the minds of all English mariners to the diligent, heedful, and continual observation of these so rare and wonderful properties of the magnetical needle, at all places wheresoever they shall come, whereby so great profit may assuredly redound not only to seamen, but even to the whole body of the Christian commonwealth: I was emboldened, recounting with myself your Lor. exceeding clemency conjoined with so high authority to bring before your most honourable presence this Dutch Pilot (as it were, for so I may not unfitly call this book) whom since his arrival here I have only taught to speak English that so he might be the more serviceable unto your Lor. and to all English seamen in that he professeth, which is to bring them to any place in the main Ocean, by a shorter course, then hath been accustomed. Wherein because the renowned Count Maurice his master hath given him so great credit, as to command him to be employed by all that take charge of ships under his office of admiralty, may it therefore please your L. to afford him the favour as to commend him to all English masters to be thoroughly examined by due trial of exact observation in all places at sea; to the end that if he shall be found indeed to perform so much as he promiseth (whereof there is given exceeding great hope by proof already made by some of our skilfullest English navigators) he may for ever after be received with entertainment worthy so notable service.  
Thus nothing doubting that this Dutch Pilot so highly commended by so worthy a parsonage, shall find such favourable acceptation at your L. hands, as in your Lor. high wisdom to him duly appertaineth: I most humbly beseech the Lord of all Lords to increase your Lor. with all true honour in this life, and with endless bliss in that life which shall last for ever. 23. Aug. 1599  
Your Lordship's most humble to be commanded. E. Wright.   

TO THE Worshipful M. Richard Poulter the Master, and brotherhood of Trinity house, and to all English Mariners and seamen in general that love the perfection of their own profession, health and happiness.  
Having dedicated this little Book to the Right Hon. the Lord high Admiral of England, to whom the government of sea causes next under her Majesty chief appertaineth (with whom also it hath found such favourable acceptation as of so honourable a parsonage might be justly expected) I thought it meet in the next place to commend the same to your Wor. society also, as to them who have best occasion in your so manifold navigations to make most plentiful and sufficient trial thereof, and to whom it may assuredly do most necessary and profitable service. But lest you should stand in doubt of this my commendation, the Right Honourable Count Maurice, Lord high Admiral of the united Provinces of the Low Countries, hath not only commended the same to all Masters of ships and their companies (or brotherhoods as we may call them) that are under his jurisdiction; but hath also commanded them to make diligent and continual observation in all their voyages, according to the directions prescribed herein. He also, as not content that the fruit which may spring here of should be contained within the narrow bounds and compass of the Low Countries, hath caused this book to be translated into the French and Latin tongues: endeavouring as it may seem hereby to make the same known to all nations in Christendom. Amongst whom as the Latin translator M. Hugo de Groot hath chosen the Venctians for their excellency in Navigation (as he conceiveth) to whom he might especially dedicate this small Volume together with his own labour in translating the same: So I thought it meet to make choice of your worshipful society, whom I take to be nothing at all inferior to the Venetians either for excellency of skill, or for use and experience in that faculty: and to whom I may more justly commend this little Book, even almost with the same words which Hugo de Groot useth to the Venetians as followeth.  
Therefore that we may enter a little more deeply into the matter, Aristotle the wittiest of all philosophers and the most famous Lawyers do witness that all arts were found, out of the necessity of man's nature, that what is wanting in one, might be supplied by that which is abounding in another: and that because every country yieldeth not all things, there might be a mutual exchange of one thing for another by way of merchandise. But now because diverse countries are very far distant each from other, that there can be no carriage of any wares or merchandise from the one to the other, either on beasts backs or in carts: the art of Navigation was therefore invented, that the sea might supply the want of dry land. Yet surely skilful nature hath done all this in vain, if a certain way how to sail cannot in some sort be found, but that mariners must be constrained to make their voyages doubtfully not knowing what course to keep. Therefore the ancient navigators (thinking not without cause that there was great affinity between Astronomy and Navigation) directed all their course by the stars, the Sidonians by the lesser bear which is the certainer, the Grecians by the greater which is the clearer. But because neither star truly showed the North part of the world, they were oftentimes deceived in their conjectures: and because the night is not always so clear that those stars may be seen, if the sky were at any time overcast they had no means whereby they might know which way they ought to guide themselves. Hereof it cometh that in ancient authors oftentimes, & in many places we see the mariners complaining of the darkness of the nights, and that the greatest and most famous navies have been dispersed and discomfited, by reason of the uncertainty of these things.  
