Learned that JH has been ill since returning from Slough. Please visit soon.
Learned that JH has been ill since returning from Slough. Please visit soon.
Speculates that JH may one day rival Isaac Newton. Awaits JH's visit next Tuesday. JH's parents ordered chairs to be ready [Wednesday], when PW's sister will accompany JH to Slough.
Discusses university politics. Misses JH. Impressed by [Edward] Bromhead's mathematical abilities. Is considering translating a book by S. F. Lacroix. George Peacock's Tripos examination questions have caused controversy. Believes Peacock should have stressed applied over pure mathematics.
Informs JH of the place of Simon Stevin in the history of the idea of a parallelogram of forces. Has heard that JH is investigating polarized rays.
Expresses thanks for and comments on JH's account of JH's optical experiments. Discusses efforts to improve mathematical education at Cambridge, including WW's book on mechanics.
Has dispatched the manuscripts of William Spence by coach, and encloses the key. Hopes JH will call on him when in town.
Has passed JH's communication to Mrs. [William] Spence, who desires that publication may proceed as quickly as possible. Would he decide on a publisher. Will write biographical details himself. Would JH give him details of title page and contents.
Has received JH's letter to which he will reply fully later. Sends some more manuscripts he has received from Mrs. [William] Spence. Also encloses a copy of the unfinished essay of which only 80 copies have been printed.
Has sent JH's continuation of William Spence's 'Outlines' to press without any alteration. Gives the scheme adopted for the makeup of the volume. Hopes JH agrees; if not write at once as he is leaving London for some time.
Book will be arranged according to JH's wishes. Underwoods are to be the publishers. Is pleased JH has found signs of greatness in William Spence's works. Hopes JH will show this in his biographical introduction.
Would like to become an F.R.S. Charles Babbage has procured a form and BG would be pleased if JH would subscribe his name. Hopes he is well.
Informing him of his position in the examinations, and offering congratulations.
Has been visiting Gibraltar, Malta, and the Vatican City. Comments on the sights.
Has not heard from him lately, though he wrote last year from Rome and gave him a resume of his travels. William Crackanthorpe is a good companion. The pavilion is being rapidly built. Would like JH to accept hospitality at his house. Gives news of friends.
Was pleased to receive JH's farewell letter. Would be glad when JH was in town if he would call on Gordon's father and mother. Has left copies of the translation of the Memoir of Mr. De La Harpe. Gives an extract of a letter from Naples.
Recalls time spent together; asks JH for information about Cambridge colleges, especially St. John's.
Is attending John Playfair's lectures in mathematics; talks of plans to come to Cambridge.
News of several lady friends and JG's progress in law studies.
Asks about nature of Classics examination JG must take to be considered for admission to Cambridge.
Apologizes for long delay in writing; is coming to Cambridge in October.