Received JH's Cape Results with joy. JH gives new interest to 'our old friend the Great Bear.' WW thinking of setting up self registering photographic magnetic observatory at Lowestoft.
Received JH's Cape Results with joy. JH gives new interest to 'our old friend the Great Bear.' WW thinking of setting up self registering photographic magnetic observatory at Lowestoft.
Reports to the B.A.A.S. [through WW as section president] on experiments JH has conducted concerning the photochemical effects of the rays at the far red end of the spectrum.
Offers consolation to Margaret Herschel on the death of her daughter Margaret Louisa.
Expresses happiness that JH's health has improved and comments on various family matters.
Is actively pursuing mathematical investigations. Plans to come to Cambridge soon for a short visit. Will follow this first letter by many more. Excavations by the Geological Society going on in JH's area.
Discusses university politics. Misses JH. Impressed by [Edward] Bromhead's mathematical abilities. Is considering translating a book by S. F. Lacroix. George Peacock's Tripos examination questions have caused controversy. Believes Peacock should have stressed applied over pure mathematics.
Asks about WW's mathematical investigations. JH's book on algebra is progressing. Describes mathematical investigations by [Edward] Bromhead in calculus of factors. Misses Cambridge.
Is pursuing mathematical investigations with Charles Babbage. Asks WW to check whether George Peacock is progressing in printing the Supplement to Lacroix's volume.
Informs JH of the place of Simon Stevin in the history of the idea of a parallelogram of forces. Has heard that JH is investigating polarized rays.
Thanks WW for and expresses agreement with WW's analysis of Simon Stevin. Describes experiments JH is conducting on the polarization of light.
Expresses thanks for and comments on JH's account of JH's optical experiments. Discusses efforts to improve mathematical education at Cambridge, including WW's book on mechanics.
Praises WW's new book [Elementary Treatise on Mechanics]; is working to get WW elected to the R.S.L. Criticizes a pamphlet by George Peacock. Comments on rules proposed for the new Cambridge Philosophical Society.
Provides detailed travel suggestions for WW's planned trip to the continent. Asks WW to deliver letters to various European scientists.
Urges JH to come to Brighton and then to return with him to Cambridge; stresses that both he and Richard Jones are anxious to talk with JH.
Discusses regions of the Alps and sends sketch of Monte Rosa. Informs JH of a brilliant student, G. B. Airy, who is constructing a calculating machine. Condolences on the death of William Herschel.
Thanks WW for drawing of Monte Rosa. Comments on a recent political election.
Gives advice on WW's planned trip to Europe. Asks WW to contact various scientists there on JH's behalf.
Presents a system WW has devised for designating the faces of crystals. Asks JH whether it would be suitable for presentation to the R.S.L.
Comments favorably on a method developed by WW for designating the faces of crystals. Presents a method JH had worked out previously, but writes on the letter: 'Not sent—On rereading his letter I find it is his idea—strange!'
Praises and comments on some proposals made by WW for designating the faces of crystals. Urges him to present his method to the R.S.L.