But assuredly it seemeth to be so ordained by nature, that all things should not be brought to light at one time: but that after a long continuance of times the certainty of things should be known. There is a stone which for the exceeding great strength thereof is called Herculeus, that is the stone of Hercules, & because it draweth iron unto it, is by the Grecians called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, commonly it is called by the name of him that first found it, Magnes, that is the magnet or Loadstone. For it appeareth out of Nicander and Pliny, that one Magnes found it sticking to a sharp pointed piece of iron. After a great number of years a new property of that stone was revealed, that being rubbed upon iron, or rather upon steel, it would make the same point to the North. Therefore when by this marvelous pointing the mariners knew the North, and over against it the South, and making account by the elevation of the pole they learned also the latitude: then they had (as it was thought) means sufficient of infallible direction how to guide themselves at all times. But neither did this joy (as many times it cometh to pass) continue long. For when they sailed from the East westwards, the Loadstone was found by little and little to decline from the North; which thing struck no small doubtfulness and uncertainty into the mariners minds. Yet now at the length, by long observation of the declinations of the loadstone that have been diligently sought out in diverse places and times, the matter is brought to that issue, that they which are most skilful in the Mathematics, and amongst them the said Count Maurice of Nassau, have supposed that this declination of the Loadstone happeneth not by chance, but is caused by some certain reason in nature, that according to the variety of places the pointing of the needle should also vary.  
Wherefore the said Count Maurice sent this exhortatory injunction (for so I may call this little book written by his Mathematician Stevinius) to them that take charge of ships, that if these things were not found in all points to be so as his observation importeth, they should do so much as in them lay, that out of diverse experiments some certain reason and rule of the variation might be gathered: which if it may by diligent observation be obtained, then there shall not only be a more certain way to know the course from place to place by the instrument made to find the variation (of which way more shall be spoken in the book itself) but the longitude also, or rather the effect of the longitude shall be given by the variation; which thing also shallbe showed more at large in the Treatise itself following. Because therefore it is certain that this knowledge cannot otherwise be found but by the experiments of divers men compared together, and that by divers observations a more easy way may be prepared for science (which from the particulars ariseth up unto the universal) I thought good to present unto you this injunction of the worthy Count Maurice, that if you (which are most expert in Navigation) be of opinion that there may be so great profit of this matter as we (which think it to appertain to the principal state of the commonwealth) you might do your best endeavour unto what place soever you shall come (taking with you needful instruments for that purpose) to observe diligently the variation of the magnetical needle, that at length we may come to that certainty, that they which take charge of ships may know in their navigations to what latitude and to what variation (which shall serve in stead of the longitude not yet found) they ought to bring themselves, that by this means they may assuredly find what place soever they will in the midst of the main Ocean sea. And although this be the end for which principally this Book was made, notwithstanding we make no doubt that there may many more be found no less profitable than this; of which sort is that which we of late have found, which may also be of very great profit unto us: To wit, that when any navy (for which cause our commonwealth hath obtained exceeding great renown) is prepared against the enemy, a certain place may be appointed in the midst of the sea, into which (if perchance too great a force should come upon them unlooked for) all the ships after a certain time might assemble themselves. Whereto I may also adjoin a third use of the variation, that is, the reforming of many errors which must needs be in the ordinary sea-charts, because the coasts of all countries and the courses from place to place, have been set down in them by direction of the varying compass, without abatement or allowance answerable to the variation; whereof there must needs follow much deformity and confusion in many parts of the chart, especially where the variation is great, as it is upon the coast of Newfoundland; where the variation being two whole points of the compass (as it is reported) there must needs be so much error also in laying out all the sea coast of that country, and in the courses of all places near adjoining in the ordinary sea charts. All which errors may be amended, if the variations be first truly observed, and then abated from, or allowed to the courses of all places, as need shall require.  
But the variation cannot serve to so great use as otherwise it might, except other errors also aswell in the chart, as in other instruments and means of navigation be also avoided. For the chart as it hath been hitherto generally made with rightlined rumbes and degrees of latitude every where equal, must needs be very erroneous, especially in the Northern parts thereof, that although all the foresaid errors arising by the variation were corrected, yet for this cause only you may be deceived one, two, yea three whole points of the compass, in the courses of many places: and in measuring the distance you may err one half, yea three quarters and more sometimes, accounting the same to be twice, yea thrice greater than indeed it is, especially in far Northerly navigations. If therefore these so notorious errors be not also amended, the correction of the errors arising by the variation, cannot be to so great purpose as otherwise it might.  
Neither can that be so fully performed which in the Treatise following is chief intended (that is, to find any place at sea by the variation and latitude) except the means that have been used for finding the latitude be also amended. For in observing the height of the sun and stars, with the small crossestaves which are most usual for that purpose, there may be error of half a degree, and more sometimes by neglect of the parallax or eccentricity of the observers eye. The Regiments or Tables of declination of the sun that have been most commonly used by English mariners do err oft times ten, eleven, or twelve minutes. The rule of allowances and abatements to be added to, or subtracted from the height of the pole-star for finding the height of the pole (being grounded upon a false position, to wit, that the pole-star is three degrees and an half distant from the pole, when indeed it is almost 40 minutes less) must needs be false many times more than half a degree.  
