Showing 1–20 of 52 items
Asks about CL’s new book [Travels in North America (1845)].
Discusses views of A. D. d’Orbigny on elevation.
Mentions reading W. H. Prescott [History of the conquest of Mexico (1843)].
Suggests there is a direct relation between temperature and abundance of plant species.
Has at last received first letter CGE wrote.
More specimens being sent.
Sends his sketch of paper ["Fine dust in the Atlantic Ocean" (1846), Collected papers 1: 199–203].
D’Orbigny considers Pampas clay deposit result of debacle. CD cannot doubt it is slow, estuary deposit. Would be grateful for information on this point.
Acknowledges note and parcel for Ehrenberg.
Considers why different areas have different numbers of species. Gives an example opposing JDH’s view that paucity of species results from vicissitudes of climate. CD has concluded that species are most numerous in areas that have most often been divided, isolated from, and then reunited with, other areas. Cannot give detailed reasons but believes that "isolation is the chief concomitant or cause of the appearance of new forms".
Referring to a correspondent who had written about Pelargonium plants whose leaves had become regularly edged with white, CD reports that nearly all the young leaves of box-trees he had planted have become symmetrically tipped with white. Though these facts seem trivial, CD believes the first appearance of any peculiarity which tends to become hereditary deserves being recorded.
Asks whether salt and carbonate of lime (in the form of seashells) would act upon each other if slightly moistened and left in great quantities together. The question occurs from CD’s having found in Peru a great bed of recent shells that were mixed with salt, decayed and corroded "in a singular manner". Mentions, as relevant to the value of seashells as manure, that they are dissolved more rapidly by water than any other form of carbonate of lime.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Has been unable to return the papers as he has been so busy. Proposes making working drawings as he suggests. Will take the papers to the Dover Railway to ensure their safety.
Has just returned from London where he has taken his son, ready to go to Christ's Hospital. Would have called on JH but believed he was not at Collingwood. Hopes to meet him at York. Comment on his recent photographic work. Would like to obtain a position in London.
Offering hospitality to JH should he attend the B.A.A.S. meeting at York. Has been studying the theory of the manufacture of achromatic telescopes. Comments on the quality of glass available. Swiss seems to be best, though expensive. Deplores the loss of Francis Baily.
Glad to hear that there is a possibility that JH will visit York. Another expected visitor will be T. Donkin, brother of Bryan Donkin.
Advises that JH has been elected President of the B.A.A.S. for its meeting at Cambridge in 1845; also some comments on the magnetic survey.
Encourages [B.A.A.S.] to accept offer in enclosed letter by W. S. Stratford, volunteering to assume duties of late Francis Baily in publishing star catalogs of N. L. Lacaille and J. J. L. Lalande.
Comments and questions about a 'cone of the second order' in mathematics.