Sends the formula for finding the maximum diameter of the planets.
Sends the formula for finding the maximum diameter of the planets.
Sends two copies of his book ["Beitrage zur chorographischen Kenntniss des Flussgebiets" (1822)]. He is commissioned by the King to produce a "Flora Hannoverana"; intends to arrange it on example of "Flora Danica". Requests exchange of "interesting and rare plants of England" in return for "several rare and new species of African plants"; he has a large collection from last 17 years.
Apologises for being unable to send Smith Essequebo plants as he had already given his duplicates to [Joseph Franz] Jacquin. Proposes a German edition of "English botany", regarding which he has already written to [James] Sowerby requesting the plates; few copies of the original in Germany owing to its high price; if Smith agrees requests critical notes on the species.
Observatory plans are progressing well; GP also sends some Cambridge University news.
Would like his help on observations of double stars. Comparison of data. Gives details of stars and distances of certain planets from the earth.
Thanks for Yates' letter, pleased he enjoyed his time at Norwich. Heard great things of Yates at Holkham [Hall, Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke] and his skill with Coke's manuscripts. Asks Yates' opinion of Coke's marriage [in 1822 Coke married Lady Anne Amelia Keppel (1803-1844), 50 years his junior]; "Tories and bigots [...] hate Mr Coke for his virtues, but still more for his happiness".
Sorry to hear reports of Yates' father's [John Yates (1755-1826), Unitarian minister] ill health, "his loss will ill be supplied whenever he is taken away"; receives supports from his sister Martin, who is attached to Yates' family. Engaged with his "English Flora" and has little time for letter writing. Hopes to see Yates in London, he intends to be there from 5 May to till after 4 June.
Next meeting of Board of Longitude.
Regarding the method of dispatch of papers for foreign members.
Encloses JH's translation of J. J. Littrow's method of determining latitude by pole star. It already appeared in F. X. Zach's Correspondance astronomique.... Send Francis Beaufort's survey of Karamania coast.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Has had a letter from [J. C.?] Schenk of which he encloses a copy as it was possibly intended for JH. Will be pleased to hear about his expedition to Monta Rosa. Has found new method of estimating the mean temperature of the air. Was too late to see Vesuvius in eruption. Let him know if he wishes to say anything to Schenk.
Tells CB that JH has seen a calculating machine made by some 'rascally frenchman'.
Asks JH to check accuracy of Nautical Almanac entry for Jupiter's satellites III and IV on 20 Aug. 1819. Thanks for JH's note, but tell James South 'he is bound to give his reasons....'
No summary available.
Pleased to hear of Smith's new work, "for to promote any study the greatest facilities should be given", believes that Valpy's and Jones' modern English-Greek Grammars would have saved him much time in his youth. His opinion on sexing of woodcocks changed, having considered opinions of Irish sportsmen and dissections made by Duke of Gordon.
Unconvinced by Horticultural Society's proposal for 33 acre experimental garden near Chiswick, [Middlesex], as the institution at present is already expensive, keeping up the garden could only be done through repeated calls for funds from members, and it will only be useful for publishing, for if the produce is sold then the nursery gardeners will be injured. Smith has not noticed his hedgehog anecdote.
Postscript on "Charms of fox-hunting", large portion of text missing from removal of address label on opposing side.
Fears JH misunderstood TY's remark about the injustice of James South's accusation regarding Nautical Almanac. TY was not trying to provoke South's hostility. Sends 'Schumacher's No. 10' for JH's perusal.
Discusses JS's efforts to reform the Nautical Almanac, including JS's Practical Observations on the Nautical Almanac. States that in this 'awful crisis' JS has no hostile feelings toward its superintendent, Thomas Young.
No summary available.
Matters relating to his calculating machine.
He has never regarded [Thomas William] Coke's marriage "in any other light than as a subject of congratulation" [in 1822 Coke married Lady Anne Amelia Keppel (1803-1844), 50 years his junior]; Coke's warm character. Observations on derivation of 'Nerium'. Expects to visit Dr [John] Bostock in London about 27 May [1822], hopes to also see Smith. Just returned from trip to Liverpool, where he left his father [John Yates (1755-1826), Unitarian minister] and the Martin family [Smith's sister] in good health.