Received TW's book and approves simplicity and economy of its method of keeping time by using small fixed telescope to reduce star observations. Disapproves of using 'Dominical Letters.' Suggests using Julian dates.
Showing 41–60 of 99 items
Received TW's book and approves simplicity and economy of its method of keeping time by using small fixed telescope to reduce star observations. Disapproves of using 'Dominical Letters.' Suggests using Julian dates.
Develops mathematical theorem.
Requests sending of a copy of recent R.S.L. Proceedings to JH's son in India.
Note to accompany an extract from JH's son John's letter, reporting on his observations of solar prominences.
Agrees with GS's clarification of 'continuous spectra' and other terms [see GS's 1869-9-2]. Includes a copy of part of a letter from John Herschel [JH's son] about solar prominences.
Discusses in detail the then currently debated issue of a 'mintcharge or seigniorage' on gold coinage. Also discusses the idea of an international coinage.
Has read the syllabus of GA's lectures on magnetism; it reminds JH of his attempt to solve the problem of 'Mahomet's coffin', which JH still believes would work.
Is considering a new edition of Outlines Astr.[?] and wants to provide the latest determinations of the periods of rotation of the planets.
Has received GA's paper on spectral lines and is amazed that it is possible to see a spectrum in the light from faint nebulae.
'Great Comet of 1843' presents difficulties for JT's explanation of comets' tails [continuation of JH's 1869-5-28].
Thanks EQ for report of [Alexander von] Humboldt's centenary and the photographs from Henry Morton [see EQ's 1869-9-26]. Discusses neglect of James Grahame's work in England.
Thanks HR for sending HR's book on spectrum analysis [Spectrum Analysis, 1869]. Praises that publication.
Praises AS for commencing his fifty-second course of lectures at age 84. Laments his own frailty. Recommends an array of meteorological books . Lists 'useful' meteorological instruments. Mentions family matters.
Is working on a compilation of the measures of double stars. If [Rudolf] Wolf's period of 11.11 years is correct, why should 1810-11, a minimum, mark the first observations of solar spots?
Sends [William Whewell's] 'Isle of Sirens' and an acknowledgement to it in 'skimble skamble Hexameters.' Is eager to receive solar photographs and will send others by Professor [George?] Morton.
Discusses discrepencies between his observations for September and WS's photograph. It seems the new spots result from Jupiter being in opposition.
Describes the similarities between JH's sketches and WS's photographs of sunspots. Has greater faith in own observations. Wishes WS would add Julian dates. Sends Professor [George?] Morton's photographs.
Attached comments [not included] convey JH's views on MS's new manuscript [On Molecular and Microscopical Science, 1869]. Expresses reservations about MS's endorsement of current ideas of forces and their correlation and conservation.
Thanks for second volume of Physique sociale. Happy to see AQ refuting 'the results of statistics of life, accident, crime...[as] indicative of an absence of free agency in human beings and the presence of some sort of impelling necessity.' Mentions JH's daughter's marriage and her learning Chinese.
Was going to write in French, but switched languages. Honored by AQ's insertion of JH's review of AQ's Physique sociale as introduction. Has been very ill and has no strength for attention to anything beyond bodily sufferings. Lists works received.