INCLINATION

(Lat.) A term of frequent occurrence in geometry, mechanics, physics, and astronomy. It ia in all cases measured by an angle. Thus, the inclination nf the orbit of a planet is the angle between the plane of its orbit and the plane of the ecliptic. In the history of geometry,the problem of inclinations is a subject that was treated of by A poll on i us in two books, which are lost, but of which a description has been given by Pappus. The problem proposed was this: "To insert a straight line of a given magnitude, and tending to a given point, between two lines which are given by position." The problem was restored by Mar in us Ghetaldus; and various other investigations have since been given by the method of the ancientjnalysls. [s. 608]