Has received a series of observations from Thomas Maclear on Alpha1 and Alpha2 Centauri. Comments on these observations and gives results made by the old circle.
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Has received a series of observations from Thomas Maclear on Alpha1 and Alpha2 Centauri. Comments on these observations and gives results made by the old circle.
Should request Mr. Wildes to wait until JH gives his orders. Is gratified by JH's suggestions, but will not regret being passed over. Did not find Lady Herschel's letter at once for various business reasons.
Pleased that JH can come on the occasion of F. W. Bessel's visit, as W. R. Hamilton, G. B. Airy, and Francis Baily cannot come. Comments regarding Foreign Orders.
Encloses JB's letter [21 Dec. 1841] to Chancellor of Exchequer [H. Goulburn] advocating adoption of metric system. Hopes [members of Standards Commission] will not consider JB obstinate. Admits that JH's opposition to system has advantage of authority and conservatism.
Hopes royal observatory at Cape of Good Hope will relieve Ordnance department. U.S. government agreed to pay for publication of observations there. A. D. Bache favors continuance of hourly meteorological observations in U.S. for one year. G. A. Erman will attend meeting at Cambridge. German translations by ES's wife.
About some unfortunate private business, and difficulty with [Francesco] De Vico's star catalogue.
Thanks JH for a copy of a paper on prismatic study of the sun's rays, and for accompanying photographs.
Provides extensive comments, about GA's magnetic instruments and observations, in reply to Humphrey Lloyd's letter [see JH's 1842-1-17].
Agrees to having GA's views made public [see JH's 1842-1-18 or later] as JH sees fit; comments on aurora and magnetic storm observations.
Another copy of the Report of the Standards Commission is being circulated [see GA's 1841-12-25] and needs JH's signature; J. E. Drinkwater is sending in a personal report complaining about the Commission's conservatism.
Thanks JH for sending copy of [JH's translation of Friedrich Schiller's] 'The Walk.' Although he has no knowledge of German, he treasures this translation and appreciates JH's kindness very much.
Discusses report of R.S.L. regarding observatories. [Charles] Wheatstone agrees with report on Kew except for tax paragraph. Discusses November 18 [1841] magnetic disturbance at Toronto.
Will give JH's report on Kew Observatory to Charles Wheatstone. Sends JH actinometer reports. Questions methods of observation and quality of observers. Discusses government support of scientific research.
Transmits message from [A. T.] Kupffer about setting up an observatory at Hammerfest and details about various apparati. Notes proposal for observatory in northern Siberia. Has ordered 250 copies of the Physical Committee Report.
Discusses at length and rejects JH's recommendation that communication in scientific projects take place solely by letter and theorization solely by individuals. Mentions subsequent variation in intervals between magnetic observations and disputes between G. B. Airy and Humphrey Lloyd, as well as other difficulties.
JH's return of order offered him was painful. Will report in Astronomische Nachrichten that JH denies meteorological theory attributed to him and that the 'Wiener Wirtschaftskalender für 1840' is based on JH's authority.
Asks JH to thank King Christian VIII of Denmark for the order, even though JH cannot accept it. Sends a mathematical puzzle.
Is grateful for JH's letter and commendation regarding application for a government pension; will endeavor to carry out his recommendations.
Describes rock formations in Kamiesberg region seen while working on Arc of Meridian project. Thinks Bokkeveld would make ideal site for a meteorological observatory.
Construction of Herschel Obelisk at Feldhausen underway. Describes items to be included at the monument.