Inquires about the mathematical nature of the chords of music, offering some ideas of his own.
Inquires about the mathematical nature of the chords of music, offering some ideas of his own.
Comments on the mathematical ratios in chords at some length, in answer to RP's 1869-11-18.
More on the mathematical ratios of musical chords, and of dissonance [see JH's 1869-11-24].
Encloses letter regarding coinage under discussion in Parliament.
Explains cause of DS's double vision. Suggests corrective lenses [diagrams].
Cannot recall details or find documents regarding promotion of Charles Sterry to HF's assistant assayer in 1851. Remembers that Henry Bingley declined that position; it was then proper for HF to recommend someone.
Sees no likelihood that private meeting would resolve issue between JH and JS. JS misunderstood JH's argument on valuation of British coins and currency. Encloses JS's note to Editor of the Times.
Correction to be made in JH's biographical sketch of William Whewell.
Thanks for catching JH's error. Will write to the Times and substitute 'Mr. Smith, M.P.' for 'Col. Smith.' JH does not understand 'tariff of conversion' or how it will simplify calling in old coins. Prefers 'Binary system' to 'absolutely demonetizing silver.'
Forwarded both of John's papers on solar observations to William Huggins. Comments on solar prominences and spots, and on Eta Argus. Concern for Esther's fever. Report of 'great meteor' seen at Collingwood. Alexander Herschel came home from Glasgow with new device called 'bicycle' that amuses neighbors. Explains optics problem in telescopes. English system of measures.
Glad for Mary's recovery. Congratulations on John's promotion to captain. Suggests method to study solar prominences without spectroscope. [Letter continues 15 June:] Alexander Herschel reports that G. B. Airy tried this method unsuccessfully long ago, but JH is sure it will work.
Comments on WJH's appointment as judge in India. Contrasts legal practices in England and India. Reviews calamities WJH witnessed in India. Alexander Herschel is lecturing about eclipse at Royal Institution and Leamington. Family news. P.S.: Please write to W. E. Hearn in Melbourne regarding Hearn's book Government of England.
Glad that Emma's jaundice is over. Criticises metric system of measure. Encloses JH's response to Mr. Yates's letter in the Times on Geometrical British System. Upset by present resistance to anything English. This is what 'lost us...Neptune.' Would like to see Arabic translation of Outlines Astr. Relieved that 'shabby' French translation by [L. M. J.] Chevigné was stopped. Failure of gold standard in India. French and English coins. Suggestions on WJH's effort to introduce oaths into Indian justice system. Popularity of velocipedes [bicycles]. Family news.
Proud of WJH for introducing improvements into Indian judiciary system. Sorry to hear that WJH may have to leave Dacca.
Questions about Indian civil law regarding Bengal promisory notes and duties on probate.
JH sends and comments on drawings and a letter [see JH's son's 1868-11-23] from JH's son John regarding the nebula around Eta Argus. JH seems disinclined to accept the claim that Eta Argus has changed.
Received [?]'s paper no. 10, which completes JH's collection. Returns duplicates of [?]'s papers on Kew and Nerchinsk 'disturbances' and on 'Residual Laws of disturbance.'
Commentary on manuscript [Personal Recollections?] that [MS] sent to JH one month ago. Career of scientific learning and domestic happiness will inspire future generations. Suggests publishing it posthumously for greater impact. Corrects passages about Charles Babbage. Gives purpose, history, and membership of each of two Standards committees, one of 1819 and one of 1838. Suggests avoiding topic of bitter controversy over invention of electric telegraph.
Received TW's book and approves simplicity and economy of its method of keeping time by using small fixed telescope to reduce star observations. Disapproves of using 'Dominical Letters.' Suggests using Julian dates.
Grateful for JH's interest in survey of Sinai Peninsula and loan of JH's theodolite. [H. S.] Palmer will visit JH and receive instruction in its use. Asks to name JH as co-trustee of survey with Henry James.