NavList:

I too am finding the history fascinating.  When I was studying for the New Zealand version of the RYA Yachtmaster Ocean around 1981 or '82 the focus was on AP3270 (H.O. Pub. No.249) and the use of a non-programmable calculator (the original Casio fx-82).  But in the notes we were given a write-up on sight reduction using haversines.  It was not examined and I never bothered with it.  The calculator became the main tool and the Air Tables were backup. A few weeks ago I worked a simple sun sight using haversines just for the fun of it.  In the pre-air table days and before pocket calculators with basic scientific functions I can see the appeal of the method.  I appreciate the color provided by the experts here.