From:
Adam and Charles Black
To:
Sir John Herschel
Date:
[6 October 1859]
Source of text:
Harvard: Houghton AAH 67m-67 (48)
Summary:
Concerning the publication of JH's Telescope.
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
Concerning the publication of JH's Telescope.
Intends applying for the chair of Practical Astronomy at Glasgow University. Outlines the work he has already done in astronomy. Would like a testimonial from JH.
Announces funeral of Robert Stephenson.
Is grateful for the testimonial JH has sent, and will be pleased to use it in support of his application to Sir G. C. Lewis.
Miss B. Baily is delighted with the account of JH, and of his son in India. She has recovered from the cold and hopes that Lady Herschel is feeling better.
Would like a testimonial from JH which would prove useful when he retires. Points out his value to JH when he analyzed the metals used.
JH appointed to a committee including George Wilson, David Brewster, Clerk Maxwell, William Thomson, and William Pole to study color blindness. They will be granted £10.
Extract of letter from Charles Grey, asking B.A.A.S. to inform Prince Albert of estimated expenses for proposed five-year survey of terrestrial magnetism. As president of joint committee of B.A.A.S. and R.S.L., JH should answer this. Entry of three U.S. observatories may eliminate need for observatory in Newfoundland. Recent visit to Kew by A. T. Kupffer suggests that Russian stations may soon have self-recording instruments. Proposes suspending observatory in Falkland Islands until colonies decide to join survey. Dutch observatory in Java. Describes buildings needed for observatories. Estimates expenses for six years.
Sending a stereoscopic photograph of the gibbous moon and requesting information on various points. Has recently taken many photographs of the moon in various states.
Wavelet in garden stream is gone due to scarce water, but EW describes it from memory. [Husband] Walpole adds measurements. Returns note from R. B. Kane. EW hurt that her word about Elizabeth Baily was doubted by Lady K. B. Kane. Thanks JH for accepting EW's claim.
Proper procedure for communicating with Charles Grey. Cost and effectiveness of self-registering instruments versus older visual instruments. ES's method of estimating observatory expenses. Importance of observatory in Shanghai.
Is grateful for JH's testimonial, which will doubtless be of great value.