The declinations of the principal fixed stars as they are set down in the books of Navigation, that have been heretofore published, are for the most part erroneous; many of them differing from truth above half a degree, & some of them an whole degree, yea two whole degrees and more. All which imperfections of so excellent an art, I have since the time of my first employment at sea (now more than ten years since) by diligent search with no small labour discovered and amended, not only by ten whole months experience at sea, but also by often and diligent observation on land, as it may more at large appear in my book of errors in Navigation (which at mine own charges is also published for the common good of you all) wherein the way is showed how your charts and crossestaves may be freed from the errors aforesaid; and the declinations of the sun and fixed stars are set forth unto you, agreeably to the truth of the heavens found out by often and exact observations, whereby the latitudes of places may be found much more truly than hath been accustomed. This Book therefore, because it may afford needful aid for accomplishing the said renowned Count Maurice his desire in finding the latitude more exactly, and may also deliver you from much inconvenience and danger, which may necessarily be expected to follow out of so many and notable errors as hitherto have been in the usual means of Navigation already mentioned: I commend the same together with this small Treatise now following unto you all, to be daily tried and examined by the touchstone of your long and skilful experience at sea: nothing doubting but as they have endured the more exquisite trial of exact observation, and Geometrical demonstration both by seamen and landmen on shore, so they shall be found agreeable to the heedful experiments of all skilful Navigators at sea. And so with my whole heart commending you all to him whose word both seas and winds obey, I end.  
Edw. Wright.   

❧ The haven-finding Art, Or The way to find any Haven or place appointed at sea.  
THere is no man, I suppose, that knoweth not with how great diligence now of a long time (especially since men leaving no part of the world unattempted, have sailed into America, and to the utmost Indies) the searchers out of excellent things have sought some certain way, whereby they which take charge of ships might know assuredly the situation and longitude of what place soever they would go unto, and so come to any Haven or place appointed at sea. But I know not how it hath comen to pass, that there could not hitherto any certain knowledge of that matter be attained unto. For some when they endeavoured to find this thing by the magnetical needle gave the Loadstone itself a Pole, which of the Loadstone (called also the magnet) they named the magnetical Pole, or Pole of the Loadstone. But that this is otherwise, the thing itself hath taught us, because the variation of the needle is found not to follow the rule of that Pole. Yet in the mean time this continual searching gave occasion of another mean whereby a ship might certainly direct her course unto any haven or place at sea whereto you would desire to go, although the true Longitude both of the place wherein the ship is, as also of the place where the haven is, were both unknown. Which that it may in some sort be rudely showed, and that the circumstances hereof may more clearly be set forth before your eyes, whereby there may ensue a more certain and general use of the same, first of all it must be known that we are taught by daily experience, that the magnetical needle touched with the Loadstone or magnet (which therefore we call the magnetical needle) doth not always point out the same part of the world, but without any respect of that magnetical Pole, (whereof we made mention before) sometimes indeed it showeth the true place of the North: but for the most part it declineth either towards the East or West: which variation, yea even in a small distance of places, hath most manifestly appeared to them which have directed their course from the eastern parts towards the West: For examples sake at Amsterdam the variation is 9 degrees and 30 min. towards the East. In the foreland of England 11 deg. At London 11 deg. 30 min. Near Tinmouth in the sea 12 deg 40 min and so forth.  

How any Haven or place at sea may be found, the latitude and variation of the same place only being known.  
