R. G. Boscovich's determination of instrumental error in observation (Q1202989)

This article is said to have been received on July 6, 1976, although it may be that the year is misprinted since there are citations (p. 140) of papers of the author of 1984 and 1986. There is no summary; quotations in other languages are not accompanied by an English translation; and the paper of O. B. Sheynin on another aspect of Boscovich's work published earlier in the same journal [Arch. Hist. Exact Sci. 9, 306--324 (1973; Zbl 0263.01018)] might well have been mentioned for completeness. (The reader interested in a general overview of Boscovich's biography and scientific work, with extensive illustrations and references might well consult \textit{Ž. Dadić} [Z. Angew. Math. Mech. 66, No. 4, T3--T9 (1986; Zbl 0597.01010)]). The present paper refers to the period 1763--1772 corresponding to Boscovich's work as professor of mathematics at the University of Pavia, and his activity at the Jesuit College at Brera (in Milan) in connection with the restructuring of its Astronomical Observatory. It focusses on his development of methods for calculating and correcting errors of astronomical observation attributable to instruments. This work appears to have been practically ignored in the following century, attention being focussed on the work of Tobias Mayer, published posthumously in 1775.