Sends 40 pages of her manuscript [Mechanism of the Heavens] along with suggestions for improvement. Suggests clarifying the principles of the first chapter and a fuller explanation of various other principles.
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The Mary Somerville Collection
Transcriptions provided by Brigitte Stenhouse.
Sends 40 pages of her manuscript [Mechanism of the Heavens] along with suggestions for improvement. Suggests clarifying the principles of the first chapter and a fuller explanation of various other principles.
Sends new translation of [P. S. Laplace's] Mécanique céleste. Says her revision [of MS's Mechanism of the Heavens] has been effective. Still doubts the derivation of the fundamental equation. Discusses force, resistance, and reaction with regard to this equation.
Says manuscript [Mechanism of the Heavens] cannot be improved materially except perhaps on one or two small points. Will look at it again when it is together in a whole. Announces birth of JH's daughter [Caroline] that morning.
Will bring her manuscript [Mechanism of the Heavens]. Apologizes for holding it so long. Critiques various passages concerning permanent rotation and equations of stability. Sends condolences on Dr. Somerville's loss.
Explains to MS P. S. Laplace's method of indeterminate coefficients in mathematics. Thanks MS for her praise of his book [Prelim. Discourse], which JH values more highly than newspaper reviews.
Returns proofs and sends a few remarks concerning them. Discusses difficulty of measuring Eta Coronae. Anxious to see her [Mechanism of the Heavens]. Has another daughter [Isabella].