THe variation of the magnetical needle, and the latitude of the place being known, the same place may be found, although the longitude be unknown & that daily experience plentifully teacheth. For (that we may make this matter plain by examples especially) if the mariner know that the latitude of the city of Amsterdam is 52 deg. and 20 min. and that the variation of the compass in the same place is 9 deg. & 30 min. he must needs not be ignorant, that when he hath brought himself to that latitude and variation he is not far from Amsterdam, what longitude soever that city have. But some man may object, that there are many places which have the same latitude and variation that the city of Amsterdam hath: whereto we may readily answer that indeed there be such places: but yet very far distant from thence, and such as may easily be known by other circumstances, whereof we shall speak hereafter. And although the mariners may find Amsterdam otherwise, as by the places near adjoining, by conjectures, by the soundings, by the sands, & many other signs without any regard of the variation: yet I thought good to propound a known place for example, that the universality of the same rule might be known in long navigations, wherein no land appeareth. As for example if the master of a ship desire to sail from hence to Cape S. Augustine in Brasile, and know that the variation there (as it is reported) is 3 deg. and 10 min. & the latitude 8 deg. 30 min. towards the South, when in going thitherwards he shall come to that latitude, and variation, he shall then know that he is come to the Cape of S. Augustine: and although he think otherwise by his conjecture, and reckoning, yet not regarding that conjecture he shall confess himself either to have guessed ill, or else to have been deceived with some eastern, or western currents: For reason will not suffer us to think that that variation which before was found at the Cape of S. Augustine is changed, that he should need to yield himself to that opinion. So also who will not esteem it to be absurd, and altogether against reason, that he which knoweth very well that he findeth at sea another variation then that which is at Cape S. Augustine, of 3. degr. 10 min. should notwithstanding, neglecting the experience of the variation, and resting upon conjecture only, affirm that he is near the Cape S. Augustine? Because he speaketh contrary things, when he saith that the variation there is 3 degrees 10 minutes, and again avoucheth that it is not.  
Neither is this unworthy the marking, which hath often happened, that he which should have sailed to the Isle of S Helena, when he was come to the latitude of the same Island, & saw not there the Island, & was also ignorant whether he were to the eastwards or westward from the same, by conjectures sought that place towards the East, which indeed lay from him towards the west, & so the further he sailed the further always he went from that Island. Now I leave it to thy consideration, if he (whosoever he were that was master of that ship, which diligently sought that Island for the space of certain weeks, tacking about also divers times before he could find any place to abide in) if he I say had not been ignorant what the variation of the compass was at S. Helen's Island, and what the use of the variation is at sea, and how to find it out: I leave it, I say, to thy consideration, whether he would willingly have floated doubtfully to and fro following a greater variation, knowing assuredly that the variation there was lesser.  
Hereby it may easily be conceived how great use there is of the variation, when they especially which in sailing follow the lines showing the courses (which lines because now they have found this name among the Portugals we call Rumbs, the ignorance of which (lines) can hardly be permitted in them which attempt long voyages upon the huge ocean) ought every where to know certainly the place of the true North, which is commonly found by the knowledge of the variation.  
If any man likewise consider the uncertain situation of those places which are set into Globes or sea Charts by the mariners relation, which uncertainty taketh his beginning from hence, because every man thinketh that to be the true place of the North which is showed by the Flower de luce (as they call it) of the compass which they brought with them from home, (which thing also bringeth no less doubtfulness to the mariners themselves) he will think (and that not without cause) that the observation of the variation is a very needful thing even for this cause also: Because it is an easy matter to place the Flower de luce in such sort that it shall not miss any thing in showing the true North part of the world, to wit, if one move the magnetical needle, or points of the wires in the Compass from the Flower de luce so much as need shall require.  
These things therefore having been observed and granted, and this especially that the variation altereth according to the variety of countries, (as by the common testimony of all men it is proved) it is in some sort manifest that they which deny this varying property to be of very great use for navigation, are either wiser than the common sort, and have some hidden secrets which are not revealed to every man, or else are notable fools and mad men.  
Therefore when the most excellent Prince Maurice, having thoroughly considered hereof, thought that it might assuredly be brought to that pass that mariners might receive great profit by this means; he (the high Admiral) gave commandment to all the companies of the Admiralty (adjoining also thereto a certain introduction) that they should do their best endeavour, that all masters of ships should provide themselves for this purpose: that is to say, that to what place soever they should come, they should seek out the declination of the magnetical needle from the North, or the variation of the Compass, not lightly, running over the matter as it were by the way, and for fashion's sake only; but with great carefulness and diligence, taking with them meet and needful instruments for that purpose: and that after their return into their country they should truly and faithfully certify their companies or bortherhoods of the Admiralty, of that matter: that the self same experiments being by them brought into good order, might be published for the common good.  
But that every man may more perfectly learn the circumstances of this matter, I thought it meet here to set down certain principles of this thing, which is yet notwithstanding to be further searched into by more experiments, in which shall be showed a general view or table of those places, whose variations have already been observed by the learned Geographer Petrus Plancius, with continual labour, and not without great charges, from divers corners of the earth near and far off: whom for honour's sake I therefore name, that as well they that shall hereafter find out places or havens after this manner, as also they that have already found, may know that they are bound to give thanks to Plancius alone, as to him that is the chief cause of this observation. But that table or general view of variations, whereof there shall hereafter follow a plainer declaration is this.  

