On RM's stepping down as president of Geological Society. Where exactly abroad will RM pursue enquiries?
On RM's stepping down as president of Geological Society. Where exactly abroad will RM pursue enquiries?
Approves date of B.A.A.S. meeting. Will consult with [Charles?] Wheatstone about date of Kew committee meeting.
Wonders how [Christian?] Schönbein, who is in London, could best exhibit explosives. Hopes RM will attend upcoming meeting; [William] Stratford, who is ill, cannot. [Francis] Baily, [Thomas] Henderson, and [R.] Harris have died working on 'fatal' catalogue Stratford is doing.
Finally encloses note to [Christian?] Schönbein. Says S will come to Southampton. Wonders whether can recommend purchase of S's secret or military adoption of it without overstepping limits. Comments on [H. C.] Oersted's discovery.
Has received report of R.S.L. grant committee, noting that it did not adopt three of his recommendations. Asks questions. Is glad that RM and Charles Babbage are again on friendly terms.
Has been requested to serve on committee on R.S.L. government grant [see JH's 1850-2-15] and to draw up report to council for adoption on next day. JH declines request but offers opinions, suggestions, and a resolution.
Probably cannot attend Kew meeting after 10th; has suggested 6th or 7th. Wishes to invite Michael Faraday as 'Physical Chair,' but knows of Faraday's poor health.
To help RM, who must speak about [F. W.] Bessel, writes of Bessel's astronomical accomplishments.
Accepts dinner invitation.
Cannot introduce a Mr. Grant to overly 'pressed' Mint assayers. Will help Grant as far as possible, but returns 'excellent' testimonials, having no part in 'manning' possible Australian mint.
Writes in great haste, thanking RM on behalf of Lady Herschel for taking 'trouble,' especially for 'Literary Tributes' apparently sent for Lady H's album.
Has read RM's note to the Morning Post correcting error in the report on the dinner [in JH's honor]. Wishes money had not been mentioned in RM's reply. Is grateful for all RM's work in arranging for the dinner.
On JH's Cambridge oration for B.A.A.S. Asks RM about weaknesses in paper, and character of people to be addressed, so that JH will not offend them. JH hopes to read speech, distrusting own extemporaneous speaking abilities.
Requests copy of RM's lecture on distribution of gold, and further information on value of it and silver. Asks specific questions about Russian gold.
RM has inadvertently sent letter intended for 'S,' a chemist, to JH. Having read letter, JH comments that he esteems 'S,' but thinks it advisable to tell 'S' that B.A.A.S. as a body will not recommend 'S's invention to government.
On fitness of Michael Faraday, as a chemist and physicist, to chair B.A.A.S. section. Remarks on [H. C.] Oersted's identifying electricity and magnetism, and connection between Oersted's and Faraday's work. Further comments on Faraday's work, and on instances of rash observation ultimately proving correct.
Willing to chair B.A.A.S. meeting next year, provided no other duties are imposed on JH's time and that no one else desires that office.
JH's health is improving. Sends a portion of a letter from Thomas Maclear regarding Dr. [David] Livingstone's observations. Suggests the portion be read at the Geographical Society. Asks RM to invite Livingstone to visit JH.
Thanks RM for information RM sent on fossils. JH's brother-in-law, due to an accident, has, however, ended geological investigations.
Gives permission for publication of JH's paper ['On the Astronomical Causes Which May Influence Geological Phenomena'] in Geological Society's Transactions. Mentions report of a giant fossil found in United States.