Asks JH for advice on a table designed to show the relation between the chemical elements and the known minerals. Asks JH about various problems relating to determining chemical formulas.
Asks JH for advice on a table designed to show the relation between the chemical elements and the known minerals. Asks JH about various problems relating to determining chemical formulas.
Sends JH a copy of Richard Jones's new book [Essay on the Distribution of Wealth]. Congratulates JH on the publication of his new book [Prelim. Discourse].
Returns the collection of optical writings that JH had sent. Comments on the controversy over the nature of light. Criticizes paper by Richard Potter attacking JH and other wave theorists of light.
Comments negatively on whether photonomy is a proper name for the study of light. Has suggested that the B.A.A.S. invite eminent scientists to survey their specialties. Discusses whether B.A.A.S. should meet at Cambridge. Has published his review of JH's Prelim. Discourse.
Sends JH a report by Mrs. Thomas Malthus on experiments relating to vision. Mentions T. Malthus's views of books on political economy by Thomas Chalmers and Richard Jones. Praises T. Malthus.
Is sending JH some writings by Mr. (Mrs.?) Thomas Malthus on idiotic people and a book by WW [Astronomy and General Physics]. Mentions Richard Jones. Asks whether WW has seen 'the comet.'
Comments on the optical experiments with 'Mr [Thomas] Malthus's eyes.' Reports that Richard Jones has received a professorship at King's College. Mentions WW's intention to investigate tides.
Sending JH various publications. Reports that Richard Jones is giving his introductory letter. Congratulates JH on birth of an 'experimental philosopher' [JH's son William James].
Comments on JH's proposals to James Adamson regarding education at the Cape. Criticizes Francis Bacon's philosophy. Plans to devote his efforts to philosophy and has begun a history of the sciences. Describes his work on the tides. Richard Jones's professorship at the East India College is in jeopardy.
WW's results regarding tidal observation and theory. Requests further data from the Cape. Has nearly completed his history of the inductive sciences.
Reports on his tidal studies and requests further observations from South Africa. WW's history of the inductive sciences is in press and WW has begun a philosophy of the inductive sciences. Discusses Richard Jones's career and Charles Darwin's return to England.
Can leave Lancaster immediately for interview with William Lamb, Lord Melbourne regarding the magnetic survey. Congratulates JH for escaping presidency of the B.A.A.S.
Entreats JH, who had recently rebuffed efforts to head the R.S.L. and the B.A.A.S., to become president of the Geological Society. Specifies responsibilities involved.
Discusses what instruments should be given to Palon Boguslawski. Discusses tidal observations, noting the complexity of the results obtained.
Will be pleased to be godfather of JH's new daughter. Pleased also that JH is reviewing his [Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences]. Presents an argument to support his a prioristic view of the nature of science.
Thanks for JH's review of WW's Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences. Admits that too much of it was written in a 'spirit of needless pugnacity.' Believes that JH's and WW's views are closer than may appear.
Asks JH whether he knows of any projects that the B.A.A.S. should fund. Makes further comments on JH's review of WW's Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences.
[Writing shortly after his marriage (12 Oct. 1841) and acceptance a few days later of the Mastership of Trinity College], WW thanks JH for his expressions of good will. Invites the Herschels to Trinity Lodge.
Describes life in Trinity Lodge and invites JH to visit him there. Is writing on ethics and puzzling over the nature of causation.
Comments on JH's translation of Friedrich Schiller's poem 'The Walk.' Invites the Herschels to Trinity Lodge, then under repair. Mentions James South's odd behavior.