¶ A Table or View of Variation.     north-easting. Latitude. Longitude.    Deg. Mi. Deg. Mi. Deg. Mi. The north-easting, or the East variation of the firstpart or space towards the North Increasing. In the Flemish Island Coruo 0 0 N 37 0 0 0 In the Flemish Island Saint Mary 3 20 N 37 0 8 20 Near the Island Maio 4 55 N 15 0 11 20 At Palma one of the Canary islands 6 10 N 28 30 16 20 At the Rock near Lisbon 10 0 N 38 55 24 30 In the Westermost part of Ireland 11 0 N 52 8 24 12 In the West part of England 12 40 N 50 21 28 0 Decreasing. About one mile Eastward from Plymouth 13 24 N 50 18 30 0 By Tinmouth in the Sea 12 40 N 55 0 33 0 At London in England 11 30 N 51 24 34 6 In the foreland of England 11 0 N 51 8 35 40 In Amsterdam 9 30 N 52 20 39 30    Northwesting     The Northwesting, or the West variation of the second part or space towards the North Increasing. At Helmshade to the Westward from the North Cape of Finmarke 0 0   60 0 At the North Cape of Finmarke 0 55 N 71 25 61 30 At Norquinda 2 0 N 71 10 63 30 At S. Michael or Archangel in Russia 12 30 N 64 54 83 30 In the South straight of Vaigatz 24 30 N 69 30 103 0 At Langenes in Nova Zembla 25 0 N 73 20 100 30 Decreasing. In William's Island In Nova Zembla 33 0 N 75 35 110 0 At Yshouck In Nova Zembla 27 0 N 77 12 120 30 At Winter-house In Nova Zembla 26 0 N 76 0 120 30   north-easting. Latitude. Longitude.    Deg. Mi. Deg. Mi. Deg. Mi. The north-easting of the first part or space towards the South. Increasing. 105 Spanish leagues Westwards from Cape S. Augustine in Brasile 0 0 S  0 0 At Cape S. Augustine in Brasile 3 10 S 8 30 5 0 North and South with Cape das Almas in Guinea 12 15 S 0 0 29 0 Towards the Northwest Northerly from the islands of Tristan da Cuncha 19 0 S 31 30 30 0 Decreasing. Towards the Northwest, Westerly from the same islands 15 0 S 31 30 36 0 North & South with the Cape of Good Hope 2 30 S 35 30 57 0    Northwesting.      The Northwesting of the second part or space towards the South, except Goa, Cochin, and Cantan. Increasing. 17 German miles from Cape das Aguillas Eastwards 0 0 S  60 0 5 miles in the Sea from Terra de Natal 4 30 S 33 0 66 0 At the shouldst of Indie 11 0 S 22 0 79 30 In Mosambique 11 0 S 14 50 81 40 In the Bay of S. Augustine in Madagascar 13 0 S 23 30 83 0 Southwards from Cape S. Roman 16 0 S 28 0 86 20 In Anthony Gills Bay in Madagascar 15 0 S 16 20 91 0 Decreasing. 34 German miles Southeast from Brandaon 22 0 S 19 20 110 0 In Goa a famous Mart town in Indie 15 10 N 15 30 120 0 In Cochin 15 0 N 9 45 120 0 25 German miles West. a little Northerly from the south-west corner of Sumatra 6 0 S 5 28 147 0 In Bantam a Mart town of java 4 45 S 6 0 150 0 In the Island Lubocqua 2 25 S 6 10 155 0 In the south-west corner from the isle of Balij 1 30 S 8 40 157 0 In the mouth of the river Cantan in China 0 0 N 23 0 160 0 In Bunam 46 Dutch miles Eastwards from the East part of java 0 0 S  160 0   

A declaration of the former Table or view of variations.  
BEfore we come to the declaration of this Table, this first of all we would not have unknown, namely, that if perchance hereafter by more diligent and more exact experience, any other variation, longitude, or latitude of places can be found, then that which is set down in this Table, so as it should be needful to change the definitions and expositions of some things and words here set down: yet we ought not therefore to be scared from this purpose; but much rather ought we to strive with all our strength to attain thereto, that by little and little we may come to a more certain knowledge of things, building upon these as upon foundations: we therefore following this opinion will prosecute that as true, which at this time is most like to be true; that if others also do the same when occasion is given, we may always come nearer to that which is most true in the nature of things.  
Which things being omitted, that we may come to the declaration of the former Table, first of all we say, that the first of the three columns which thou seest in the table, showeth the variation of the place, the second, the latitude, to which the third is adjoined containing the longitudes, as we could by conjecture attain unto them, that the places might so much the more easily be found in the globe, and the manner of the variations might more plainly be showed in that which followeth hereafter. The mark of the letter N in the second column, signifieth North latitude, and S South.  
