Lectures in Navigation

"Lectures in Navigation" by Ernest Gallaudet Draper is a book crafted as an educational tool for those learning the basics of navigation, mainly aimed at junior officers in the U.S. Naval Auxiliary Reserve. The book explains the core principles of navigation which include understanding compass use, celestial navigation techniques, and the proper handling of instruments like sextants and charts. The book starts with a foreword and preface. Draper communicates the lectures’ goal, offering a clear guide for officers to grasp navigation swiftly and efficiently. He also describes the plan for the course, mentioning subjects like piloting, dead reckoning, celestial navigation, and the hands-on exercises that accompany classroom learning. The book also recognizes the contributions of others and references important texts.