Agrees with FB and others about the need for adequately trained men to be sent out to remeasure N. L. Lacaille's arc.
Showing 21–39 of 39 items
Agrees with FB and others about the need for adequately trained men to be sent out to remeasure N. L. Lacaille's arc.
Informs FB that it is JH's intention to resign as secretary of the R.S.L. at the next anniversary meeting.
His views on the imperfections and lack of suitable instruments at the Cape Observatory.
Report for the Lords of the Admiralty on the desirability of supplying Thomas Maclear with a transit circle.
Is returning the proof of [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue. Comments on the expense of printing it. Is pleased that Thomas Henderson has been appointed Cape Astronomer.
Comments on the instructions for the Cape Astronomer and adds some of his own.
Responds to FB's request for advice regarding instructions for Thomas Henderson upon taking the position at the Cape Observatory. Suggests Henderson supervise tidal observations, but not get involved in measurement of arc of meridian. Hopes to see Henderson before his departure, but JH's mother now gravely ill.
Responds to FB's request for advice on a political document prepared by Thomas Drummond analyzing parliamentary representation and taxation in mathematical terms.
Answer to FB's queries regarding chronometers.
Has received the letters and parcels safely. Is starting reducing his sweeps. Observations in Dublin Observatory. Comments on the various functions of observatories. News of scientific events at the Cape and various expeditions in progress.
Responds to request for advice on operation of the observatory established at Mauritius by John A. Lloyd. Urges it can profitably make meteorological observations and positional determinations for southern stars. Stresses the need for prompt reduction of observations.
Fulfills request for advice on the operation of the Cape Observatory. Urges, among other points, that Thomas Maclear be given a second assistant and an improved telescope and that the observatory be assigned to undertake tidal, meteorological, and magnetic observations.
[JH's abstract] Destinations for copies of JH's Cape Results addressed to FB.
Admiralty wants to adapt observatory at Mauritius for rating ship chronometers in southern hemisphere. Rigorous attention to time determination would benefit meteorological, hydrographic, and astronomical observations, making Mauritius 'a National Center of Reference' for global research.
Remarks by JH on proof sheet of Henry Taylor's catalog of circumpolar stars observed by Stephen Groombridge. Why is Gerard Moll, a foreigner, engaged in purely English controversy? JH wants no part of Charles Babbage and James South in this matter. Regrets JH's earlier statements. Sends extract from [Richard] Copeland's letter.
[Richard] Taylor is very anxious that the Astronomical Society reconsider its decision to discontinue his services as printer of the Society's publications. Suggests presentation of a gift to William Stratford for his services as secretary of the Astronomical Society.
With great reluctance due to his plans for the future, JH agrees to let his name stand in nomination for the Presidency of the R.S.L.
Has been observing Halley's Comet —'altogether the most beautiful thing I ever saw in a telescope.' Comet has tripled in diameter during the last week.
Has received Francis Baily's Account of the Rev. John Flamsteed [1835]. Comments that its best part is Baily's restoration of the British Catalogue. JH now thinks less of Flamsteed.