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From:
inconnu
To:
André-Marie Ampère
Date:
29 août 1820
Source of text:
Fonds André-Marie Ampère chemise 370, Archives de l'Académie des sciences, Paris
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
La Correspondance d’André-Marie Ampère
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Thanks for Regulations of the Astronomical Society. Is honored on being elected a member. Gives details of Theory of the Moon by G. A. Plana; also sends one of his own works, Elementi di trigonometria sferoidica.
Has been doing lots of chemical experiments. Gives one of his experiments with prisms. Regarding star observations.
Would JH send him the chemical formula for converting rags to sugar.
It looks as though their projected Cornish excursion will have to be postponed for a time. Gives the formula for the conversion of rags into sugar. A Finnish astronomer wishes to be elected a member of the Astronomical Society. Observations on the theory of parallax.
Unable to accept JH's invitation. Will call after returning from Scotland.
Recovering from shoulder injury. After leaving Slough, called on Joseph Banks, who died recently.
Arrived in Hereford two days before Dean's death. Lost valuable confidant. Sprained wrist and fingers before leaving Cambridge, but must play for Dean's service.
Intended to write earlier but has been delayed by various causes. Their old friend the Dean of Hereford has just died. Comments on political situation in Sicily. New philosophical society started in Cambridge. Plans also for an observatory there.
Has read of Mr. Annesley's death. Will be staying at Stocks until November and would welcome a visit from JH. His parents are quite well and hopes JH's are as well. Is grateful for his comments on Sicily.
Pleased Smith had such an agreeable tour. His wife died 19 May; "a bitter affliction" to be separated from his companion of 45 years but considering the complaint in her breast, paralysis of left side, and digestion and appetite gone it was a "desireable blessing".
Attended Horticultural Society anniversary meeting and invited by Sir Joseph Banks to visit Spring Grove [Isleworth, Middlesex]. Bank's successor at Royal Society: not canvassed by any candidate; initially objected to Prince Leopold as he lived too far away to be easily consulted and though convinced by his promises to keep a librarian at Marlborough House, to have dinners and evening meetings, and to dedicate £4000 a year to the Society it is said that enmity from "a certain quarter" has induced Leopold to give up his campaign. In London received ten air plants from his nephew, Commodore Bowles, but neglected them and only three are alive, two are 'Epidendrum cochleatum' and other a 'Tillandsia'; saw many at Leddiges but they have no great beauty. Raised several plants from Buenos Aires, [Argentina], but [James] Lee says they are not new having been collected by [Aimé Jacques Alexandre] Bonpland [(1773-1858)] travelling with [Alexander von] Humboldt.
A "profusion of peaches" and his favourite green fleshed Egyptian melon, which he exhibited at Horticultural Society and were so admired that he is saving seed for members. Immediately looked at 'Hypnum resognitum' in [James] Sowerby, the name a good one from singular circumstance of Smith's "refinding it". Dwarf apple trees 4 feet high with fruit brances supported by stakes, chiefly Hemick codlings and Hawthorn clean.
Apologises for not being able to spend more time with Smith and Lady [Pleasance] Smith during their recent stay in Liverpool. About to move to St James's Mount and unsure what course his life will take but hopes it will be removed from "mercantile speculations or the squabbles & quibbles of lawyers". Comments on remarks made by the Chancellor respecting an incident involving his business troubles and an imminent change in law.
Responds to Smith's letter of from Arley Hall [28 July 1820] and thanks for introduction to Lord Mountnorris [George Annesley], whom he first met in London when they helped establish the African Institution. Comments on the curiousness of Mountnorris' East India 'Scitamineae' drawings of, particularly 'Zingiber'. Reminds Smith of a letter he previously wrote on genus 'Thalia', which is still in need of elucidation. Since Smith's departure 'Hedychium angustifolium' has flowered and 'Hedychium excelsum' is about to, and 'Alpinia mutica' for the first time in Britain. Tormented with rheumatism but intends to visit Norwich before winter.
Sorry they could not meet whilst Smith was in London. Besides themselves, a great many fellows of the Royal Society think the Duke of Somerset should be President, but he has declined to go to a poll, and unless Sir Humphry Davy withdraws as a candidate he will not reconsider.