JH writes to the best of his knowledge about William Mann's competence in various areas.
JH writes to the best of his knowledge about William Mann's competence in various areas.
Urges renewal of high balloon ascents with periodic observations both to further knowledge of law of decrement of temperature and pressure and for 'ulterior investigations.'
Notes that actinometer observations prove faulty due to problem with instruments. Asks that WS notify Indian observatories to join others in terminating such observations until JH finds method of getting around problem.
Regrets missing JH's visit; discusses influences of atmosphere and solar position on Indian weather and difficulty it causes in obtaining meteorological laws.
Clarifies results of pressure oscillations on two coasts of India as similar despite different weather conditions, and deems results thus unsatisfactory; explores reasons and suggests solutions for lack of success.
Noting discrepancy between dew points obtained by wet bulb and direct methods, WS cannot say which is nearer the truth; suspects that both have inaccuracies.
Invites JH to meeting of Balloon Committee and updates everything in previous letter.
Thanks WS for offer of professorship of astronomy at Oxford, but declines it, partly because of other pursuits and health reasons, and considers his astronomical career terminated.
Before meeting of Balloon Committee, requests JH's opinion on value of renewing balloon ascents.
Stresses importance for Balloon Committee of obtaining corresponding temperatures and pressures; describes two highly sensitive thermometers that might be built for this purpose.
Agrees with papers demonstrating falsity of present methods of correcting barometer for moisture and 'dogma of one gas being a vacuum to another.'
Expresses satisfaction with results of continued magnetic and meteorological observations in various locations.
Interprets [John] Dalton's theory of the nonelasticity of gas particles, expressing its limitations, particularly in regard to a Mr. Paton's paper.
Suggests possible times to meet with JH.
Encloses newly-discovered proof that John Forbes Watson's wet bulb depression was not a clerical error.
Suggests course of action regarding 'Gen'l. Cullen's [?]' hydrometric observations submitted to R.S.L.
Updates JH on activities of Balloon Committee, and thanks him for suggestion regarding temperature measurement. Mentions improving health of Mrs. Sykes.
Asks for JH's opinion on balloon ascents, to be presented at next Balloon Committee meeting. Explains enclosed letters and diagrams regarding ascents; mentions that new thermometer suggested by JH is under construction.
Reports on and discusses applications of hourly wet bulb observations in ocean.
Offers JH professorship of astronomy at Oxford and hopes to see him at meeting of Meteorological Committee.