Writes to send thanks by way of AH to the King of Prussia for the award of the Order of Merit. JH also comments on some astronomical matters.
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Writes to send thanks by way of AH to the King of Prussia for the award of the Order of Merit. JH also comments on some astronomical matters.
Comments on WL's finding a sixth star in the trapezium of Orion [see WL's 1842-3-10]; lists other catalogues that identify that star.
Urges some revision in both the report and instructions for the magnetic observations.
Is anxious for some means to be developed to get a measurable quantity [preferably by weight] from the action of a beam of light on a surface. JH has been experimenting in photography with 'flouric' compounds.
Is gratified that JM is taking an interest in double stars. Comments on some of the observations and time of their orbits.
Is anxious about his aunt Caroline Herschel and would like news of her health.
Comments on some papers on vision and photography by Mr. Moser, and compares this with some of JH's own writings on the subject.
Birth of JH's ninth child [Julia].
Sends description and drawings of JH's actinoscope. Requests estimate for time and expense of constructing it. Questions about clock mechanism and prisms.
Regrets that GD cannot build JH's entire actinoscope. If GD can make at least mechanical components, JH will supply optics and clockwork. Can GD complete these [by end of March]? Funds are limited; please estimate cost.
Confirms scale of drawings [for JH's actinoscope]. Has found simple contrivance to replace clockwork. Will order lenses and prisms from Munich; all English glass has color aberrations.
Received JF's paper on 'thermographic process.' Believes that thermic rays were responsible for experimental results of JF, J. W. Draper, and Ludwig Moser. JH's theory of and experiments with thermic rays, which are different from 'calorific' and visible rays, in solar spectrum.
Writes to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give JH's opinion about the probable utility of continuing to spend money on Charles Babbage's calculating machine.
Tells CB about a visit by JH and Wolryche Whitmore to the Duke [of ?] to present the case for more government funds for Charles Babbage's calculating machine.
Impressed by accuracy of actinometer measurements made by JK, Joseph Dayman, and P. A. Scott from Feb. to Sept. 1841 at JK's observatory at Rossbank [Tasmania]. Suggests methods to improve readings and simplify reductions.
Submit revisions to instructions for conducting and reporting magnetic and meteorological observations.
JH's reasons for requesting three-year extension of magnetic and meteorological survey from British government and H.E.I.C. Preliminary results from global stations.
Is insistent that JH cannot perform the functions of Foreign Secretary [of the R.A.S.] as he has too much to do already, and has had to give up much of his personal scientific correspondence.
Offers to provide committee with plans for and to supervise construction of new instrument, devised by JH, for study of solar spectrum.
Welcomes ER back to England. Met ER's host, Charles Babbage, at Greenwich yesterday. Wants to visit before ER departs for Geneva, but JH's wife is ill. Based on accounts of Geneva by ER's wife, JH sent three oldest daughters and their governess to spend summer there.