Has received a long letter from F. W. Bessel regarding the discovery of the parallax of a fixed star.
Showing 81–100 of 114 items
Has received a long letter from F. W. Bessel regarding the discovery of the parallax of a fixed star.
Responds to request for advice on operation of the observatory established at Mauritius by John A. Lloyd. Urges it can profitably make meteorological observations and positional determinations for southern stars. Stresses the need for prompt reduction of observations.
Fulfills request for advice on the operation of the Cape Observatory. Urges, among other points, that Thomas Maclear be given a second assistant and an improved telescope and that the observatory be assigned to undertake tidal, meteorological, and magnetic observations.
Thanks for meteorological records sent by EC, and asks for some additional information.
Has bought some horses, and needs the coachman to come to bring them home.
Arrived at Liverpool on the way to Newcastle; some details about the journey.
Informs MH that JH arrived safely at Newcastle for the B.A.A.S. meeting.
Details about the B.A.A.S. meetings, as well as comments about JH's hosts, and comments about the evening meetings.
A paean of praise about the B.A.A.S. meetings, especially some of the unscheduled activity, such as Adam Sedgwick giving a lecture on the seashore to 3000 or more 'colliers and rabble'; reproduces a lengthy poem given by W. R. Hamilton.
On the state of decorating at the house, the flowers blooming in the garden, and domestic financial arrangements.
Admiralty wants to adapt observatory at Mauritius for rating ship chronometers in southern hemisphere. Rigorous attention to time determination would benefit meteorological, hydrographic, and astronomical observations, making Mauritius 'a National Center of Reference' for global research.
Checked June observations of Mr. Robertson in Athenaeum. Found WB's statement correct [see WB's 1831-9-11]. Wrote to Meteorological Society for explanation. Thanks for pointing out difference in March observations. JH is honorary member of [Meteorological] Society.
Thanks FB for letter in which FB announces the discovery of annual stellar parallax; JH questions whether effects of temperature have been adequately considered.
Thanks JB for letter to JH at the Cape. Requests JB to provide introductions for Mr. Stanford, who is making statistical inquiries in France.
Thanks for loan of letters of Captain [Richard] Copeland.
Is leaving England very shortly, so cannot meet to discuss the correspondent's Indian Survey. Provides advice on various metrological matters.
Conveys to GE nine resolutions passed at the B.A.A.S. meeting supporting a southern hemisphere expedition of discovery, especially concerned with magnetism, and also the establishment of a series of magnetic observatories.
Is prepared to see GE anytime about resolutions [see JH's 1838-10-20]. Outlines the requirements of the Cape Observatory for more efficient service. Eloquently pleads the case for government support of research in the physical sciences.
Thanks for sending JN's Architecture of the Heavens and Phenomena and Order of the Solar System. Critiques the illustrations of nebulae given in these books.
Informs CG of the awarding to CG of the Copley medal for CG's magnetic researches; hopes that the British government will support such magnetic researches around globe.