From:
Mary Somerville
To:
John Murray III
Date:
?? Aug 1835
Source of text:
87, MS 41131, NLS
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Brigitte Stenhouse
No summary available.
Received his February letter and is pleased to hear that things are progressing. No one has seen Halley's Comet yet. His work on the reduction of the Cape observations is proceeding slowly. Had no idea he gave such a poor impression of the Cape climate. David Brewster and J. D. Forbes have not visited Edinburgh recently.
Was pleased to receive his flattering letter. Now two years since he sent copies of his observations to London and so far has had no reply. Would like to see them printed. Outlines some of the work he has been able to do with his very limited means. Hopes to be transferred soon.
No summary available.
The departure of two young missionaries for Africa provide the occasion for JM and WB to comment on the present status of work in preparing for printing the Mappa Selenographica, and they ask JH's opinion on some suggestions for printing. Have heard from F. W. Bessel of JH's sighting of the two inner moons of Saturn.
Expresses envy for WDF’s life as a clergyman.
Outlines homeward voyage; tells of his hope of seeing active volcanoes and Tertiary strata in Galapagos. Recommends geology to Fox. Discusses Lyell’s views; CD has become "a zealous disciple".
No summary available.
Looks forward to seeing volcanoes in Galapagos Islands.
Has altered his views on Cordillera formations as a result of another trip. Discusses his theory of their origin and history.
Mr Wilson's financial difficulties, consequent loss of legacies owed to the Wallace children, and opinion that Miss Draper's father, as the co-executor of John Greenell's will, may be liable to pay them; stoppage of interest payments, pressing debts; asking Miss Draper to intercede, her father being ill.
No summary available.
Sends some geological specimens. Describes his recent trips and findings on the geology of the Andes. Asks if HSF has seen large beds of shells on elevated land – possibly at Rio Grande or S. Brazil.
No summary available.
Reports having read the record JH sent of [tidal] observations and comments on it.
Sorry to have forgotten the curves; now encloses them. A. Walter has been here and brought the scrap he now encloses. Walter's tidal observations have been useless so far.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Sending some observations of double stars. Has had some of the sheets of the Brisbane Catalogue. His recent observations. Domestic affairs in the Cape of Good Hope.
Would like a complete report of last evening's proceedings.
Will long remember the triumphant meeting last night. Has heard nothing from England. Hopes C. P. Smyth may have come in the Romney, which arrived in Simon's Bay last evening. The traversing floor for the reflector will be finished tomorrow. Has been told that JH foretells that Halley's Comet will not be visible.
No summary available.