Has heard a report that [Humphry] D[avy] is not prepared to nominate Charles Babbage and that D[avy] would be glad if J. G. Children would become Secretary of the R.S.L. Nonetheless, WF hopes that Davy will change his mind.
Has heard a report that [Humphry] D[avy] is not prepared to nominate Charles Babbage and that D[avy] would be glad if J. G. Children would become Secretary of the R.S.L. Nonetheless, WF hopes that Davy will change his mind.
Gratitude for receipt of JH's Cape Results. Marvels at scope of JH's work.
Has written to Charles Babbage to express sympathy on the death of his wife, but fears there is not much can be done for him. Has given up the Dorset operations. Comments on JH's theory of sulphurate of iron. May be one of his neighbors soon as he has been offered a residence at Beaconsfield.
Is having some of JH's friends to dinner and would be pleased if he would join them. Affairs of the Geological Society. Has notice from Capt. P. P. King with specimens from the Straits of Magellan.
Regarding the suitable persons for the Observatories of Greenwich and Cambridge, is JH interested? Has been discussing R.S.L. Council matters with W. H. Wollaston.
Regarding a suitable book on the Isle of Wight. Regarding Dionysius Lardner and his projected Cabinet Cyclopaedia. Urges JH not to reject idea until he has made further inquiries. Affairs of the Board of Longitude.
Regarding the projected Cabinet Cyclopaedia and its authors. State of Ireland in 1828. Feels hard against the Saxons.
Hopes the Herschels are well. Is worried about the state of Charles Babbage's engine. Thinks an approach should be made to Arthur Wellesley (Duke of Wellington).
JH's paper was read at the Geological Society and received great approbation; it will be printed in the Proceedings or Transactions. Was unable to be present as Mrs. Fitton gave birth to a son. Sorry state of the R.S.L. affairs. Intends to have nothing to do with the R.S.L. at present.
Has not received an invitation from Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex) for his soiree nor been introduced to him. Charles Babbage has likewise had no invitation. JH's case is different.
Comments on some of JH's geological papers. Has received a paper on Yorkshire geology from R. I. Murchison.
Regrets the time that has elapsed since receiving JH's letter. Charles Babbage does not contemplate finishing his machine and is already planning another. Richard Jones appointed one of the Tithe Commissioners. News of the activities of Robert Brown, Francis Baily, Charles Lyell, William Buckland, J. W. Lubbock, and others. Railroads expanding in England. Many built and projected.
Wondered what JH intended doing about the Presidency of the R.S.L. until he heard from Francis Baily that JH would not accept the offer to become a candidate. Has to review Charles Lyell's book on geology, which has been dedicated to himself. Where does he intend to settle down? Has he seen H. D. de Blainville's paper in the Comptes rendus?
Intends that his second son shall enter business and would like him to study in Hanover. Can JH recommend any person with which he can place him. Went to Boulogne with some members of the Geological Society to meet French geologists. Quite a successful meeting, though the French Geologists are split into two opposing factions.
Has just returned from a trip to Hanover, and has decided not to place his son there in accordance with advice received while he was there. Met Miss Herschel. Travelled via Belgium and met A. H. Dumont, a very original and intelligent geologist.
Is grateful for his paper on the solar spectrum. Hopes he will continue his experiments with light so that posterity may benefit, as would have been the case if Smithson Tennant had persisted with his efforts. Regarding some of the geological theories of the times. Hopes JH will come and stay with them. R. I. Murchison is on the continent.
One of the sections of the beds below the chalk, which JH sent him in 1834, has become the subject of interesting discussion viz the Neocomian beds and their appearance in the British Isles. Comments on the various theories regarding these beds.
Congratulations on JH's election as one of the eight foreign members of the French Institute.
Regarding the affairs of the R.S.L. and JH's intentions.
Dined yesterday in company with David Livingstone who would like to visit JH at Collingwood. Has been much impressed with Livingstone.