Pointing out one aspect of JH's report with which he does not agree, viz., the advantage of very small magnets in observations.
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Pointing out one aspect of JH's report with which he does not agree, viz., the advantage of very small magnets in observations.
Would have liked to have welcomed JH on his return from the Cape, but academic duties prevented it. Royal Irish Academy progresses under W. R. Hamilton's presidency. His late father established a magnetic observatory at Dublin and HL is in charge.
Some personal and some general astronomical news.
Rejoices that JH is in favor of a South Polar expedition. Three years since a memorandum was presented to the government and thinks the B.A.A.S. should now present a further memo. Hopes JH will give it his support.
JH reiterates his support of a South Polar expedition.
Is anxious to hear from HL about his ideas for a major expedition for magnetic observations being considered by the B.A.A.S.
Agrees on the general plan for the expedition with the views of Edward Sabine. Gives some of his own comments for magnetic observations.
Further comments in preparation for discussion of major expedition [see JH's 1838-10-22] with representatives of the government.
Has been considering with Edward Sabine that morning the requirements for the fixed observatories. Gives lists and also estimate of finances required for a three-year period.
Would like a statement from Edward Sabine and HL outlining the probable expense and materials required for the proposed expedition so that he can hand it to the government at the interview. Has written to G. B. Airy, who is not in favor of the proposed expedition, so will write again. Thinks it necessary for men of science to agree before presenting petitions to the government.
Illness forces him to make a quick return home. Agrees with JH that scientific men should act unanimously when approaching government. Thinks the R.S.L. should go along with the B.A.A.S. as well. Hoped to consult G. B. Airy. Will see Edward Sabine to draw up the memorial.
Passes on the suggestion, from G. B. Airy, of the use of copper rings for damping the movements of measuring instruments in measuring terrestrial magnetism.
Was pleased to hear of the success of JH's exertions. Comments on the instruments required. Thanks for his communication on the copper ring; will try it with the bifilar. W. H. F. Talbot talks of applying the photographic method to meteorological and magnetical instruments. Encloses a paper.
Has ordered the instruments for the Van Diemen's Land observatory. Is uncertain regarding the third magnetometer; T. C. Robinson's has not yet been tested. Will order a dip circle from Paris.
Responds positively to HL's 1839-4-17, and adds some additional comments.
Has just had a letter from C. F. Gauss regarding the hours for observations; comments on this.
About times at which magnetic observations should be made at each observation station.
Finds that he misunderstood Edward Sabine's statement and may have misled JH. Comments on the observations desired from the Antarctic Expedition.
Has not heard of any results of JH's letter to D. F. J. Arago, but Georges Aimé has been appointed to direct an observatory in Algiers. Great interest at the Institute when JH's letter was read. Glad he did not waste a second letter to the Times.
Sends to HL a sheet of curves laid down by [Charles] Riddell, comparing Brussels declination observations with those made in Toronto. JH frequently refers to HL's work on the subject of terrestrial magnetism.