Still struggling with the problems inherent in using the mural circle; the comet has apparently been seen by JH's mechanic, John Stone, prior to having been sighted by TM.
Showing 21–40 of 83 items
Still struggling with the problems inherent in using the mural circle; the comet has apparently been seen by JH's mechanic, John Stone, prior to having been sighted by TM.
Sends information about where to look for Encke's comet.
Has not had any success in finding comets.
Is intrigued by the apparent displacement of several planetary nebulae from the positions found in the catalogues of other observers. Does not know what to think.
JH is chagrined to note that he forgot to observe the equinox, after having impressed on any and all the need to do so.
Asks TM to measure the position of some stars that are difficult for JH to observe.
Responds to HP's generous offer [see HP's 1835-1-21] by saying JH does not need the money, and then suggests that HP might want to use it to support the publication of JH's results from his stay at the Cape.
JH is very disturbed by the fighting between the South African military and the Kaffirs.
Arranges sale of stocks and transfer of funds through Drummond's Bank for use by J. C. Stewart and John Stewart.
Excerpts from JH's letter [n.d.] to Peter Stewart regarding financial investments. Asks for meteorology and tide data in Canton, China.
News about Italy, Haileybury College, and JH's family. Describes colds [disease] at Cape. Enjoyed journal of JS's travels in Europe. James Grahame was author of epigrams [in JH's 1834-7-17]. Family finances. Halley's Comet and solar eclipse of 20 Nov. Asks again for meteorology and tide data in Canton, China.
Sent as a letter of introduction for Captain [William] Edie, who was hurt on an expedition in southeastern Africa, and who knows much about the region.
Tells FB what JH has been able to find out as to the status of N. L. Lacaille's quadrant. JH comments on his own astronomical activity, and comments on the family's delight in [Charles] Piazzi Smyth.
Glad the government has recognized Mrs. Somerville's work. Discusses the hostility toward natives at the Cape and criticizes actions of colonists. Astronomical observing conditions at Cape are very good.
Comments on importance of 'geographical observatories' like JL's as complementary to astronomical observatories, and outlines their chief objects of enquiry. Suggests that JL have observational results examined and published, and recommends taking many hourly observations.
Gives incomplete report on observations of nebulae and double stars and theories on the Milky Way and Magellanic Clouds based thereupon. Thanks WH for his explanation of WH's new dynamical method, but JH admits that he understands only its 'general scope.'
Discusses reduction of barometric observations. Praises the Cape's climate.
Provides list of desiderata for activities for observatories of the '2nd and 3rd classes.' Reports his progress from the Cape, and his inability as yet to see Halley's or Encke's comet.
Made a 'mess' of the tidal observation and meteorological observations that he took earlier in the week.
Too ill to attend the South African Institution meeting; asks JH to turn in the packet containing TM's and JH's meteorological observations.