Encloses note to be directed to JH, pointing out discrepancies in JH's article on sound in first edition of Encyclopaedia Metropolitana.
Discusses time intervals for [magnetic] observation. Sorry a change was ever contemplated. Asks that his opinion be sent to [Humphrey] Lloyd and that ES make the final decision on how to proceed.
Encloses [G. B.] Airy's letter, which he thinks should accompany [Humphrey] Lloyd's reply regarding magnetism. Thinks all Physical Committee members must be made aware of new developments.
Discusses term and extra magnetic observations with regard to [Humphrey] Lloyd's letter. Would prefer to keep them separate, but feels no harm will come from keeping them together.
Responds to ES's request for JH's remarks on the mode of registering and printing the actinometer observations.
[Charles] Lyell, [Roderick] Murchison, and JH will speak at B.A.A.S. [T. R.] Robinson should be notified that he will not need to speak at the meeting. Sees few advantages to combining all existing scientific societies into one.
Has discovered a flaw in the theory of actinometer observations. Realizes that JH's actinometer observations at the Cape may be useless and that observations made at Government and East India observatories should be suspended.
Discusses use of 'force' versus use of 'power' in translating [Alexander von] Humboldt's Cosmos. Says science has outgrown 'force.' [See 1847-10-8]
Insists on inclusion of all data and graphs in the publication of the accumulated magnetic observations, made as part of 'perhaps the very greatest scientific operation ... ever ... undertaken....' Urges that funding be sought from the government.
Provides examples to justify governmental support of various magnetic and meteorological observations. States that 'Terrestrial magnetism ... of all sciences of observation holds out the greatest present prospect of decisive reduction under ... exact theory.' Mentions work by N. L. Lacaille and Thomas Maclear at the Cape.
Advice for standardizing observations, to be given to the Physical Committee of the R.S.L.
Regrets to hear of retirement of Spencer Compton (Marquis of Northampton) from R.S.L. presidency. Is grateful that ES and others wish him to hold office temporarily, but regards it as 'impossible.'
Supports proposed course of action to procure for [Francis] Ronalds half of the grant and recognition given to [Charles] Brooke alone for similar photographic invention.
Supports proposal made by C. M. Elliot to execute 'running survey' of India with instruments from observatories.
Agrees with suggestions made by ES concerning the publication of meteorological observations.
Believes B.A.A.S. should continue to maintain Kew Observatory, but worries about finances. Encloses letter from William R. Birt, whose aid will maintain it for a while.
Believes Kew Observatory will be ineffective if not private observatory of B.A.A.S., so wishes not to attend meeting to draw up application for government support. Approves, however, of committee revising report.
Clarifies role and methods of R.S.L. Council and scientific committees, suggesting that members of Physical Committee need to be better informed about its activities.
Encloses letter on and discusses extent of government aid for proposed Hammerfest magnetic observatory and various alternatives with regard to it.
On what is to happen at the expiration of a three year period assigned for the undertaking of certain magnetic observations.