Reminds JH of new format in Nautical Almanac to represent symbols of late F. W. Bessel. Thomas Henderson was working with unknown quantity [in preparing N. L. Lacaille's star catalog].
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Reminds JH of new format in Nautical Almanac to represent symbols of late F. W. Bessel. Thomas Henderson was working with unknown quantity [in preparing N. L. Lacaille's star catalog].
Cannot explain how Thomas Henderson arrived at special figures in N. L. Lacaille's star catalog. Will examine Lacaille's volumes tomorrow.
Reports organization of N. L. Lacaille's star catalog. Suggests method by which to compare this with Thomas Henderson's figures to determine Henderson's method of computation.
George Bishop refuses permission for W. R. Dawes to edit Dawes's own observations. Portrait of Francis Baily should be nearly finished. Auction of Baily's books. Plans to start over 'de novo' and not use Baily's method for evaluating standards of measure. Convinced that standards must be connected with Ordnance survey of U.K. and T. F. Colby's units.
Arranges concurrent meetings of Standards Committee and Visitation [to Greenwich observatory]. Possible explanation for notations in [Thomas Henderson's] 'tables at June 11.' Please review and edit 'Preface to Lalande.' Will write to [Elizabeth] Baily.
Congratulates JH on finding solution [to Thomas Henderson's notations]. Sends extract of 11 Mar. 1841 letter from Henderson, stating that Henderson used computations in Francis Baily's edition of N. L. Lacaille's catalog. RS's notes on observation and reductions of J. J. L. Lalande. Sent skeleton of RS's 'Preface' to W. S. Stratford.
Believes that RS's suggested correction, 'when translated into its equivalent value in terms of the inclination,' will provide sought-for values.
Dispute with W. S. Stratford over proof sheets. Efforts to appease [T. R.] Robinson. RS's progress on works of N. L. Lacaille and J. J. L. Lalande.
RS will disclaim editorial responsibility for 'Preface' to J. J. L. Lalande's work if W. S. Stratford modifies it substantially. G. B. Airy is upset by omissions in 'Preface.' Usefulness of J. B. J. Delambre's work in understanding observations of N. L. Lacaille.
Aggravated by W. S. Stratford's refusal to send proofs [of 'Preface' to J. J. L. Lalande's work] to RS.
Repeats yesterday's protests against W. S. Stratford's refusal to send revised proofs to RS. Hopes G. B. Airy will not blame JH for delay.
Suggests alteration in list of observatories that JH sent to W. S. Stratford. Advises JH to include private astronomers on list also. News of [Elizabeth] Baily. Needs to borrow Francis Baily's apparatus for measuring length.
RS's progress in establishing standards of measurement. Lists objections to earlier methods of measuring. Compares various materials for use in making bars for measurement standards.
Advises JH to limit appeals on behalf of worthy causes, such as [T. G.] Taylor's widow, or public may abuse JH's kindness.
Address of William Lassell in Malta. Congratulations on appointment of JH's son William to H.E.I.C. and on marriage of JH's daughter Caroline. Testing of standard measure bars at Greenwich.
Encloses letter from W. S. Stratford at R.A.S. How RS plans to distribute works on J. J. L. Lalande and N. L. Lacaille left unfinished at death of Francis Baily.
RS, Vice President of R.A.S., writes to JH, President, about a series of Council and membership matters.
Shall send a catalogue of double stars observed by [W. S.] Jacob. Gives some information about several measurements to establish standards.
Suggests some means of improving a paper submitted by JH; more on standard measures of length [see RS's 1849-3-4], and other R.A.S. business.
About the establishment of a standard yard, and how the Kew Committee should proceed [see JH's 1851-11-5]; RS also plans to prepare standard thermometers. Received notice of William Lassell's discovery of more satellites of Uranus.