Says the needle of a magnetic instrument has been made heavier as requested by ES. Mentions other instruments and their performances. Remarks on the Quarterly [Review].
Says the needle of a magnetic instrument has been made heavier as requested by ES. Mentions other instruments and their performances. Remarks on the Quarterly [Review].
Gentleman from Holland, sent by his King, has arrived and is eager to learn about and set up a magnetic observatory in Holland and two or three more in the Dutch colonies. Is excited about the possibility of a South American station. Believes it possible that in a few years there will be maps of all the oceans.
Desires that JH read the enclosed work by Mrs. Sabine about Antarctica.
Encloses some comments of Archibald Smith about C. F. Gauss's General Theory. Believes Smith plans to go on an expedition. Mentions two new magnetometers, the building of a Cape observatory, and the recommendation to the Parliament of Holland to build an observatory.
Thanks JH for reading Mrs. Sabine's work. Discusses the work of C. F. Gauss and his observations regarding the southern hemisphere.
Announces that the Quarterly Review has approved JH's article for immediate publication. Relays the message that JH should finish it as soon as possible.
Still waits for the instrument that Edward Sabine had built. Wishes to make actinometer observations but has no instrument. Asks JH to have one made. Sends observations from Italy trip to Sabine to present to R.S.L. Continues horary observations.
R.S.L. will deviate from its intellectual purpose whenever it meddles in practical observations. Proper role for R.S.L. is to suggest goals and methods and to reward discoveries. Recommends discontinuing meteorological observations at Somerset House; other stations now provide better data. If R.S.L. insists on establishing a meteorological register, JH suggests one like that of J. F. Daniell.
Explains results obtained by R.S.L. subcommittee considering state of meteorological journal published in R.S.P.T. Wonders about feasibility of establishing 'simple but accurate meteorological register' under public authority.
Discusses difficulties with establishing public magnetical and meteorological observatory. Mentions other business.
Council passed 'with great unanimity' resolutions regarding permanent magnetic observatory to be established in London.
If JH wishes, will continue barometric [?] observations at Royal Society Apartments, which observations JH had requested while at Cape.
In light of minutes of R.S.L. Council meeting, outlines vision of permanent national physical observatory and, more importantly, an experimental institute or college. Hopes Edward Sabine will be interested.
Has talked to William Lamb (Lord Melbourne) about permanent magnetic and meteorological observatory. Was received 'as well as we could have anticipated,' but without definite answer. Thinks head for observatory should be appointed and give lectures.
Describes difficulties in attempting to produce good meteorological register and establish national meteorological observatory.
Invitation to Hawkhurst. Has plenty of R.S.L. work to keep him from his observational work. Question of a new observatory. Has had letter from Wilhelm Struve regarding the fifteen-inch object glass.
Possible to purchase 12 postage covers for 11d in the Strand. Points out an apparent error in one of JH's books on sound. How does an open pipe vibrate? Regarding the private character of J. L. Lagrange.
Thanks AD for a correction in one of JH's writings; tries to explain the partial echo that occurs when blowing across the end of an open pipe.
No objection to JH publishing soundings of J. C. Ross. FB will send JH detailed records of these. Any letters to Ross must arrive by 18 June for dispatch to Hobart Town. FB has copies of Thomas Maclear's correspondence about magnetic observations.
Encloses seven notes from J. C. Ross to Edward Sabine and FB.