Regrets that he cannot attend B.A.A.S. meeting and stay with HL; thanks HL for his paper on the undulating theory.
Begs not to be chairman of the proposed Magnetic Conference Committee [see HL's 1857-10-19], but would serve on the committee.
Passes on the suggestion, from G. B. Airy, of the use of copper rings for damping the movements of measuring instruments in measuring terrestrial magnetism.
Sends procedures for preparation of the report of the Magnetic Committee for the meeting of the B.A.A.S., which JH cannot attend due to illness; asks some questions about achromatic lens theory.
Thanks HL for the response to JH's queries [see JH's 1859-9-4].
Sends to HL a sheet of curves laid down by [Charles] Riddell, comparing Brussels declination observations with those made in Toronto. JH frequently refers to HL's work on the subject of terrestrial magnetism.
R.S.L. committee for considering continuance of magnetic observations has recommended that hourly observations be carried out at Falkland Islands, Newfoundland, and Vancouver Island. Alternate stations are Ceylon and Bermuda. Will not print all observations. Hopes colonial governments will participate. JH and William Whewell will be at [B.A.A.S. meeting in] Leeds.
R.S.L. committee recommends continuing three magnetic observatories at Falkland Islands, Newfoundland, and Vancouver Island.
Writes to ask for clarification of HL's views on the dispersion of light.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Would have liked to have welcomed JH on his return from the Cape, but academic duties prevented it. Royal Irish Academy progresses under W. R. Hamilton's presidency. His late father established a magnetic observatory at Dublin and HL is in charge.
Rejoices that JH is in favor of a South Polar expedition. Three years since a memorandum was presented to the government and thinks the B.A.A.S. should now present a further memo. Hopes JH will give it his support.
Agrees on the general plan for the expedition with the views of Edward Sabine. Gives some of his own comments for magnetic observations.
Has been considering with Edward Sabine that morning the requirements for the fixed observatories. Gives lists and also estimate of finances required for a three-year period.
Illness forces him to make a quick return home. Agrees with JH that scientific men should act unanimously when approaching government. Thinks the R.S.L. should go along with the B.A.A.S. as well. Hoped to consult G. B. Airy. Will see Edward Sabine to draw up the memorial.
Was pleased to hear of the success of JH's exertions. Comments on the instruments required. Thanks for his communication on the copper ring; will try it with the bifilar. W. H. F. Talbot talks of applying the photographic method to meteorological and magnetical instruments. Encloses a paper.
Has ordered the instruments for the Van Diemen's Land observatory. Is uncertain regarding the third magnetometer; T. C. Robinson's has not yet been tested. Will order a dip circle from Paris.
Has just had a letter from C. F. Gauss regarding the hours for observations; comments on this.
Finds that he misunderstood Edward Sabine's statement and may have misled JH. Comments on the observations desired from the Antarctic Expedition.