Accepts invitation to Norwich. For Geological Instructions, JH will wait to hear from [George Eden,] Lord Auckland. If necessary, he will consult [Charles] Darwin regarding the Instructions.
Showing 41–60 of 150 items
Accepts invitation to Norwich. For Geological Instructions, JH will wait to hear from [George Eden,] Lord Auckland. If necessary, he will consult [Charles] Darwin regarding the Instructions.
Family has been ill. Discusses possibilities for the formation of the sun and their effects on the law of area and the nebular hypothesis.
Says the family will arrive at Norwich on 16 or 17 May.
Family will arrive at Norwich on 16 May. Discusses Norfolk strata and Cray fossils.
Thanks WS for W. H. Wollaston's crystal models and other gifts. Comments on the 'strange and exciting events' that are in progress in political affairs.
Will use rock salt to study heat spots. Discusses views of [Macedonio] Melloni regarding solar heat. If England can avoid the mistakes of her neighbors, she will enjoy a great triumph.
Uneasy at no confirmation of arrival of sent Cape Results. Lists observatories to have received copies. Is preparing new edition of Treatise Astr., now titled Outlines Astr.
Responds to a letter received long ago concerning sounds. Is convinced that a 'new printed and written character' is needed. Suggests consulting Pitman's phonotype system. Believes joint use of Roman, italic, and Greek characters would create a more complete system. Stresses that he is willing to correspond, but is unable to meet in person.
Wonderingly admires WH's quaternions. Lady Herschel has not yet thanked Eliza Hamilton (WH's sister) for the poetry because of serious illness. Except for influenza, would wish WH's son to visit for Easter. Mentions 'political extravaganzas.'
Regrets to hear of retirement of Spencer Compton (Marquis of Northampton) from R.S.L. presidency. Is grateful that ES and others wish him to hold office temporarily, but regards it as 'impossible.'
Has received GA's manuscript instructions for ship's officers [see GA's 1848-1-9]; there is no hurry on the remaining pages.
Comments on all of GA's instructions for ship's officers [see JH's 1848-1-10], mostly suggesting some additions about meteor showers.
Supports proposed course of action to procure for [Francis] Ronalds half of the grant and recognition given to [Charles] Brooke alone for similar photographic invention.
JH writes to the best of his knowledge about William Mann's competence in various areas.
Agrees that some of JH's suggestions about meteor showers were probably unnecessary [see GA's 1848-1-29].
Declines to review C. R. Weld's book on Royal Society [A History of the Royal Society, 2 vols., London, 1848]. Fears will be unable to review Alexander von Humboldt's Kosmos to own satisfaction.
Agrees that no requests for additional observations should be made of Thomas Maclear; Admiralty Manual is about to be printed [see GA's 1848-7-15].
Believes B.A.A.S. should continue to maintain Kew Observatory, but worries about finances. Encloses letter from William R. Birt, whose aid will maintain it for a while.
Believes Kew Observatory will be ineffective if not private observatory of B.A.A.S., so wishes not to attend meeting to draw up application for government support. Approves, however, of committee revising report.
[Addressed to 'General ?'.] Comments on memo on refraction sent to Thomas Maclear.