Looked for JS to talk with him about the secretaryship of the R.S.L., specifically discussing Charles Babbage's position. JH would prefer to have JS nominate Babbage.
Showing 1–20 of 87 items
Looked for JS to talk with him about the secretaryship of the R.S.L., specifically discussing Charles Babbage's position. JH would prefer to have JS nominate Babbage.
Urges JS not to insist on a minor point of dispute about the title of a prospective member. JH feels it is inappropriate and will simply reflect against Charles Babbage, who proposed this person for membership.
JH has seen the letter in The Times [see JS's 1838-11-12]. As JS only asked if JH's name was there, JH responds to the question of fact and does not wish further communication on the matter.
As JH is not aware that JS has been attacked because of the incident referred to in JH's 1826-11-14, JH is unwilling to give permission for the publication of that letter. It seems to JH that JS is being attacked for unsubstantiated attacks he made on the President and Council of the R.S.L.
States unequivocally that the letter referred to in JS's 1864-10-11 has not 'a syllable' that can in any way affect the question of the conduct or character of the late Humphry Davy. JH could not conceive of publication of the letter without the express consent of the other person mentioned in it [Charles Babbage].
As JH has been approached by Charles Babbage for permission to publish certain portions of JH's correspondence, JH is writing to say that he gives both Babbage and JS permission to publish what they will.
Writes a very kind letter, encouraging JS to remember the good days when JS and JH worked together in astronomy, and to forget less happy events. [This letter was enclosed in JH's 1865-5-31 to John F. South.]
Appreciates JS's support of JH's mother at death of William Herschel. Invites JS to attend WH's remains to grave.
Requests corrections on a paper JS was publishing with JH. Urges JS to use less excessive language.
Responding to JS's letter of 1823-12-19, advises caution in countervening John Pond's preferences in the appointment of Royal Observatory assistants. Were the post of Astronomer Royal to become vacant, JH would be 'anything but disinclined to offer myself for it,' but will not make a 'premature declaration' of his willingness to accept it.
If JS has not already passed on to Humphry Davy JH's letter of 1823-12-21, JS should do so immediately. If post of Astronomer Royal should become vacant, JH would be interested in it, but would not wish to work with Stephen Lee, then under consideration for appointment as head assistant at Greenwich.
Wishes JS immediately and confidentially to pass on to Humphry Davy JH's letter of 1823-12-21, making clear that JH does not favor appointment of Stephen Lee as head assistant at the Royal Observatory. Has heard that JS has felt that JH slighted JS in JH's letter. Denies this.
Urges that JS not get so emotionally involved in issues concerning astronomers. 'For my own part I mean to make Science my amusement, not my business....' Comments on JS's relations with John Pond.
Does not share JS's feeling of having pledged to continue double star observation. Reports on the high quality of the telescopes manufactured by Josef Fraunhofer.
Will be pleased to correct the proof copy of JS's paper on double stars. Mentions Charles Babbage and Edward Troughton.
Making, reducing, and publishing double star work is very difficult and, because of Wilhelm Struve's recent endeavors, less pressing than it had been. Mentions various doubles. Expresses interest in JS's plan to purchase a very large refractor.
Agrees to purchase JS's 7-foot refractor if no other reasonable offer made, but doubts he would use it extensively. Plans to concentrate on observing nebulae with JH's reflector at Slough. Relays regards and question for P. S. Laplace.
Has received materials sent by JS. Printing of paper by JS and JH on double stars is nearly completed. Urges that the issue is not whether the observations of 70 Ophiuchi made by Wilhelm Struve are better than those made by JH and JS; the issue is truth. Caroline Herschel has sent to JH a catalogue of his father's observation. Busy observing nebulae.
JH's attempts with Edward Sabine to measure the difference in longitude between Greenwich and the Paris Observatory. Supplies, for Alexander von Humboldt, JH's measurement of Mount Etna's height. Gives message for François Arago concerning paper on magnetism published by JH and Charles Babbage.
Asks JS to check over and forward to Astronomische Nachrichten JH's paper ['Letter on Fraunhofer's Claims for the Inferiority of Reflecting as Compared to Refracting Telescopes'], which paper calls attentions to errors in the catalogue of double stars published by JS and JH.