Has sent his observations on Saturn and Neptune to the R.A.S. and encloses a copy for JH. Weather has been unsuitable for many observations recently. Has not heard of any observations of a second satellite of Neptune.
Has sent his observations on Saturn and Neptune to the R.A.S. and encloses a copy for JH. Weather has been unsuitable for many observations recently. Has not heard of any observations of a second satellite of Neptune.
Has received a letter from W. C. Bond of the Cambridge Observatory (U.S.A.), who speaks of the satellite of Neptune. Bond also sends details of the stars around Orion. Relates his own work on the specula of telescopes. Intends to submit a paper on this to the R.A.S.
Illness in the family has prevented him from acknowledging JH's splendid work, which arrived some weeks ago. Is grateful for JH's appreciation of TM's work. Wife has been very ill. C. F. H. Ludwig has died. H. G. W. Smith has said there must be a Botanic Garden at the Cape. New treaty regarding Kaffir land may increase the chance of peace.
Acknowledges JH's letter on the water controversy. Draws his attention to an article on the subject in the current Edinburgh Review. Comments on the various theories.
The packet from the Admiralty was not the manuscript; that will follow speedily. Regrets any anxiety caused.
Permission is granted for JH to order construction of dome for Cape of Good Hope observatory.
Caroline Herschel's death and funeral. Awaiting JH's instructions for disposition of property and headstone inscription. Erroneous biographies appearing in French and German papers. Encloses copy of response from Mr. Hahn, bookseller, to manuscript by Margaret Louisa Herschel. [P.S., 3 Feb. 1848] Accidentally burned JH's Latin inscription for Caroline Herschel. Does JH have copy?
Writes about matters relating to the death of JH's aunt Caroline.
Writes of the death of JH's aunt Caroline. Is happy that Caroline is at rest. Describes funeral. Deals with some matters related to servants and other business matters.
About legal matters related to the death of Aunt Caroline, as well as identifying friends and dignitaries who paid their respects. Deals with bills to be paid, and with the question of a memorial tablet in the church.
Responds to some of JH's concerns [see JH's 1847-12-30] about changes in instrumentation at the Royal Observatory.
A note accompanying a printed circular about the proposed changes in instrumentation at the Royal Observatory. [Encloses GA's circular to Board of Visitors.]
Proposes changes in the buildings at the Royal Observatory to accommodate the shifting of one of the telescopes [see GA's 1848-1-6].
Responds to a number of JH's concerns about buildings, instruments and printing at the Royal Observatory [see JH's 1848-1-22 & 1847-12-30].
R.S.L. selecting foreign members. Asks JH's opinion of a number of foreign scientists and also his opinion of what he, as foreign secretary, should do in this matter.
[S. J. A. Compton,] Lord Northampton will resign as president of R.S.L. ES discusses proposed changes in office of president, and asks JH to consider taking the office under the newly proposed changes.
Sends own article on magnetic surveys at sea. Requests comments. Discusses foreign distribution of star catalogues approved by the council and election of foreign members of R.S.L.
Is ill and cannot write instructions. Directs JH to instructions written earlier by the Council of the Geological Society.
A note accompanying some manuscript pages of instructions for ship's officers [see JH's 1847-12-23].
Requests letter ascertaining William Mann's competence, assuring his hiring as astronomer at Madras.