Asks JH for information on the Beaufoy Clock owned by R.A.S., which is now missing. Requests JH to read R.A.S. Annual Report.
Asks JH for information on the Beaufoy Clock owned by R.A.S., which is now missing. Requests JH to read R.A.S. Annual Report.
Thanks JH for reading R.A.S. records. G. P. Bond will not receive R.A.S. medal. The Beaufoy Clock is recovered.
Richard Hodgson claims to have invented the diagonal solar eyepiece despite JH's description of it in Cape Results.
Richard Hodgson pursues claim to invention of the diagonal solar eyepiece while claiming that JH disclaimed the invention.
Cites quotation from Cape Results proving that JH invented the diagonal solar eyepiece. Discusses RH's claim. Note to JH accompanies this letter.
Forwards letter concerning 'solar bright particles' by W. R. Dawes. Inquires if diagonal solar eyepiece used in JH's solar spectrum observations.
Compares W. L. Newman's and CP's calculations of optical coefficients to those in JH's work. Sends JH formulae and tables for calculating telescopic lens thickness and shape in relation to the dimensions of the telescope. Wishes JH luck on Iliad.
Compares JH's equation for lens curvature with that of C. F. Gauss.
Praises JH's Iliad. Asks R.S.L. for funds to cover expenses incurred by spherical observations. Details information to be included in optical tables.
Requests JH's reflections on the deceased Wilhelm Struve. Discusses making of telescope object glass. Continues work on the optical tables.
R.S.L. approves of CP's optical work, believing it will be helpful at observatories abroad. CP comments on Alexander Herschel's prism experiments.
Asks if JH anticipated the results of W. L. Newman's work on lens curvature.
Discusses opinions of Charles Darwin's theories. Doubtful that the day has shortened due to tidal forces since the earth's beginning. Alexander Herschel helps in the revision of William Herschel's double star catalogue. Alex is preparing to lecture at Glasgow University.
Informs JH, Charles Babbage, and James South that they are the surviving original members of the R.A S. Requests JH write an account of the R.A.S.'s founding. Discusses the evidence of the 'personal will' of God in creation.
R.A.S. wants JH to direct the preparation of William Herschel's catalogue of double stars for publication. CP suggests Alexander Herschel prepare the catalogue with JH's supervision. G. B. Airy observes the 'willow leaves.'
Thanks CP and R.A.S. Council for funds to help with JH's catalogue of William Herschel's double stars. Alexander Herschel will begin work soon on the project.
Sends sermon he preached at the BAAS Nottingham meeting ["The continuity of the schemes of nature and revelation" (1866)], in which he disagrees with CD on the gradual genesis of the human eye by natural selection.
Responds to CP’s sermon. Corrects CP’s confusion of what CD said about eyes of the Articulata with human eye,
and questions applicability of CP’s mathematical arguments about length of geological time needed for evolution.
Agrees he was foolish about the Wealden, now struck from later editions [Origin, pp. 285–7].
Compares observations of meteor shower in Orion with JH. Describes methods and observations in detail.
Asks if JH still considering editing William Herschel's R.S.P.T. publications. Suggests that Alexander Herschel edit the work. Speculates that William Herschel observed the 'willow leaves.' JH's star catalogue will be printed by the R.A.S.