Returns Whewell’s presidential address to the Geological Society of London (Whewell 1839), and suggests that ‘rules’ be changed to ‘customs’.
Returns Whewell’s presidential address to the Geological Society of London (Whewell 1839), and suggests that ‘rules’ be changed to ‘customs’.
Questions on breeding of plants: variation in established versus new varieties; predominance of wild species and old varieties when crossed with newer forms; predominance of males versus females; correlations between ease of hybridisation and tendency to vary and undergo cultivation; reversion; correlations between hybridisation and geographic distribution.
In WH’s Amaryllidaceae [1837], does he intend to say crossing is inimical to fertility?
[Sent via J. S. Henslow; note to amanuensis Syms Covington.]
Replies to CD’s questions on plant hybridisation and laws of inheritance. Rejects predominant transmission of characters by established forms. Males show predominance, but congeniality of parents’ constitution to climate and soil more important. No correlation between hybridisation and variability, cultivation, and geographical distribution. Rejects reversion.
Describes experiments in Hippeastrum in which pollen from another species proved more fertile than plant’s own pollen.
Did not intend to say that crossing is inimical to fertility.
Sends a book [his translation of Goethe’s Hermann u. Dorothea] as a wedding gift.
[Note forwarding 503.]
Lord Fitzwilliam’s gardener does not believe in hybrid ferns.
Thanks WW for wedding gift.
Expresses admiration for his History of the inductive sciences [1837].
Acknowledges, on behalf of the Geological Society, receipt of the Bulletin de la Société Géologique de France, vol. 9, feuilles 29, 34.
Sends fee for admission to the Geological Society and a signed obligation.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Is grateful for JH's goodness regarding the pyramids. Gives measurements of the pyramids and would be grateful for any comments JH can make regarding the significance of these measurements.
Was grateful for JH's communication and is pleased his catalogue met JH's approval.
Has ordered the instruments for the Van Diemen's Land observatory. Is uncertain regarding the third magnetometer; T. C. Robinson's has not yet been tested. Will order a dip circle from Paris.
Responds positively to HL's 1839-4-17, and adds some additional comments.
Has just done photographic experiments using bromine paper, and is very pleased with them. JH notes in a postscript that he had just received a letter from W. H. Fox Talbot stating that Fox Talbot had just discovered bromine paper as well.
Presents suggestions for improving and extending Land Station observatories. Will study parallax of Alpha1 and Alpha2 Centauri. Government will survey the colony. Quarantine due to measles outbreak. Boers hostile.
This letter will be delivered by Prof. [C. A.?] Jensen of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, a distinguished painter. Would like him to paint a portrait of JH if agreeable.
Agrees to arrangements suggested by JH [see JH's 1839-3-30] regarding publication of JH's Cape Results.