Found this on the web site: http://www.free-definition.com/Dead-reckoning.html "There is some controversy about the derivation of the phrase. It is popularly thought to come from *deduced reckoning* and is sometimes given in modern sources as *ded reckoning*. However, according to the /Oxford English Dictionary/, the phrase /dead reckoning/ dates from Elizabethan times (1605-1615). The folk etymology from /deduced/ is not documented in the /OED/ or any other historical dictionary. Dead reckoning is navigation without stellar observation. With stellar observation, you are "live", working with the stars and the movement of the planet. With logs, compasses, clocks, but no sky, you are working "dead"." Also, the US coast guard auxiliary site uses "dead reckoning". Regards, Kevin. *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The official redneck dictionary often referred to as the Macon Bridged dictionary because much of it was compiled by a couple of good old boys drinking under a bridge in Macon Georgia gives the history as follows. dead reckoning - From old folk tale of lost canoeist who was reported to have said "If I can't figure out where I am I reckon I'll be dead" The phonetic version would be "If I caint figer out where I aim I reckun I'll be daid" Purists insist on using the phase "daid reckun end" when describing the navigational techniques used when one has consumed enough white lightning so that neither the compass nor map can be reliably read. Mark J. Arnold *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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