CD seeks to decline the Secretaryship [of the Geological Society] by citing his obligation to FitzRoy to write his volume of the narrative of their expedition. His youth, inexperience, and ignorance of English geology.
CD seeks to decline the Secretaryship [of the Geological Society] by citing his obligation to FitzRoy to write his volume of the narrative of their expedition. His youth, inexperience, and ignorance of English geology.
Asks Whewell questions on earthquake wave action.
Thanks him for signature [to CD’s request to Chancellor of the Exchequer for funds for Zoology].
Informs him of J. B. Jukes’s plans concerning the Newfoundland survey post.
Asks WW to alter, before printing, the passages in WW’s Presidential Address to the Geological Society [Proc. Geol. Soc. Lond. 3 (1839): 93] which pointedly allude to the delay in publication of CD’s Beagle journal; they might annoy FitzRoy, who, as Captain, has a right to first use of the papers of all officers on board.
Thanks WW for wedding gift.
Expresses admiration for his History of the inductive sciences [1837].
No summary available.
Comments on proofs of WW's German translations. JH recommends that the magnetic observations already made should be reduced to show some results, rather than adding more observations.
Comments on WW's publication on education [Liberal Education, 1845 ?], especially as it applies to the teaching of mathematics. JH has been teaching JH's son William mechanics by WW's book on the subject.
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.
Alerts WW, who was coming to visit the Herschels, that scarlet fever has arrived at JH's household. Comments onWW's writings about glacial theory.
Is trying to arrange a magnetic conference during the first few days of other meetings.
Invites WW to Slough before JH travels to Midhurst [to consider property for sale].
Despite respecting the distinguished company in the Geological Society, JH must refuse its presidency.
Reports to the B.A.A.S. [through WW as section president] on experiments JH has conducted concerning the photochemical effects of the rays at the far red end of the spectrum.
Is actively pursuing mathematical investigations. Plans to come to Cambridge soon for a short visit. Will follow this first letter by many more. Excavations by the Geological Society going on in JH's area.
Asks about WW's mathematical investigations. JH's book on algebra is progressing. Describes mathematical investigations by [Edward] Bromhead in calculus of factors. Misses Cambridge.
Is pursuing mathematical investigations with Charles Babbage. Asks WW to check whether George Peacock is progressing in printing the Supplement to Lacroix's volume.
Thanks WW for and expresses agreement with WW's analysis of Simon Stevin. Describes experiments JH is conducting on the polarization of light.
Praises WW's new book [Elementary Treatise on Mechanics]; is working to get WW elected to the R.S.L. Criticizes a pamphlet by George Peacock. Comments on rules proposed for the new Cambridge Philosophical Society.
Provides detailed travel suggestions for WW's planned trip to the continent. Asks WW to deliver letters to various European scientists.