Text Online
From:
Michael Faraday
To:
Mary Somerville
Date:
23 May 1848
Source of text:
Bod MS Somerville dep c.370 MSF1
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Faraday Project
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Does not believe that GA's proposal [see GA's 1848-5-4] will work.
The Manual appears to have lost time. Outlines the general form to be taken, but leaves the details to JH. Size might be related to Alexander von Humboldt's Kosmos volume. Returns to the Admiralty next week.
Acknowledges the receipt of his letter, together with the preface and list of contents for the Admiralty Manual. Comments on this. Will arrange for copies to be sent to those designated. Admiralty is grateful for JH's work on the manual.
Apologizes for having questioned GA's proposal [see GA's 1848-5-6], which is very good and should work well.
Presumes they are at Adam Sedgwick's. Supposes they will come to Broxbourne by the 11 o'clock train from Norwich and will arrange for it to be met. Expects a new theory of the earth's crust from JH. Mrs. Jeff[re]y is seriously ill, which delays the Jeff[re]ys at Haileybury.
Is applying for a Government pension and would value a supporting testimonial from JH.
Is grateful for JH's testimonial, which she has forwarded with others to Lord John Russell.
Sends copy of the rules of the Institute. At a Special General meeting JH was elected president. This is subject to JH's approval. Would like him to be present at the opening of the new Institute on the 25th of the next month.
Uses the barometer for measuring both vertical and horizontal distances, and believes the rotation of cyclones may be connected to the sunspot activity.
Francis Ronalds stated that observations at Kew Observatory may be discontinued by B.A.A.S. for budget reasons. WB volunteers to supervise observations at no additional cost. Hopes JH has recovered from influenza.
Urges JH to persuade B.A.A.S. to hire W. R. Birt to continue observations at Kew.
Following interview with Edward Sabine, WB compiled reasons for continuing Kew Observatory. Sends copy to JH.
JH's letter of 16 May 1848 was delayed by wrong title for JF, who is now minister of Free Church. Earlier letter from JH never reached JF. Happy to learn that JH received JF's mathematics paper. JF prefers to submit it to R.S.L., but when JF received no reply from JH, JF sent paper to Philip Kelland in Edinburgh, who now expects JF's paper.
JH's letter of 26 Apr. went to wrong person with same name as JF. Grateful for JH's interest in JF's mathematical paper. Hopes to submit it to R.S.L. Replies to error noticed by JH. Encloses note from Philip Kelland.
Objects to appointment of G. B. Airy as sole referee in determining contract for making Great Clock at Westminster Palace. Forwards copies of letters and papers that demonstrate Airy's prejudice and ill will toward BV and Mr. Whitehurst.
Is leaving for Norwich to return on the 25th. Leave the forms with [John] Williams and JH will sign them. Will leave his letters to have the R.A.S. seal affixed. [Thomas] Taylor has died; can RS tell him who is likely to 'offer for the place' [Madras Observatory] and what its 'appointments' are.