Sends EP a copy of the first annual report of [Astronomical Society?] and invites EP to join the 'circle'.
Showing 181–200 of 602 items
The Sir John Herschel Collection
The preparation of the print Calendar of the Correspondence of Sir John Herschel (Michael J. Crowe ed., David R. Dyck and James J. Kevin assoc. eds, Cambridge, England: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1998, viii + 828 pp) which was funded by the National Science Foundation, took ten years. It was accomplished by a team of seventeen professors, visiting scholars, graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and staff working at the University of Notre Dame.
The first online version of Calendar was created in 2009 by Dr Marvin Bolt and Steven Lucy, working at the Webster Institute of the Adler Planetarium, and it is that data that has now been reformatted for incorporation into Ɛpsilon.
Further information about Herschel, his correspondence, and the editorial method is available online here: http://historydb.adlerplanetarium.org/herschel/?p=intro
No texts of Herschel’s letters are currently available through Ɛpsilon.
Sends EP a copy of the first annual report of [Astronomical Society?] and invites EP to join the 'circle'.
Provides a detailed critique of a mathematical paper by [J. M. H.] Wronski, which JP presented on Wronski's behalf to the R.S.L. Suggests that JP urge Wronski to withdraw the paper.
Introduces [C. T.] Largeteau from France, who wishes to receive from JP the observations made at Greenwich as part of the determination of the difference in longitude between the Greenwich and Paris observatories. Recounts some difficulties encountered in making the measurements.
Discusses the construction of JR's telescope. Mentions a number of material changes that must be made if it is to be used for sweeping [see JR's 1826-9-30].
Presented WR's paper on a new photometer to R.S.L. Discusses how objections may be avoided. Believes [John] Leslie's photometer should be thrown aside.
Will present alterations of WR's paper to R.S.L. [see JH's 1825-1-27]. Asks if he may describe the similarities between WR's photometer and an instrument JH used in Italy and Sicily.
Requests particulars concerning the electors for position at University of Virginia for which William Ritchie has applied. Encloses Ritchie's letter of 1827-12-6.
Congratulates TR on his volume of astronomical observations. Skeptical about alleged changes in Orion nebula. Feels better telescopes and drawings would be needed to confirm this. Discusses own double star observations.
Comments on ES's measurement [in his Account of Experiments to Determine the Figure of the Earth] indicating 'the increase of the fraction expressing the earth's compression.' Predicts that ES's result will cause a 'sensation,' but does not commit himself to it.
Asks AS to send him plagiedral quartz for experimentation. Unable to commence Cornish expeditions with Charles Babbage. Requests AS discuss publication of their [JH's, George Peacock's, and Babbage's] book with Peacock.
Responds to ES's proposal to conduct a series of meteorological observations from the peak of Teneriffe. Promises to bring it before the Board of Longitude for consideration for support.
Sends directions for chrome solution and the magnetic apparatus and instructions for its use, as requested [in WS's 1826-8-2]. Discusses experiments with magnets.
Invites the Somervilles to dinner the following week.
Responds to ES's letter of 1825-4-4, stating that JH now understands that ES will proceed with the Teneriffe observations only if funds are provided. Praises Sabine's previous work.
On 1825-4-7 presented ES's proposal for experiments at Teneriffe to the Board of Longitude, which judged the experiments not sufficiently relevant to the Board's concerns. Offers to seek endorsement from the R.S.L.
Invites ES to join him and other scientists for dinner. Requests that ES prepare a detailed description and justification of his proposed Teneriffe experiments for consideration by the R.S.L. Council.
Read your proposal on experiments at Teneriffe to the R.S.L. Council, which declined to make 'an especial recommendation' in support of them to the government.
Six artillery men have been placed under ES's command. Encloses letters from Charles Bonne. Asks ES to oversee the arrival of 180 rockets to be used at Wrotham and Fairlight. Proposes that ES test whether a light at Wrotham can be seen at Fairlight in which case gunpowder will be used instead of rockets. Sets date for ES to meet Bonne in Hornoy. Urges ES to record his expenses for the Board of Longitude.
Denies any knowledge of a R.S.L. Council meeting. Trusts the council will make its decisions based on public duty and science, not on the fact that the decision must be defended in later discussions. Has passed [George] Fisher's letter on to members as ES requested.
Acknowledges receipt of WS's second volume of observations and the new telescope's results. Mentions Caroline Herschel's catalogue of nebulae.