Cannot explain how Thomas Henderson arrived at special figures in N. L. Lacaille's star catalog. Will examine Lacaille's volumes tomorrow.
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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.
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.
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.
Informs JH that RS will present a case for more than one medal to be awarded.
Is trying to straighten out the origin of the R.A.S., and giving appropriate credit.
Recounts discussion in R.A.S. council regarding how the Society's medal should be awarded in response to the discovery of Neptune. U. J. J. Leverrier led J. C. Adams in the voting, but did not receive enough votes.
Congratulations on how the deliberations concerning awarding the R.A.S. medal came off 'well & quietly.' Recommends how JH's notice on F. W. Bessel should be distributed.
Has heard that the R.A.S. council's 'no-medal resolution' has produced much dissatisfaction, which will not disappear by a general vote supporting the acts of the council. Thinks that the course adopted is wrong. If the council will not reconsider in favor of a positive conclusion, JH suggests that the issue be raised in a general meeting of the R.A.S. and that its decision be accepted with 'alacrity.' Holds himself free, as President, from any obligation to uphold 'in speaking or writing' whatever decision results.
Has learned of more dissatisfaction with the R.A.S. council's decision regarding awarding its medal. Because the council rejected the proposal to give more than one medal, the decision to medalize no one was a logical consequence. Expects the matter will be raised in the general meeting. Wants some positive conclusion, not a negative one. Restates his original position that medals ought go to both, with care taken in the wording so as to avoid national rivalry.
Has written G. B. Airy stating his approval of having JH's statement favoring awarding two R.A.S. medals read. Wants to be fair to U. J. J. Leverrier, and does not want to 'stultify' the existing council. Is enclosing a copy of his note to Airy.
Has written to G. B. Airy requesting that at the R.A.S. meeting, Airy show RS the note JH wrote to him. Announces 'LV's' [U. J. J. Leverrier's] election as an associate of the R.A.S.
Has the papers by [Thomas] Henderson but they do not contain much information.