Asks for JH's opinion on enclosed note from accountant W. G. Anderson.
Asks for JH's opinion on enclosed note from accountant W. G. Anderson.
The theoretical considerations that JH would take into account if he were going to study the subject of 'increasing and conveying to great distances and in given directions the reports of guns or other explosive instruments, as signals.'
A note probably accompanying JH's 1852-3-23. Comments concerning someone's collection.
A notice of meeting of the Standards Committee.
Is asking JH to bring the long version of Richard Sheepshanks's paper to the next meeting of the Standards Committee [see JH's 1852-2-11].
Agrees with JH's idea of decimalizing the pound weight, but the stone should not then be used [see JH's 1852-3-5].
Says JH will not join the society to which he has been invited, because he has done nothing on the subject for a long time and JH's attendance would not be productive. Thanks for some lectures and papers sent to him.
As part of a discussion about decimal coinage, JH states that an early issue of florins is contemplated.
Being able to conclude only that J. B. Biot was wrong in his conclusion, RP cannot make computation (per JH's request) about heliacal rising himself. Has applied to G. B. Airy to do it. Expresses difficulty in attaining accuracy about any ancient author's recording of a rising.
Discusses regulations of bequest, which will benefit chemistry and physics. Discusses relationship between solar spot period and magnetic disturbances. Wants JH's comments on paper regarding this topic.
Suggests postponing meeting of Wintringham Bequest Committee. Will bring up [Edward] Cooper's letter about comet memoir at next council meeting. Has worked out cost reductions for printing of R.S.P.T.
Wants to begin using decimal fractional weights of pounds and ounces at the Royal Mint, rather than pennyweights and grains. Would like to extend this method beyond the Mint. Asks for date of heliacal rising of Sirius at Athens in the time of Euripides.
Offers a variety of solutions to stopping 'offensive light' during solar observations.
Describes music making evenings with daughters Caroline and Isabella; has made arrangements for the sale of a carriage.
Sends home son Alexander's school report, and includes some news items of relatives and friends.
[JH note:] Annibal de Gasparis acknowledged receipt of JH's Cape Results [sent in 1847] 'by letter of March 21/52!!'
Was JH's examiner forty years ago. Please explain why northern winters, at perigee, are not colder than southern winters, at apogee. Gratified that JH is in office held by Isaac Newton.
Gives RM a letter from Charles Bell [see Bell's 1851-10-28] on a geological map and collection prepared by Andrew Bain. Suggests the British Museum might wish to purchase Bain's collection of fossils.
Has discovered another new planet [Psyche]. Gives readings.
Many thanks for the correction to his book. Pleased to find that the Russians had not escaped him. Suggests subjects for drawings for the Herschels.