From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Henry Kater
Date:
[17 July 1828]
Source of text:
RS:HS 21.19
Summary:
JH very upset at the government abolishing the Board of Longitude; has many questions as to what will happen now.
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
JH very upset at the government abolishing the Board of Longitude; has many questions as to what will happen now.
Sends Knowles's paper for his comments. The Board of Longitude has now been officially dissolved. Hopes the R.S.L. will not take on its work unless well paid by the government. Answers to JH's queries regarding the Nautical Almanac and other works of the Board of Longitude. Present time not good for state recognition of science.
Comments on a paper about differential calculus, prepared by Mr. Knight, which JH confesses he does not understand. Adds some astronomical observations JH made at Slough before leaving there, and noting the appearance of J. F. Encke's Berlin Ephemeris concludes with 'England is fated to lag in the rear of all her neighbours—at least in science.'
About the use of the collimator, together with some family news.
Has been searching for the regulations regarding the Military College. William Fitton and HK have proposed Eilhard Mitscherlich for the Royal Medal and JH is to be asked to prepare a statement. Is pleased J. J. Littrow has adopted the collimator. Has heard of their visit to Gadesburgh. Still at the R.S.L. though he really wished to resign. Michael Faraday was voted the Copley Medal for his glass experiments.