Text Online
From:
William Reid
To:
Michael Faraday
Date:
April 1835
Source of text:
IEE MS SC 2
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Faraday Project
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Thanks him for his letter of sympathy. Gives news of financial awards made, and forthcoming to Mary Somerville, W. S. Stratford, and Michael Faraday.
Asks WE to take charge of a packet of JH's astronomical papers to be given to Francis Baily in England. Wishes WE restored health.
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Has arranged with Lady Herschel for Sir John to spend a night at the Observatory. Come early; then he can reverse the transit instrument. Is not satisfied with the performance of the transit clock. Intends to clean it. Is ready to adopt JH's suggestions for measuring the tides. Curious that JH and [T. G.?] Taylor should suggest similar plans for measuring the divisions of a mural circle.
About the difficulty of measuring high and low tide with the instruments available to TM; offers the design of an instrument that would measure the mid-point between high and low tides.
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Has just returned from crossing the Cordilleras. Geological observations of formations representing great epochs of violence which broke up the earth’s crust. Shells at over 12000 feet. Silicified trees in sandstone formations at great heights. Red snow and viviparous lizards. Botanical specimens.
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Sending his observations of the recent comet. JH's journey has aroused great interest in Germany. Taking over the Observatory and expecting a visit from F. W. Bessel. Wilhelm Struve has planned a new observatory for St. Petersburg. Has met astronomer Manuel Johnson from St. Helena. C. F. Gauss has produced a method of observing the magnetic needle.
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His trip across the Andes and back was his most successful excursion: can clearly demonstate that the western part of the double line of mountains is much older, with fossil shells at 12000ft; the eastern line may be as modern as the Patagonian plains. If proved, this is an important fact in the theory of the formation of the world. Has found petrified trees.
Prospects good for crossing Kalahari Desert and visiting Musalacatzie [Moselekatse], 'dreaded tyrant of the interior.' Heard reports of extraordinary animals and great inland lake. Describes planned itinerary and John Barrow's observations.
Found his recent stay at the remote German castle very restful. Gives details of a large flight of crows and compares it to nebulae. Cure for sore throats. Hopes the South Easters do not disturb him. Intends spending the winter in Paris. Hopes that JH is preparing a two volume work on his scientific experiences.