News of his travels in Italy. Has lost their trunks.
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News of his travels in Italy. Has lost their trunks.
Regrets not having notified JH of the arrival of the manuscripts. Comments on them and the other papers. An algebra is much wanted. Has been much occupied with college and public business.
Book will be published on 13 Dec. Also printing JH's notes. Will extend to 710 pages. Comments on the errors and gives ideas for future publications. Reform is afoot in the University.
Outlines the events at Cambridge and the defeat of the reform GP hoped to introduce in the mathematical examinations.
Thanks for the two letters and the interesting matter they contain. Hopes JH will come when [William?] Clark[e]'s election takes place. Has put JH's name on the Syndics. Will not cease to exert himself in the cause of [mathematical] reform. Vice-Chancellor is against change.
Rejoices at the prospect of seeing JH on 10 June, the day of the election. Many supporters of William Clark may be absent. Has been unwell himself lately. Hears nothing about JH's Algebra. [Richard?] Harraden is difficult to move. Tell Charles Babbage an anonymous donor has given £20,000 to Peterhouse.
Has only just returned to the University. Not known at what time the election will take place. Has made inquiries about the bricks; they were given to the College by Sir J. Malcolm. Will get them copied. Just about to write to Charles Babbage who is coming down to take his degree.
Encloses certificate that Charles Babbage sent him, with the amended signatures. Sorry it has given JH so much trouble. All rejoice to see JH on 10 June.
Regrets delay in answering letter, but is setting to work and hopes to send part of his manuscript on curves in a few days. Has spoken to Smith (the printer). [Richard?] Harraden is immovable.
Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Reports that [John] Haviland, Regius Professor of Physic and a trustee of Dr [John] Walker's [(1731-1803) professor of natural history] botanical readership, is opposed to [Thomas] Martyn resigning if it causes an election, in which case he [Peacock] would have to prefer a university member candidate. Haviland is under the influence of Dr [James] Wood [(1760-1839)], the current vice-chancellor, who is strongly prejudiced against Smith. For certain success, as [William] Webb is to be the next vice-chancellor, proposes Smith gains three trustees' support and have Martyn resign without conditions. Recommends Provost of King's College [George Thackeray] as best conduit for Smith's wishes. If the professorship is appointed via the Senate he [Peacock] shall canvas for Smith with junior university members.
Received the parcel containing GP's manuscript just as he was intending to go into the country. Delayed his departure to prepare it for the printer, but the latter is waiting for types. Comments on JH's suggestions. Observatory was discussed at the meeting of Caput but was put off till 3 Dec. further discussion. James Wood is exerting his influence against it.
Syndicate appointed to consider the erection of an observatory at Cambridge. Gives details of passage through the Senate. Was obliged for J. B. Biot's letter of introduction; found his talents and candor delightful. Had estimate from Edward Troughton for instruments for the Observatory. Printing of the examples began yesterday.
Will be a meeting of the Observatory Syndicate on Tuesday 16 Dec.; hopes that JH can come as his name has great weight.
Went to London, and then returned for meeting of the Syndicate. Gives details of resolutions passed and also the one to which GP objects, viz body responsible for appointing observer. There is to be another meeting on Friday.
Meeting was not called by the Vice-Chancellor, so powers of the Syndicate are now at an end. Gives news of events at the University. Has had letter from J. B. Biot, who is to give a series of lectures on Newton's Principia.
Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Hopes Smith will lecture whilst visiting Cambridge. Recommends Dr [Martin] Davy as advisor for Smith. Update on Trinity College members' inclinations: Mr Powell intends to run for professorship and although his knowledge of botany is slight, as a former fellow many other fellows have promised their votes to him, however junior fellows more inclined to vote for Smith. Confident that Powell shall not succeed.
Observer for the forthcoming observatory is to be the Plumian Professor. Gives news of other professorships and gives opinion of JH's chances should he apply for any.
Requesting support for Adam Sedgwick in the forthcoming election for the Woodwardian Lectureship. Has been unwell himself.
Comments on the candidates and the process for filling the Woodwardian Lectureship at Cambridge; also some other Cambridge University matters.
Making arrangements for a visit to JH at Slough.