Of time spent with Peter Stewart, JH's brother-in-law.
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Of time spent with Peter Stewart, JH's brother-in-law.
Breakfasted today with G. G. Stokes, met Charles Lyell, [W. J.?] Broderip, and [Robert] Brown and had a fine time. Halley's Comet is visible to the naked eye.
Sending a little volume he has written on Native Standards to show their usefulness. Designed to influence the Indian Commission on Standards. Hopes to see JH at the Cape next February or March.
Mr. Stone has informed about the discovery of the comet. This may cause complications. Sends the ledger of Fearon Fallows, where JH will find other comparisons.
JH's letter is curious regarding the planetary nebulae. Intended to ride over this morning but the heat was too great. Encloses estimate for printing the observations; comments on this. Would like to send it to Francis Beaufort on Tuesday. Returns some papers and journals. C. P. Smyth will call today.
The figure is 7. Will see [F. W.?] Grey again. Hears from Miss Geard that a Mr. Beck has seen the comet with a long tail. Prepared the 14-feet reflector on Saturday but the evening was unfavorable.
Can JH spare a few minutes on Friday to be present when the errors of the transit instrument are being determined. Outlines the investigations necessary. The comet is a splendid fellow. Is busy measuring the diameter of the ring micrometer.
Is glad JH has given his opinion to Francis Beaufort on the subject of observations of the first class. Encke's comet is invisible in the 14-ft. within the range of 10 degrees. Last two nights were very favorable. Has seen Encke's comet three times, and it appears just as he saw it in England.
Only brought two portraits away on Sunday. Will lend JH his own portrait. No slates are available, but a shipload is expected daily.
Still struggling with the problems inherent in using the mural circle; the comet has apparently been seen by JH's mechanic, John Stone, prior to having been sighted by TM.
Is intrigued by the apparent displacement of several planetary nebulae from the positions found in the catalogues of other observers. Does not know what to think.
Unable to assist JH's friend Major [Abraham] Cloete as JF was away from home. Comments on results of JH's table and JF's own papers and scientific occupations. B.A.A.S. would welcome JH's ideas for meteorological work. S. D. Poisson has published a new work on heat, in which he attacks J. B. Fourier.
Provides list of desiderata for activities for observatories of the '2nd and 3rd classes.' Reports his progress from the Cape, and his inability as yet to see Halley's or Encke's comet.
Discusses printing costs. Heard that Halley's Comet was seen with the naked eye in Cape Town; JH is excited about his own prospects of seeing the comet.
Warns that 'a share in a new planet is advertised and that those who will bid must be on the alert.'
Applauds CH elected an [honorary] member of the R.A.S. Missed seeing Halley's Comet and Johann Encke's comet; Thomas Maclear, however, viewed Encke's three times. Has studied nearly the entire Southern sky.
Busy taking the means of TM's reduced star observations. Angry that John Stone and James Rance saw Halley's Comet and never told JH.
C. P. Smyth arrived at Cape on 10 October; Thomas Maclear seems pleased with his work. Asks WS to continue observing Gamma Virginis; JH has observed it only as a single star in recent attempts. Thanks WS for distributing meteorological brochures. George Eden visits and will send meteorological observations from India.
Details sighting of Halley's Comet; sends chart of dates, times, right ascension, and declination. Receives letter from Niccolo Cacciatore, which 'gives hopes of a new planet.'
C. P. Smyth has arrived. Remarks on the Brisbane Catalogue. Thanks for his meteorological observations. His own meteorological observations. Affairs in the Cape.