Then, because in them mention is made of the variation, of the north-easting, of the Northwesting increasing or decreasing, all which (as proper words of Art) have need of their several definitions: first of all we must know that the Magnetical needle in one and the same place, doth always show the same part of heaven, but not the same part in all places: for in some places it pointeth due North, in other places it declineth more or less to the East or West. Therefore in manner of a definition, we will say thus:  

The first definition.  
THE declination of the Magnetical needle from the North towards the East, is called the north-easting, towards the West, Northwesting; and with a general name it is called the variation: but the variation and the Northpointing of the needle (that is the pointing of the needle due North) may by a general name be called the needlepointing, or pointing of the needle.  
As concerning those words of increasing and decreasing, as also of the first and second part or space, before we come to the definitions of them, they have need of some precedent declaration. It may be seen in the Table of variations, that in Coruo the Magnetical needle pointeth due North: but after that, the more a man shall go towards the East, so much the more also shall he see the needle vary towards the East, till he come one mile to the Eastward from Plymouth, where the variation coming to the greatest is 13 degr. 24 min. From hence the north-easting beginneth to decrease, till you come to Helmshude (which place is Westwards from the North Cape of Finmark) where again the needle pointeth due North. Now the longitude from Coruo to Helmshude is 60 degr. Which things being well weighed, it appeareth that the greatest variation 13 degr. 24. minutes at Plymouth (the longitude whereof is 30 degr.) is in the midst between the places where the needle pointeth due North. For 30 degrees is the midst between the beginning and 60 degrees. And what is here said of the North part, experience teacheth that the same taketh place in the south part also, for 105 Spanish miles from Cape S. Augustine at the beginning of longitude, again it pointeth due North, as it doth 17 German miles from Cape das Aguillas (as it appeareth by the table of variations) which place is in the longitude of 60 degrees, and in the midst betwixt both at 30 degr. (as in the North part) again there is the greatest north-easting; of which place there was this mention made in the Table or view of variations: towards the Northwest northerly from the islands of Tristan da Cuncha, where the variation is 19 degrees.  
Out of these we may conclude, that the Magnetical needle doth point due North in every place situate in two meridian halfe-circles drawn from the one pole to the other by Coruo and Helmshude. And that the greatest north-easting is in all places situate in the meridian semicircle drawn by that place, which we said was distant one mile from Plymouth towards the East. So as that part of the earth which is contained between two Meridian semicircles, distant each from other 60. degrees in longitude, is the space wherein the Magnetical needle, always declineth from the North towards the East. And the half of that part, that is, that portion of the earth which is included between two Meridian semicircles, the first of which is drawn by the beginning, the other by the 30 degr. of longitude, is every where the place of the north-easting increasing: but the other half is the place of the north-easting decreasing, to wit, when one goeth from the West Eastwards, following the order of the degrees of longitude.  
By this that hath been spoken of the first Segment, with the north-easting and his parts (in one of which parts the north-easting is increasing, in the other decreasing) it may easily be understood what the manner of the second Segment is with the Northwesting, and what is the manner of the parts thereof, whereof one is the part of the Northwesting increasing, the other is the part of the Northwesting decreasing, for in the mouth of the river Cantan in China, at the longitude of 160 degrees distant from Coruo, the needle pointeth due North the third time: there therefore drawing the third Meridian semicircle, the portion of the earth between the foresaid second Meridian semicircle, and this third (distant each from other 100 degrees in longitude) shallbe the space wherein the Magnetical needle declineth from the North towards the West: and in the middle of both in the Meridian semicircle 50 degrees distant from the second, and as much from the third, (or otherwise 110 degrees removed from the first Meridian drawn by Coruo) shall be the greatest variation of the Magnetical needle, as it appeareth out of the Table of variations in two places, whereof one is in William's Island at Nova Zembla, where the greatest Northwesting is found to be 33 degrees. The other is distant 34 dutch miles to the Southeast from Brandaon, where the greatest variation is found to be 22 degrees, and the longitude of each of those places is 110 degrees. So as in the half of the second space (which portion of the earth is contained between the Meridian semicircles of 60 degrees longitude, and of 110 degr.) the Northwesting is every where increasing; in the other half decreasing.  
Of these 160 degrees of Longitude (which arch wanteth but 20 degrees of half the compass of the earth) Plancius hath attained to the knowledge of the variation, in such sort as now we have showed. As concerning the other parts of the world, distant either towards the West from Coruo, or towards the East from Cantan, the experiments which hitherto he hath gotten from the Spaniards, the Englishmen, & our countrymen (the Netherlanders) do not well agree. Neither is it any marvel, seeing they had neither perfect knowledge, nor needful instruments for that purpose: yet he expecteth other experiments from the ships which have now been abroad 14 months and more. In the mean time we will bring forth that to public view, which a man may without absurdity imagine.  
