A note to accompany one of CH's writings, together with some comments on comet sightings.
A note to accompany one of CH's writings, together with some comments on comet sightings.
The Lucasian Professorship will shortly become vacant. Hopes JH will become a candidate for this chair, once occupied by Newton.
William Whewell has promised to spend six weeks with him and he hopes that JH will also be able to come for a time.
Acknowledging the letter informing him of his election to the R.S.L.; unable to attend on 9 Nov. but will attend at the first opportunity after that date.
Has been waiting for a letter from Basil Hall regarding the availability of his pendulums, but has heard nothing. Surprised at the error in William Lambton's calculations. What does he think of the method of finding the figure of the earth by measuring the parallax of the moon? Is writing in bed. Has been polishing a mirror for T. J. Hussey.
Bad weather has prevented him from observing the transit of the comet. Has purchased a refractor similar to the one at Dorpat.
Expressing his gratitude for the kindness received from JH while staying in England. Thanks for the Memoir he has received.
Reports the death of Giuseppe Piazzi.
Comments on use of muriate of lime on plants. Also on existence of unexplained bands on film and on presence of red light beyond normal spectrum with light originating from certain sources.
May choose one of each of the new specimens of Boracite crystals; the remainder send to C. D. E. König at the British Museum, together with the enclosed letter. Is now recovering from his sickness.
Wishes to print the observations WP presented to the R.S.L. in his forthcoming Journal. Can JH assist him; has obtained permission from Humphry Davy.
Writing on behalf of her husband, Charles, who is away, GB expresses her thankfulness for JH's kindness, and believes Charles will agree to be nominated for secretary of the R.S.L.
Informs JH of the need for a short R.S.L. Council meeting.
Is anxious to talk to JH about the matter of Charles Babbage's election. Believes Babbage being out of town is best, thereby leaving matters in the hands of his friends.
FB has seen P. M. Roget and Stephen Groombridge, who both give their support to Charles Babbage's election. FB is very concerned about the lack of an R.S.L. Council meeting when most council members would attend.
Has heard a report that [Humphry] D[avy] is not prepared to nominate Charles Babbage and that D[avy] would be glad if J. G. Children would become Secretary of the R.S.L. Nonetheless, WF hopes that Davy will change his mind.
Asks for JH's assistance in the acquiring of some astronomical equipment.
Kept busy by writing. Works with Teodoro Monticelli. Expects Captain [Richard] Copeland to visit.
Responds to receipt of sample impression of GP's memoir [see GP's 1825-12-3]. Comments on printing and paying arrangements, and to whom copies are to be sent. Comments on value of using an equatorial telescope as opposed to a meridian circle. [Some parts of the letter are illegible.]
Writes to correct error JH identified in GP's memoir [see GP's 1826-1-18]. Also asks to have two additional passages added to improve memoir. Intends to come to England next winter. Is including a list of corrections for the memoir [list is missing].