Meeting was not called by the Vice-Chancellor, so powers of the Syndicate are now at an end. Gives news of events at the University. Has had letter from J. B. Biot, who is to give a series of lectures on Newton's Principia.
Meeting was not called by the Vice-Chancellor, so powers of the Syndicate are now at an end. Gives news of events at the University. Has had letter from J. B. Biot, who is to give a series of lectures on Newton's Principia.
Observer for the forthcoming observatory is to be the Plumian Professor. Gives news of other professorships and gives opinion of JH's chances should he apply for any.
Requesting support for Adam Sedgwick in the forthcoming election for the Woodwardian Lectureship. Has been unwell himself.
Comments on the candidates and the process for filling the Woodwardian Lectureship at Cambridge; also some other Cambridge University matters.
Making arrangements for a visit to JH at Slough.
Welcome back to London. Explain CB's demonstration of 'theorem in transcendental arithmetic.' JH's observations of 'new acid' [hyposulfurous] and optical phenomena in 'chrystals of nitre.'
Cannot meet CB in London this week. Has verified composition of [hyposulfurous] acid. Encloses crystal of 'sulpho=sulphite of lime.'
Fifth [1817] edition of Thomas Thomson's System of Chemistry shows previous discovery of JH's 'new acid,' but its reported composition is wrong.
Grateful for WW's comments on investigations of [Simon] Stevin. JH's work on polarization of light. Discovery of multiple axes of polarization was preempted by David Brewster. Diagrams polarization of niter crystals and Iceland spar.
Comments on a number of family matters and discusses the activities of some mutual acquaintances.
Would like comments on the accompanying paper on functional equations. Stephen Lee [of the R.S.L.] has revived the reading of Isaac Newton in Paris.
Comments on his paper sent previously [see JH's 1818-3-10]. Time has been taken up with mineralogy. Is sending some samples.
Please send the third volume of J. E. Montucla's Histoire de mathématiques. Is running into difficulties with his history of mathematics owing to lack of translations. Regarding kaleidoscopes. Has been reading David Brewster's experiments on Mother of pearl.
Cannot help him with the Commercium epistolicum [by Pierre Fermat]. Leaving town for a few days. Regarding the kaleidoscope.
Thanking him for the third volume of J. E. Montucla's Histoire de mathématiques. Gives functional equations for his comments. Is afraid that he will not be able to visit Cornwall this summer.
Wishes to leave town and spend a few weeks in Torquay. Would JH join him? Has new theorem on functions.
Gives some analytical equations for his comments.
Wants his support for his own application for a post on the Board of Longitude.
When he comes up to town would he please bring Biot's work. Wants to show JH a paper on series. Has just had a visit from Edward Sabine, newly returned from Greenland.
Astronomer Royal's post at Greenwich vacant; hopes JH will try for it. Has not been successful in getting on the Board of Longitude. Hopes to spend a fortnight in Paris after Christmas.