Requests answer to JP's earlier letter. Observations of photospheres around planets and satellites.
Observations of Venus by William Herschel and JH. Only J. H. Schröter claims to have seen 'deep marginal indentations' that JP claims.
Has received JH's note, and JF will visit JH next Wednesday, accompanied by D. F. J. Arago and [C. L.] Mathieu.
Please recommend London instrument makers to supply new Edinburgh observatory. Josef Fraunhofer was asked to make only lens for transit instrument, but wants to make entire instrument. [JH annotation: Recommended Fraunhofer for entire transit instrument and Robert Molyneux for clock.]
Repeat computation for Jupiter's satellite IV [see TY's 1824-4]. Explains W. H. Wollaston's 'blue bow.' See figure 422 of TY's [Lectures on Natural Philosophy].
As R.S.L. vice president, JH should reconsider his report favoring Eilhard Mitscherlich over W. H. Wollaston. This may be last opportunity to pay Wollaston a 'just compliment.' Agrees with JH that much in R.S.L. 'nicknamed science [is] sleight of hand,' and that 'great injustice is done to men of science.' But TY expects a short life and tries not to be concerned about approval of others.
TY would rather have JH's labor made useful another year. W. H. Wollaston does not want [Royal] medal, but medal wants Wollaston. One council member felt that TY's remarks offended JH. Assures JH it was not intended.
Thanks TY for books and for taking charge of [G. A. A.] Plana's plates. JH mentioned Eilhard Mitscherlich only when no other proposals came forth. Matter was left hanging. Assures TY that JH was not offended [see TY's 1824-11-21, i.e., #1075]. Regrets 'dilapidated state of scientific matters' in R.S.L.
Math is flimsy in John Dalton's theory of vapor dispersion, but physical grounds are firm. Sends copy of TY's volume on sound. Modules of elasticity and tension are analogies to explain TY's doctrine. Presently studying modules of elasticity that do not apply to chimney pipes investigated by Daniel Bernoulli and J. H. Lambert.
JH is correct, and TY's 'little man is wrong.' Moon's apparent angular motion increases as spectator moves closer.
Acknowledges letters from AB and French Board of Longitude received by Astronomical Society. Thanks for care given to JH's reflecting theodolite by Mr. Schenk. Promises copy of JH's and James South's [1824] article on double stars. Hopes to hear from J. B. Fourier regarding biography of William Herschel.
JH's theory of colors. Edward Troughton has DB's instrument one-third completed. When will DB want JH's encyclopedia article on 'Variation'?
Henry Kater's triangulation survey of north Scotland. Edward Sabine's study of pendulum lengths at various latitudes. François Arago did not receive letters from JH and Francis Baily. Comments on rumor of [Isaac] Newton's madness. JH plans to reduce transit observations of fixed stars at Greenwich since [James] Bradley's time. Are French and other astronomers in agreement on common system of reductions? Will visit Paris next month. Observed curious phenomena in voltaic electricity.
Receipt and shipment of various papers and letters. Robert Molyneux has not received payment for clock. JH ordered another for L. A. Fallon; it is ready to ship. Clarifies Edward Sabine's remark about pendulums. Hopes to translate JL's Analytical Geometry. JH translated JL's 'empirical formula of refraction.' Believes JL's method of determining latitude without knowing the time is not new. Notes J. W. A. Pfaff's translation of William Herschel's works.
Orders missing issues of Astronomische Nachrichten. Answers HS's question about JH's essay on Physical Astronomy. James South's testimony 'vindicated' Josef Fraunhofer's repeating micrometer to Edward Troughton. C. F. Gauss's mode of determining powers of telescopes. Nothing heard of Captain [Maughan?]. Directions for sending [K. L.] 'Harding's atlas' to JH. Gives J. F. Daniell's address. Astronomical Society is gratified that HS dedicated book to it. Shall direct Robert Molyneux to send L. A. Fallon's clock to HS.
Acknowledges receipt by Jameson & Aders of Astronomical Society's 1824 gold medal, to be delivered to J. F. Encke in Gotha. [JH annotation: Encke confirmed receipt of medal.]
Sends notes on a paper which are to be submitted to James South. Also included [?] are copies of the paper for JH. Attached is a note by JH about the papers of JH's father, William.
If JS has not already passed on to Humphry Davy JH's letter of 1823-12-21, JS should do so immediately. If post of Astronomer Royal should become vacant, JH would be interested in it, but would not wish to work with Stephen Lee, then under consideration for appointment as head assistant at Greenwich.
Wishes JS immediately and confidentially to pass on to Humphry Davy JH's letter of 1823-12-21, making clear that JH does not favor appointment of Stephen Lee as head assistant at the Royal Observatory. Has heard that JS has felt that JH slighted JS in JH's letter. Denies this.
Urges that JS not get so emotionally involved in issues concerning astronomers. 'For my own part I mean to make Science my amusement, not my business....' Comments on JS's relations with John Pond.