JDH’s grandfather’s death.
Collecting testimonials for the Edinburgh chair.
JDH’s grandfather’s death.
Collecting testimonials for the Edinburgh chair.
Encloses signed receipt for promissory note for £150 from John Murray. Hopes to have pleasure of meeting him soon. Is particularly obliged for promise of information on success of volume.
Condolences on JDH’s grandfather’s death.
When his wife can move, they will go to Staffordshire.
Returns some books; would like to see copy of Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt]. Would be proud owner of JDH’s work [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].
"All about household and money matters." The family is now living on about £1000 per annum. Plans a new walk and additions to the house.
The most experienced botanists argue for the "validity of species in nature". Against taxonomic "splitters".
CD’s Cape Tres Montes plants.
Going to Shrewsbury on Monday.
Means to attempt the question of species: "though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, attempt my work".
Thanks for Journal of researches.
Puzzled over pea flower from Cape Tres Montes.
Thinks species a fair and most profitable subject for discussion, but has no formed opinion of his own.
Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt] has arrived safely.
CD acknowledges his presumption in speculating on variation without having worked out his due share of species, but "for nine years it has been anyhow the greatest amusement to me".
No summary available.
Chair of Botany at Edinburgh is now vacant and Joseph Hooker intends applying for it. Would be grateful if JH would supply a testimonial for Hooker. There is only one other candidate for the position.
Sends a copy of an ephemeris of Biela's comet for November and December.
Has just completed the orbit for the binary star Mu2 Bootis. Sends details. Could not send his notice of Biela's comet to W. R. Dawes as he did not know his address.
Is grateful for JH's testimonial for his son Joseph. Wishes the Herschels would come and look around Kew. Regarding the Cape bulbs. Has no official person to collect seeds.
JH will hear in due course of the resignation of Mr. Young, the Medical Officer for Hawkhurst. Thinks something must be done quickly to improve matters.
Received his note this morning, the first tidings he had heard of the matter. Gives his own opinion of the matter. Would have liked to have conferred with him. His neighbors are away so has been unable to consult them.
Was at Hawkhurst for a few days but was unable to call on JH. Further regarding the case of the Medical Officer for Hawkhurst, Mr. Young.
About a number of astronomical matters, including double stars. Provides observations and calculations for Gamma Virginis. Also comments on lunar models.
Robert Peel has suggested that the Admiralty has money available to pay for improvements in scientific instruments of value to navigation.
Sending one of his own books for the R.A.S. and one of his memoirs, also one for JH. Is lacking part of his set of the Memoirs of the Astronomical Society.
Is not clear what the statement from Robert Peel means [see JH's 1845-9-29 or earlier].