Prof. Barlow's paper on 'fluid refractor' leaves WS doubting JH's report of Beta Capricorni.
Prof. Barlow's paper on 'fluid refractor' leaves WS doubting JH's report of Beta Capricorni.
Extract from observations of 70 Ophiuchi by F. W. Bessel. Results agree with WS's measurements by different method and increase WS's confidence. Hopes for more information on Gamma Virginis before finalizing WS's manuscript.
JH's theory of orbits of Castor and Gamma Virginis. Observations of Gamma Virginis by W. R. Dawes and by WS.
Problems with computation of Gamma Virginis.
Thanks for inspecting WS's [manuscript] and noting errors. Computations by Mr. Hinde [J. R. Hind?] from observations of Gamma Virginis by WS.
Encloses copy of 29 July 1846 letter from G. B. Airy, who refuses to act on any further recommendations from Board of Visitors so long as James South is member of Board. Insinuations by South in R. H. Inglis's motion before House of Commons are deemed malevolent by Airy, who no longer considers South competent to guide scientific inquiry.
Excellent weather for observations of variable colors [in stars].
Sends copy of Cycle of Celestial Objects. Meets an excellent optician named [Richard?] Gwatkin, who shows him four self-made telescopes.
Sends comet observations from W. S. Jacob. Obtains 'another excellent epoch of Gamma Virginis.'
Thanks JH for Gamma Virginis observations, which are finally in accord with his. Sends observation of the double stars JH suggested watching. Works with Richard Sheepshanks. Francis Baily delivers details on Edinburgh meeting of philosophers. Sends news from Niccolo Cacciatore, who has returned to the Observatory in Naples.
Asks JH to write an abstract of the discourse JH presented to R.A.S. Moon model is on display at R.A.S.
Compiles published work, unpublished work, and lectures; asks JH to proof the compilation. Discusses meetings of R.S.L. concerning charter by-laws.
JH letter on Gamma Virginis read at R.A.S. meeting. Niccolo Cacciatore appointed to new position at Palermo Observatory, where he plans to sell the Almanack. Many R.A.S. members experimenting with telescopic lenses.
Discusses the site of Cold Harbor. Visits the small personal observatory of J. G. Barclay, who WS thinks will produce good work.
Asks JH's advice on the purchase of the lunar model. Anxious to see JH's new method of calculating double star orbits.
C. P. Smyth receives appointment as Astronomer Royal of Scotland. Again thanks JH for recommendation.
Sends information on occultation of Alpha Tauri. Describes meteors sighted during the night of 12 Aug.
Sends angular results from various astronomers using similar epoches.
Sends JH copy of his address to Royal Geographical Society. Inquires about a means to make astronomical instruments steadier with poles devised by JH.
Sends copy of James Graham's letter concerning transfer of Paramatta Observatory to government authority. Thanks JH for advice on the matter. Discusses methods of magnitude estimation.