From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Roderick Impey Murchison
Date:
[8 October 1844]
Source of text:
EUL:Gen 1425/393
Summary:
Gratefully accepts role as President Elect for 1845 B.A.A.S. meeting.
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
Showing 21–40 of 55 items
Gratefully accepts role as President Elect for 1845 B.A.A.S. meeting.
On JH's Cambridge oration for B.A.A.S. Asks RM about weaknesses in paper, and character of people to be addressed, so that JH will not offend them. JH hopes to read speech, distrusting own extemporaneous speaking abilities.
W. S. Stratford, G. B. Airy, and JH agree that B.A.A.S. should publish star catalogs of N. L. Lacaille and J. J. L. Lalande without using government money. Proposes distribution to observatories. [JH annotation: Committee added two more observatories to list.]
Finally encloses note to [Christian?] Schönbein. Says S will come to Southampton. Wonders whether can recommend purchase of S's secret or military adoption of it without overstepping limits. Comments on [H. C.] Oersted's discovery.
Has unsuccessfully tried to get in touch with [Hugh] Falconer and Falconer's publisher about obtaining further government aid for Falconer's research. Hopes RM, JH's fellow B.A.A.S. committee member, can help.
Suggests dates for upcoming B.A.A.S. meeting that will allow time to get report on Kew Observatory and committee meeting.
Approves date of B.A.A.S. meeting. Will consult with [Charles?] Wheatstone about date of Kew committee meeting.
Probably cannot attend Kew meeting after 10th; has suggested 6th or 7th. Wishes to invite Michael Faraday as 'Physical Chair,' but knows of Faraday's poor health.
Accepts dinner invitation.
Wonders how [Christian?] Schönbein, who is in London, could best exhibit explosives. Hopes RM will attend upcoming meeting; [William] Stratford, who is ill, cannot. [Francis] Baily, [Thomas] Henderson, and [R.] Harris have died working on 'fatal' catalogue Stratford is doing.
On fitness of Michael Faraday, as a chemist and physicist, to chair B.A.A.S. section. Remarks on [H. C.] Oersted's identifying electricity and magnetism, and connection between Oersted's and Faraday's work. Further comments on Faraday's work, and on instances of rash observation ultimately proving correct.
To help RM, who must speak about [F. W.] Bessel, writes of Bessel's astronomical accomplishments.
No summary available.
Proposes priorities for allocating £1000 granted to R.S.L. by government. Disagrees with RM and Edward Sabine; R.S.L. should not assume responsibility for observatory or any other permanent institution.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Has been requested to serve on committee on R.S.L. government grant [see JH's 1850-2-15] and to draw up report to council for adoption on next day. JH declines request but offers opinions, suggestions, and a resolution.
Has received report of R.S.L. grant committee, noting that it did not adopt three of his recommendations. Asks questions. Is glad that RM and Charles Babbage are again on friendly terms.
No summary available.
Thanks for clarifications on grant comments [see JH's 1850-3-14]. JH's work is plentiful and time is short, so wishes not to undertake public projects, like working on R.S.L. grant committee. Received RM's enclosure regarding Russian Academy. Has heard nothing about medal committee.