Offers to participate in determining stellar parallaxes by finding the angle position of double stars. Apprises Henry Kater that he has never seen Saturn's rings separated. Includes micrometer measurements of Saturn and Jupiter.
Offers to participate in determining stellar parallaxes by finding the angle position of double stars. Apprises Henry Kater that he has never seen Saturn's rings separated. Includes micrometer measurements of Saturn and Jupiter.
Mentions a four month absence from Dorpat. Commends [James] South on his work on double stars yet states that South's distances for nearby stars are too large. Considers his measurements, previous to his [Josef] Fraunhofer telescope, significant, even if South refuses to accept them. Thanks JH for the difference in the longitudinal measurements between Paris and Greenwich.
Interested in JH's catalogue of dimmer double stars. Worries about determining parallax of very close stars. Points out mistake in JH's formula for determining 'the maxima and minima of the position angles.' Informs JH of German translation of William Herschel's writings, Wilhelm Herschels sämmtliche Schriften.
Thanks JH for material from AS of London. Mentions 'new comet.' Informs JH of being nominated to the list of foreign members in the American Philosophical Society.
As MF will be unable to attend the next meeting of the Glass Committee, he sends JH the analysis of the glass produced in one experiment, emphasizing its consistency and high quality.
Although not known to JH, is writing under the auspices of Charles Babbage. Sends various works. Has honor of having proposed JH as correspondent to Royal Academy of Science of Brussels, unanimously supported. Would JH please seriously consider?
Declines an invitation of JH's, being 'engaged sixteenfold' that day. Invites JH to a party another day.
JH will be presented with the Gold Medal of the Astronomical Society of London.
Discusses nebulae. Begs JH not to overwork himself. Hopes to live long enough to see JH marry; advises JH that if he can marry a 'good-natured, handsome, and sensible young lady, pray think of it, and do not wait till you are old and cross.'
Pleased that JH supports CH's plans for her will. Worries about JH's safety at Puy de Dôme.
The first volume of Johann Pfaff's German translation of William Herschel's papers has been published; asks JH to inform her whether he wants a copy. Commenting on her boredom, CH laments that her 'sole employment consists in keeping myself in good humor and not be disagreeable to others.'
Describes her role in William Herschel's work as 'a mere tool which he had the trouble of sharpening and to adapt for the purpose he wanted it.' Sending to JH the first volume of Johann Pfaff's translation of William Herschel's papers in three weeks; believes that JH will be unhappy with it.
Discusses her will.
Sending a copy of Johann Pfaff's German translation of William Herschel's papers.
Hopes that JH will find a matter [the professorship at Cambridge] not 'incompatible with your [JH's] other avocations.'
Thanks JH for advice on a legal matter.
Asking for introductions to certain men of science in Paris. Revision of his views on his figure of the earth, and casting doubt on Edward Sabine's pendulum observations.
Sending his paper on the 'Figure of the Earth.' Description of work at Greenwich Observatory. Remarks on projected expedition to Falmouth and Ashbourne.
Instructions regarding the printing of his paper the 'Figure of the Earth' in the transactions. Details of the disappointing expedition to Falmouth.
Thanking him for his letters of introduction to Paris. Remarks on one of GA's papers; one of his calculations incorrect.