JH is preparing to leave residence at Slough, and all notes on William Herschel's life are packed away. Refers [?] to published biographies, but adds some corrections to those.
JH is preparing to leave residence at Slough, and all notes on William Herschel's life are packed away. Refers [?] to published biographies, but adds some corrections to those.
Note on diurnal changes in [magnetic] variation at St. Helena and on estimated cost (£950) of observatory at St. Helena.
Reduction of all stars in N. L. Lacaille's Coelum australe stelliferum is finished. Thomas Henderson's assistant is arranging these into catalogue. This data was sent to Francis Baily.
A note of thanks for the eleventh volume of the Cambridge Observatory observations; JH is sorry that he missed JC in Oxford during the summer.
Provides information [see GA's 1840-8-13] based on equipping the Breslau Observatory; also comments on lawyers, meteor showers, and photography.
Declines the invitation to the annual Hunterian Oration and dinner. Now that JH is moving even farther away from London, he feels he must reluctantly resign as a member of the Trustees of the Hunterian Collection.
Did not vote for RM's friend at the R.S.L. because JH missed the meeting. JH will also miss the next meeting of the Geological Society, as he is returning to Collingwood.
Returns papers dealing with the treatment of Andries Stockenström by Sir George Napier.
Invites Mr. Wagner at Eton to bring his pupils to Slough to observe an occultation [of Jupiter by the moon?].
Requests documents about the disagreement between George Napier and Andries Stockenström, which developed at the Cape. In the course of this request, JH expresses his feelings on the matter.
Both William Whewell and George Peacock agree to using the magnetometers, forms, books, etc, but do not agree to the provision of actinometers [for the equipping of terrestrial magnetism stations??].
Received HR's book on navigation. Says it will be very useful. Makes several remarks and objections concerning the list of principal fixed stars.
Meteorolite given to JH by [Thomas] Maclear has been lost. Asks JR for assistance in locating it.
Attests to the honorable personal character of Captain Andries Stockenström. Wishes the circumstances of his dismissal could be remedied.
Apologizes for not having written, but has been 'harassed with desultory and importunate calls on [his] name.' Commends WS on accomplishments at Pulkowa and performance of Repsold instruments. Congratulates WS on his son Otto Struve. Received WS's figures on Halley's Comet. Comments on bright stars of variable nature. Estimates 35 or 36 magnetic observatories in the world.
Herschelian Telescope Song in English and Latin, translated by [T. I. M.?] Forster into Latin. Requiem of 40-foot reflector sung at New Year's Eve 1839-40.
Discusses when and how often R.S.L. committees, particularly the physical committee, should meet.
R.S.L. will deviate from its intellectual purpose whenever it meddles in practical observations. Proper role for R.S.L. is to suggest goals and methods and to reward discoveries. Recommends discontinuing meteorological observations at Somerset House; other stations now provide better data. If R.S.L. insists on establishing a meteorological register, JH suggests one like that of J. F. Daniell.
Thanks for 'small, but intense' volume sent.
Letter designed to accompany report of R.S.L. Joint Committee of Physics and Meteorology. Discusses plans for magnetic observatories and for James Ross's expedition.