Sending him the draft of the Report of the Standards Committee for his signature.
Showing 1–17 of 17 items
Sending him the draft of the Report of the Standards Committee for his signature.
About family finances, JH's health, and activities around the house.
Sending a photograph of the moon 38" in diameter. Begs him to accept it as a mark of appreciation.
Describes a revolving eyepiece that could protect the eye from excess light in solar observation.
Believes he will complete Iliad.
Some friction has arisen between JH and MH over finances, and JH apologizes; JH is describing the newly-acquired horse, and reports on mail received and the activities of the children.
Did JH know when he was Master of the Mint that Isaac Newton had introduced a golden quarter-guinea? Most of his family are at Aldeburgh. Does he know Tristram Shandy's sense of proportion? Charles Babbage has become a public benefactor by the passing of the act against barrel organs.
Regrets the expense incurred by the enclosed letter. Sends the report from the Colonial Office.
News of Herschel family. JH asks for information about 'India Stock' [investments].
If RC's formulas for sunspots are correct, then 'trade-wind theory' is challenged and sun's photosphere may behave as envelope circulating around sun according to laws of planetary motion. Questions formula relating to sunspot velocity.
Comments on minting of coins [see AD's 1864-8-18], the state of JH's health, and the need for an elocution teacher for one of JH's sons.
Has a quarter sovereign given him by Thomas Graham. Will mention the coin in Notes and Queries. Gives a pun on his own name. Anecdote of rain in India when his father and mother were travelling.
Congratulations on marriage of JH's son William. Hopes Willy and his bride will call at the Cape on their way to India. Attorney General has just returned from Grahamstown with the [Samuel] Parlby papers. Has finished work on measurement of arc of meridian.
Finds FP's paper [see FP's 1864-7] interesting, but does not believe his proposal has any hope of acceptance.
Asks for JH's advice on astronomy as a profession.
Thanks WT for paper on rigidity of the earth; agrees tidal action affects not only fluid motion of earth, but the solid as well. Mentions JH's paper of the previous year suggesting that tidal waves cause earthquakes. Raises questions about the idea of the earth as a magnet and about WT's dynamical theory of heat.
Responds to [?]'s 'passionate desire to become an astronomer.' Distinguishes between doing astronomy and enjoying its discoveries. Explains training procedures.