Thanks JH for advice on a legal matter.
Thanks JH for advice on a legal matter.
The first volume of Johann Pfaff's German translation of William Herschel's papers has been published; asks JH to inform her whether he wants a copy. Commenting on her boredom, CH laments that her 'sole employment consists in keeping myself in good humor and not be disagreeable to others.'
Worried about JH's love life.
Mentions a four month absence from Dorpat. Commends [James] South on his work on double stars yet states that South's distances for nearby stars are too large. Considers his measurements, previous to his [Josef] Fraunhofer telescope, significant, even if South refuses to accept them. Thanks JH for the difference in the longitudinal measurements between Paris and Greenwich.
He is exiled from his country and family; intends to generate an income by creating and selling a hortus siccus of London plants; his progress. Sending parcel of specimens to Smith for opinion and so his hortus siccus will be more valuable through association with Smith's herbarium, and copy of his second book, edited by Dr de la Llave of Mexico. Observations on some of the specimens.
Discusses the construction of JR's telescope. Mentions a number of material changes that must be made if it is to be used for sweeping [see JR's 1826-9-30].
Introduces Charles [Lucien] Bonaparte, [2nd] Prince of [Canino and] Musignano [(1803-1857)], who has been residing in the United States studying natural history. Bonaparte has updated [Alexander] Wilson's ["American Ornithology"] and collected an extensive collection of American insects. Asks that he be made a member of the Linnean Society. Has received third volume of Smith's ["English flora"] including copy for "Lyceum of Natural History".
About plans for the Christmas season, the weather, history writing, and book publishing.
Looked for JS to talk with him about the secretaryship of the R.S.L., specifically discussing Charles Babbage's position. JH would prefer to have JS nominate Babbage.
Writing on behalf of her husband, Charles, who is away, GB expresses her thankfulness for JH's kindness, and believes Charles will agree to be nominated for secretary of the R.S.L.
No summary available.
Tells CB that everyone is anxious to have CB allow his name to stand for the Secretaryship of the R.S.L. JH lists many names of people who have all said they would vote for CB.
[Addition to Mary Baldwin's letter.] Health of JH's uncle. Travels through volcanic country of Vivarais. Asks CH to purchase for JH 10 copies of the first volume of William Herschel's works, recently translated into German. Sent to CH six copies of JH's 'Account of a Series of Observations Made with a 20-feet Reflecting Telescope' (1826) via Mr. Golterman, and six copies of JH's 'On the Parallax of the Fixed Stars' (1826) via Capt. Müller. James South received Copley Medal this year. Asks about comet near sun on 18 Nov.
Comments on a paper on achromatic eyeglasses submitted by GA to the R.S.L.; also on a paper of William Whewell's on the operation of a pendulum.
Information on a Mr. Atkinson. Remarks on dispersion of rays in glass.
Giving further details and readings of the comet he has been observing.
Comments on how difficult he finds it "to be allowed to mind [his] own business", but concedes difficulty as he works "so much for the publick". Approves of Sowerby's "Life" of his father [James Sowerby], though doubts whether it is proper for the public. He is ill with catarrh, pulmonary inflammation, and weak stomach. Can have no communication with Mr G Leathes and has nothing to say on his plant. Considers the call for Sowerby's accounts respecting "Flora Graeca" a most "impertinent inquistion", "what a curse is law in this country".
FB has seen P. M. Roget and Stephen Groombridge, who both give their support to Charles Babbage's election. FB is very concerned about the lack of an R.S.L. Council meeting when most council members would attend.
Sending a copy of his letter he has sent to J. B. J. Fourier [see JG's 1826-11-22]. Comments on readings and observations of this comet.
Is anxious to talk to JH about the matter of Charles Babbage's election. Believes Babbage being out of town is best, thereby leaving matters in the hands of his friends.