Has discovered a flaw in the theory of actinometer observations. Realizes that JH's actinometer observations at the Cape may be useless and that observations made at Government and East India observatories should be suspended.
Showing 21–40 of 51 items
Has discovered a flaw in the theory of actinometer observations. Realizes that JH's actinometer observations at the Cape may be useless and that observations made at Government and East India observatories should be suspended.
Copies of 1847-2-20 letter will be sent to observatories utilizing actinometers. Earlier series will be replaced with accurate figures. Suggests method to measure temperature in actinometers.
Concerned about W. S. Stratford, who has not responded to letters; GA has a problem with the German notation of star positions used by Thomas Henderson.
Comments, after delays due to busyness, on JH's queries on the calibration of actinometers and gives results of experiments.
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.
Proposes that R.A.S. award medals regarding the discovery of Neptune to both U. J. J. Leverrier and J. C. Adams, giving first honors to Leverrier, and specifying distinctly the grounds for awarding the second. Hopes his resolution will not be seen as blaming anyone and that it will have a 'healing and a friendly effect.'
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.
Apologizes to JH for worrying him about the printing of J. J. L. Lalande's Catalogue of Those Stars in the Histoire céleste française....
Nothing more has been done with J. J. L. Lalande's Catalogue of Those Stars in the Histoire céleste française...; WS hopes to spend more time on it henceforth. WS also has been too busy to oversee the progress on the bust of Francis Baily.
Discusses the cost of printing and publishing J. J. L. Lalande's Catalogue of Those Stars in the Histoire céleste française and of N. L. Lacaille's Catalogue of 9766 Stars in the Southern Hemisphere [for which JH wrote the Preface]. Hopes to have both books published by the end of April.
Comments on the unsatisfactory [to JH] resolution regarding the awarding of the annual R.A.S. medal.
As disturbed about the medal situation as JH [see JH's 1847-2-8]; the solution seems to be to award two medals.
Continuing to try to resolve the medal problem [see GA's 1847-2-9].
Reports to JH on the discussion, about the medal problem, at an R.A.S. meeting [see JH's 1847-2-11].
More information on the activity of the R.A.S. in trying to resolve the medal problem [see GA's 1847-2-13].
Asks JH to suggest candidates for a professorship at the South African College.
Discusses Neptune discovery controversy; believes both scientists should receive medals.
Regarding W. S. Stratford and the printing of the catalogues. F. W. Bessel's star corrections.