Comments on ES's measurement [in his Account of Experiments to Determine the Figure of the Earth] indicating 'the increase of the fraction expressing the earth's compression.' Predicts that ES's result will cause a 'sensation,' but does not commit himself to it.
Let Josef Fraunhofer make WW's whole transit instrument, and mural circle as well. Attests to Fraunhofer's artistry. Germans will soon leave no stars to discover. Wishes someone would import G. F. Reichenbach's meridian circle and use it on F. W. Bessel's plan. Suggests WW order clocks from [Robert] Molyneux or [William] Hardy.
Is helping another scientist bring to publication a work on triangulation in the Alps. Comments on JH's idea of suspending an extremely long plumb bob at a particular precipice in the Alps [Foucault pendulum?]. GP does not believe the results would warrant the expense. Comments on the floating collimator [see JH's 1825-1-14], noting that he does not find it very helpful.
Explains the layout of her recently completed catalogue of 2500 nebulae.
Is sending a copy of Wilhelm Struve's paper on Josef Fraunhofer's telescope. Regarding F. W. Bessel's formula on longitude. Has copies of J. J. Littrow's paper for him.
Is grateful for being elected an Associate of the Astronomical Society. Compares barometers. Grateful for comments on his pamphlet. News of expedition up Mont Cuccio. Local disputes regarding the results.
Invites JH to dinner Saturday to meet J. G. S. Van Breda.
Shares JH's doubts whether the Board of Longitude will fund the Teneriffe expedition, the importance of which he again stresses. Cannot personally cover the costs. Thanks JH for his support and praise.
Responds to ES's proposal to conduct a series of meteorological observations from the peak of Teneriffe. Promises to bring it before the Board of Longitude for consideration for support.
Clarifies issues discussed in an earlier letter. Discusses whether the project of making meteorological observations will be feasible if the Board of Longitude does not offer financial support. Attempts to arrange a meeting with JH.
Responds to ES's letter of 1825-4-4, stating that JH now understands that ES will proceed with the Teneriffe observations only if funds are provided. Praises Sabine's previous work.
On 1825-4-7 presented ES's proposal for experiments at Teneriffe to the Board of Longitude, which judged the experiments not sufficiently relevant to the Board's concerns. Offers to seek endorsement from the R.S.L.
Illegible.
On the eloges of William Herschel being prepared by François Arago and J. B. Fourier. JH's and JS's work on double stars much appreciated among French astronomers. On Alexis Bouvard, Arago, and other French astronomers. On Wilhelm Struve's observations of double stars.
Encourages JH to bring ES's proposal for Teneriffe experiments before the R.S.L. Council.
Agrees to purchase JS's 7-foot refractor if no other reasonable offer made, but doubts he would use it extensively. Plans to concentrate on observing nebulae with JH's reflector at Slough. Relays regards and question for P. S. Laplace.
Anticipates appearance of JH's work on double stars; asks for suggestions for employment for a young man from Germany, and offers some suggestions about refining the study of refraction.
Studied 659 double stars; JH is confident that his work proves his father's conclusions. Now plans to study nebulae.
Writes to thank the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia for the gift of the catalogue of its library.
Something is going badly. Comments on volcanic action observed, and on having met some English acquaintances of JH. [Many parts of this letter illegible.]