Family news update.
Showing 1–8 of 8 items
Family news update.
Introducing Franklin Lushington who is going to New Holland on a surveying expedition. The ship carrying him will call at the Cape for instructions. Has written to the Governors here to induce them to adopt the Greek style, not the Gothic for the Houses of Parliament.
Is grateful for JH's kindness conveyed in his letter brought to him by Mohammed Ismail Khan. The latter has been attempting to persuade JL to go to Lucknow as an engineer, but has declined pending offer from the King of Oude. Will send his observations to Francis Beaufort after JH has left the Cape. Answers some of JH's queries.
Charles Babbage will publish JH's volcanic theory in Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, together with JH's letter to R. I. Murchison. William Whewell read both at Geological Society. Babbage wants to compare JH's theory with passage from Bishop [Samuel] Butler. Whewell's notion of new species. Charles Darwin's new theory of coral islands is forcing CL to give up CL's volcanic crater theory. [Letter continues 28 May.] Sends copy of Babbage's Treatise with quotes from JH. News of Charles Wheatstone's submarine telegraph and David Brewster's proof that diamond is of vegetable origin.
Received the enclosed communications by the steamer. Can JH send him a list of unobserved comet stars? Work on N. L. Lacaille's Observatory gives satisfaction. Regarding Capt. Mackonochee. Lacaille's angular measurements are not above suspicion. Observed the two rings of Saturn distinctly.
Will call on JH tomorrow as he intends visiting Simon's Bay. Is taking a proof sheet to Cape Town. There appears to be a great discrepancy between the Captain's statement and N. L. Lacaille's station. The latter's station at Rubeck Castel remains perfect.
The examination of the standard deal rod was commenced yesterday. Comments on the procedure and gives readings. The base line was levelled on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday and he is now ready to measure it. Would like JH to be present if possible when he measures it. Had 25 visitors in one morning recently.
Returns JH's book of estimated magnitudes and would like it again when preparing his catalogue. Sends letters he received from Francis Beaufort and [Richard?] Jones. Is oppressed with business and an awful cough.