If so be that the property of pointing due North, take place not only in the three foresaid Semicircles (which we conjecture to be Meridian semicircles drawn from the one pole to the other) but in the whole circles also; there should then be six such semicircles upon the earth, containing also between them six parts or spaces of the upper face of the earth.  

The first with the north-easting 60 degrees long.  
The second with the Northwesting 100 degr. long.  
The third with the north-easting 20 degr. long.  
The fourth with the Northwesting 60 degr. long.  
The fifth with the north-easting 100 degr. long.  
The sixth with the Northwesting 20 degr. long.   
That those things which have been spoken may by certain geometrical figures be more clearly conceived, let A B C D E F G H I K L M, be the equinoctial of the earth: let N be the pole: then let N A be the half of the first Meridian semicircle drawn by Coruo: N C, half of the second semicircle: N E, of the third: N G, of the fourth: N I, of the fifth: N L, of the sixth. So as the arch A C, may make 60 degrees: C E, 100 degr. and so A E, 160 degr. E G, 20 degr. and so A G, 180 degr. G I, 60 degr. and so A I, 240. I L, 100 degrees, and so A L, 340 degr. L A, 20 degr. and so the whole circle 360 degrees. Then let the six points B D F H K M be the middles between A C, C E, E G, G I, I L, L A. Which being supposed,  
A N C shall signify the first space with the north-easting.  
A N B the north-easting of the first space increasing.  
B N C the north-easting of the first space decreasing.  
C N E the second space with the Northwesting.  
C N D the Northwesting of the second space increasing.  
D N E the Northwesting of the second space decreasing.  
E N G the third space with the north-easting.  
E N F the north-easting of the third space increasing.  
F N G the north-easting of the third space decreasing.  
G N I the fourth space with the Northwesting.  
G N H the Northwesting of the 4 space increasing.  
H N I the Northwesting of the 4 space decreasing.  
INL the fift space with the north-easting.  
INK the north-easting of the fift space increasing.  
KNL the north-easting of the fift space decreasing.  
LNA the sixth space with the Northwesting.  
LNM the Northwesting of the 6 space increasing.  
MNA the Northwesting of the 6 space decreasing.   

The second definition.  
The north-easting or Northwesting increasing is that whereby the variation increaseth, the Magnetical needle being carried from the West Eastwards: and the north-easting or the Northwesting decreasing is that whereby it decreaseth.   

The third definition.  
The Semicircles of the Meridian, in which the needle pointeth due North, we call the first and second Meridian Semicircles, and so forwards according to the order of the degrees of longitude, how many soever such Semicircles there shallbe, beginning at the Semicircle drawn by Coruo.   

The fourth definition.  
The portion of the Spherical superficies, or round upperface of the earth contained by the first and second Meridian Semicircles, is called the first part or space, and the rest in order, the second, the third, and so forth unto the end.  
Having thus set down the manner of the variation, it remaineth that we show by examples (that which before we promised) that although in divers places having the same latitude there be the same variation also, yet nevertheless the master of the ship may know in what part of the world, and in what place he is. Let us therefore again suppose that a ship had appointed to go from Amsterdam to Cape S. Augustine, in Brasile, the latitude whereof in the table of variations is set down to be 8 degrees 30 minutes, and the variation north-easting increasing of the first space 3 degr. 10 minutes. The same ship sailing along by the coast of England, the variation shall be found to North-east or vary towards the East daily more and more until you come to Plymouth, where it cometh to the greatest, and is 13 deg. 24 min. Therefore the master of the ship shall know assuredly that hitherto he hath sailed in the north-easting of the first space decreasing, and that after this he shall have the north-easting increasing, which when he shall find to be 10 degrees in the latitude of 38 deg. 55 min. than he may assure himself that he is come to the Rock near Lisbon. Going forwards again from thence as it were towards the south-west, he shall daily find the latitude to be diminished, and the magnetical needle declining towards the North. Or otherwise if the magnetical needle recline not towards the North, but either stand still, or else decline more towards the East, than he may assure himself that he is carried Eastwards by some secret current not perceived: which notwithstanding he may remedy, if he go so much the more towards the West, until the magnetical needle recover his due variation. But if he should come to the north-easting of 3 degrees 10 minutes, before he have his Southerly latitude to be 8 deg. 30 min. he shall then endeavour as much as in him lieth to keep that variation, and so sail on towards the South part of the world guiding the ship so much the more towards the West or East as occasion shall require. And although he may deem otherwise by conjecture, yet he shall not follow that conjecture, for the reasons before showed: for so coming to the southerly latitude of 8 deg. 30 min. with the north-easting in creasing 3 deg. 10 min. he may assuredly persuade himself that he is near Cape S. Augustine, whereas otherwise trusting to conjectures he may very easily miss an hundredth leagues of the place to which he had appointed to go, not knowing in the mean time, whether he be to the eastwards, or to the westwards from thence; which experience itself hath also taught too much in such navigations. And therefore the latitude and variation in all places of the earth being observed, and the knowledge thereof published, there shall be a much more easy way of sailing about the world, than ever hath been heretofore.  
