A 'pep talk' from father to son on the occasion of son John's birthday.
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A 'pep talk' from father to son on the occasion of son John's birthday.
Provides sources of information about polarization, spectroscopy and solar physics for son John, who is continuing his preparation for observing the solar eclipse [see JH's 1867-9-12].
The R.S.L. proposes sending telescopic and spectroscopic equipment to India to observe the solar eclipse of 1868. They want to know if son John would be prepared to make the observations. John could use some of his leave time in England to prepare.
Writes to son John [who is now in England] further about the solar eclipse observations [see JH's 1867-5-18]; comments on family matters, and talks about making improvements in photographic processes, so that JH is able to print on both sides of the paper.
Has been observing sunspots and talks about sunspot cycles; JH is glad to see that son John has been practicing observing with the spectroscope in preparation for the Indian solar eclipse [see JH's 1867-6-12].
Has heard from Emma, son William's wife, that the solar eclipse will occur in the rainy season, and thus will not likely be visible [see JH's 1867-9-29]; JH is wondering if the equipment from the R.S.L. arrived safely.
Speaks of the awkwardness of some telescopic instruments, but urges son John to persevere; comments favorably on daughter Amelia's prospective husband, Thomas Wade, and comments disparagingly about the government's introduction of a metrication bill.
Comments on son John's spectroscopic and telescopic observations, and encourages observing a particular nebula, as it has been reported as having changed shape since JH observed it in the 1830's.
Is anxiously awaiting details of son John's observations of the solar eclipse in India; JH sends details of sunspots observed by JH on 18 Aug., and concludes with family news.
Talks about problems of observing nebulae—one of which seems to have changed—and one of which is in the catalogue and does not seem to exist.
Asks son John to stop at the British Museum and get the completion of a quotation JH needs; also asks John to pick up JH's R.S.P.T. copies not picked up recently.