Acknowledges receipt of a parcel of material [see JH's 1855-4-13].
Acknowledges receipt of a parcel of material [see JH's 1855-4-13].
Upset by Cambridge Bill now before Parliament. It contains changes contrary to report from [Cambridge University] Commission. W. H. Bateson will write to John Romilly, and GP writes to JH, both seeking letters to Lord Chancellor explaining this problem.
Henry Lawson has presented all his meteorological instruments and his transit instrument to this Observatory. Hopes to study the relation of the atmosphere to the prevalence of disease. Wonders if the Government or some society would be willing to finance assistant in the observatory.
Discusses possibility of JH taking position of a judge for Britain at a scientific exposition in France.
Has recently published a volume on Practical Astronomy and dispatched a copy via Messrs. Trubner for JH. Believes it fills a need as there has been no suitable work available for beginners.
JH's views coincide with GP's views about constitution of [Cambridge] University. Adam Sedgwick, GP, and John Romilly will compose joint letter to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple], pointing out that present parliamentary bill [to make new statutes for Cambridge] is totally opposed to recommendations [of Cambridge University Commission] and to liberal constitution granted to Oxford University.
Will send copies tomorrow to JH and to Bishop of Chester [John Graham] of letter that GP, W. H. Bateson, and Adam Sedgwick wrote to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple], after consulting with John Romilly. Please sign and return it quickly, so it can be presented to [House of] Lords before Tuesday. Encloses copy of bill.
Sends copy of letter by Dean of Ely [George Peacock], Adam Sedgwick, and 'Master of the Rolls ' [John Romilly] to be sent to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple] and to Lord Chancellor. Please sign and return it.
Hastens to acknowledge his letter and regrets the Literary Society will not be able to count JH among its members.
Final pay approved for JH. Thomas Graham has not yet received full authority [as JH's successor]. Production of Crimean Medal. No success in finding Benjamin Wyon's model of Kaffir Medal in War Department. Encloses reply from Philadelphia Mint regarding new weighing machine. Shipment of copper to Sydney branch mint. Cost of producing Kaffir ribbon. Wyon's dies are breaking.
Sends a letter of praise for the family Herschel, including especially JH and his father, William.
Told John Romilly that JH cannot attend meeting to review amendments to Cambridge [University] bill. Large protest meeting by university residents yesterday. Believes Lord Chancellor [R. M. Rolfe] will abandon bill. GP's view of how amended bill should distribute authority at university.
Sign and return three enclosed letters from Cambridge University Commissioners to Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple], John Russell, and Lord Chancellor [R. M. Rolfe] regarding amended Cambridge University bill.
Regarding the non-arrival of his star catalogues. Thinks that four volumes will finish the observations.
Will communicate with the other committee members about a replacement for the Melbourne University professor who died [see JH's 1855-5-23].
Appeals to Lord Chancellor [R. M. Rolfe] are producing great changes in [parliamentary bill for new statutes at Cambridge University]. But Heads of Houses are angry. William Whewell's responses are 'arbitrary and despotic.' Extreme agitation at Cambridge.
Results of observations using the G. B. Amici micrometer.
About transferring the Melbourne University funds into a trust account managed by the rest of the committee [see JH's 1855-3-23].
Has heard from W. H. Smyth that JH is suffering from serious and protracted indisposition. Hopes he will soon be restored to health as he himself has been.
Visits Angelo Secchi at Rome observatory, where they are comparing information in Cape Results to their observations.