Hitherto we have described the kinds of the variation, which are afterwards declared out of those things which were set down in the table of variations. If the mistress of things (experience) shall hereafter teach that any thing is otherwise, that thing may also out of the same experience be otherwise defined, that the masters of ships in their navigations may follow that only which shall be best and most profitable.    

How the North point, and the variation may be found.  
But if in the same after no one experiment, the shadow of the perpendicular style L had showed 30 degr. from F, the ark F L (containing 30 deg.) must by imagination be divided at M, so as M F, M L may either of them contain 15 degrees; which being thus performed, M shallbe the North point and A the point of variation sought for, north-easting from M to A 25 degr. and so in the rest.  
But if the needle only were turned about and not fastened to the paper or pastborde (as before) and the degrees were marked in the margin or limb of the box, or case of the instrument as is sometimes used, there is the same manner of using it, that was before rehearsed: saving that in the beginning of the observation, the box must be turned about so far till the Magnetical needle show the beginning of the degrees.  
Others take an Azimuthal or vertical quadrant, whose horizontal plain (whereupon it standeth upright) without any impediment received from the motion of the ship always remaineth parallel to the Horizon in such manner as we shall show. Thus the height of the sun is found, together with the azimuth.  
The fashion of this instrument may be described after this manner, A B C signifieth a quadrant of a circle standing at right angles. Upon the circle B D C E divided into 360 degrees, whereby the plain of the Horizon is signified. The centre thereof is F upon which the quadrant may be turned about: and that it may always remain at right angles upon the circle B D C E it is underpropped on both sides from G to D and E, and those props are fastened to the same quadrant, that they may be turned about together with it. Moreover in the circle B D C E there is a glass, and under the glass a magnetical needle, which must be so long as the box may suffer it. And the box or case hath within it 360. degrees, which the magnetical needle may precisely point unto, which likewise do agree with as many other degrees inscribed into the horizontal plain.  
The use of this instrument in finding the North point and variation is this: you must begin to observe (as in the former kind) certain hours before noon, and the instrument must be turned until the magnetical needle point to the beginning of the circle: then the quadrant must be turned this way or that way, and the sight-ruler of the quadrant must be lifted up, or put down till the sun shine through the sight. All which being done, suppose it be found (for examples sake) that the utmost margin or index of the quadrant show in the Horizontal plain 40. degr. and admit the height of the sun be also found to be 25. degrees, which together with the 40. degrees he shall for memory sake have need to note. And when he hath expected after no one till the sun descending by the same instrument be found placed in the same 25. degr. of altitude, than the box itself must again be turned this way or that way, until (the sun again shining through the sights) the magnetical needle do point to the beginning of the circle. Which things being thus dispatched, the middle point of the arch in the horizontal plain between the first and second experiment is the North point, and how much the needle declineth from that point, so much is the variation sought for, as before we have showed in the first example more at large.  
Whatsoever we have affirmed to be available in the day time, in these experiments of the sun, the same may be understood and done in like manner in the night, by any of the fixed stars, whereof there is the same use in this matter that there is of the sun. But there is not the same reason of the moon, aswell because of the swiftness of her proper motion; as also because of the greatness of her parallax (as they call it) which the overmuch nearness of the moon to the globe of the earth bringeth forth. But this also is to be noted that two, three, or four, yea and more observations may be made in the forenoon. As for example let the first be when the sun is 10. degrees above the horizon, the second when it is 15. degr. the third when it is 20. degr. and if any man will make trial as often after noon, he shall see how every experiment agreeth with other: and when at every moment the same North point is found, that thing shall give the master of the ship no small courage, and more certain confidence of his work.  
But notwithstanding, when the mariner saileth from the East Westwards, or contrariwise from the West Eastwards, it may be that in the space of 10 or 12 hours between the first and second experiment, there may be difference of one degree or more in the variation, whereof may follow that the North point found by the first forenoon observation, and the last in the afternoon, shall not agree with that which was found by the first in the afternoon and the last in the forenoon: when notwithstanding the mariner hath not erred in observing.  
Which if it shall happen often, the skilful mariner may judge thereby what difference of variation is answerable to any determinate time of sailing, and so find a way whereby the North point may be found with more certainty and security: which thing may thus also be done, if a man diligently compare the variation found in the former days with the variation which he presently seethe.   
FINIS.