SEXAGESIMALS

SEXAGESIMALS, or SEXAGESIMAL Fractions, fractions whose denominators proceed in a sexagecuple ratio; that is, a prime, or the first minute = $\backslash frac\{1\}\{60\}$; a second = $\backslash frac\{1\}\{3600\}$; a third = $\backslash frac\{1\}\{216000\}$. Anciently, there were no other than sexagesimals used in astronomy; and they are still retained in many cases, though decimal arithmetic begins to grow in use now in astronomical calculations. In these fractions, which some call astronomical fractions, the denominator being always 60, or a multiple thereof, is usually omitted, and the numerator only written down: thus $4^\{\backslash circ\}$, $59\text{'}$, $32\text{'}\text{'}$, $50\text{'}\text{'}\text{'}$, $16\text{'}\text{'}\text{'}\text{'}$, is to be read, 4 degrees, 59 minutes, 32 seconds, 50 thirds, 16 fourths, &c.