G. B. Airy needs HL to send him the information used to set up colonial magnetic observatories.
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G. B. Airy needs HL to send him the information used to set up colonial magnetic observatories.
Thanks RH for a sample of Daguerreotype paper. Comments on some aspects of the action of 'thermic' rays and 'chemical' rays in photography.
Is trying to reduce the ill feeling between GN and Andries Stockenström relating to the governing of the Cape colony; JH feels hampered by limited information.
Provides information [see GA's 1840-8-13] based on equipping the Breslau Observatory; also comments on lawyers, meteor showers, and photography.
Returns papers dealing with the treatment of Andries Stockenström by Sir George Napier.
Requests documents about the disagreement between George Napier and Andries Stockenström, which developed at the Cape. In the course of this request, JH expresses his feelings on the matter.
Explains efforts at using a makeshift apparatus for 'fixing the spectrum.' Discusses current confusion and ultimate hope surrounding JF's meteorological recommendations. In a postscript, notes observations of meteors in Persei.
JH has given away his sweeping telescope to [Johann] Hausmann and the 5-ft. Newtonian reflector to the R.A.S. to be preserved 'long after I and all the little ones are dead and gone.' The skies have been excellent for JH to observe variable stars and to connect the northern with the southern magnitudes. Proved that Alpha Orionis is both a variable star and a periodical star.
Reports that there is no bust of William Herschel at the R.S.L., as JH once believed.
Congratulates AS on AS being made baronet; wishes him well on re-joining his family at the Cape. Hopes that the problems between AS and Governor George Napier were due only to 'incompatibility of positions.'
Conduct of GN [governor at Cape of Good Hope, 1837-43] toward Andries Stockenström was unimpeachable. Stockenström's letters to JH show favorable view of GN. GN was not responsible for Stockenström's removal.
Must report progress of meteorological reductions to B.A.A.S. Send specimen of 'Curves' before first week in September. Gives latitudes and longitudes for North American stations.
Sends WT a copy of the solar spectrum in which each color is represented clearly in a 'positive' picture. JH sees this as giving hope for color photography.
Asks WW to write letters of introduction for [James] Innes, an educator from the Cape. Comments on WW's Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, expressing reservations about its a prioristic approach.
Acknowledges receipt of meteorological observations from EH. P.S. [dated 1840-8-28] reports on August meteor showers observed by JH.