Observations on the work of S. D. Poisson and P. G. le D. Pontecoulant. Is JH's 20-ft. telescope any use for measuring angles and distances? Discussion of solar spots.
Observations on the work of S. D. Poisson and P. G. le D. Pontecoulant. Is JH's 20-ft. telescope any use for measuring angles and distances? Discussion of solar spots.
The first evening party is on Saturday, and hopes JH will be able to come.
Sends some specimens of aloes and calocynth with some remarks on them. Also sends some sugar made by evaporating the cane juice under diminished pressure. Inquired from J. Lister regarding the elasticity of hardened steel wire.
Sending his sextant and instructions for its use, which he will doubtless find useful. Also a copy of James Horsburgh's Directions. Has not heard from Captain Hardy regarding the rope. Advises boxes covered in mackintosh. Plans to publish his book on Saturday.
Has resolved to leave the Cape and soon after JH receives this letter he hopes to be in England. Will bring the barometer and the exterior thermometer. Saw Dr. Duncan Stewart yesterday.
Formal note and stamp acknowledging receipt of £50 annuity from estate of William Herschel, sent by executor JH, followed by note to JH on arrangements for sending such payments. Asks for news about Stewart family.
Has acquired a 7-ft. Newtonian telescope of William Herschel made in 1802. Is well preserved but the speculum appears to be tarnished. Would like to bring it to London to obtain JH's advice on its shortcomings. Is going to France to collect the actinometers and the results of L. F. Kämtz.
Is grateful for the autographs and Dr. Thomas Raffles sends him thanks. Regarding various star readings. Has a problem connected with the satellites of Saturn. Hears that JH is contemplating a visit to the Cape to make observations.
Has been laid up with influenza, which delayed his answer. Has seen H. W. Pickersgill, who will be very pleased to paint JH's portrait. Can he arrange a meeting?
Sending the speculum to Slough in order that JH may examine it. Departs for Paris tomorrow. Hopes to see him at the Cambridge meeting.
Will JH be able to dine with the other visitors at Greenwich on Saturday? JH has been awarded a Royal Medal. Thinks JH is wrong in not desiring a passage to the Cape in a Man of War.
Recounts details of his visit to England. Gives his own recent astronomical observations. Is sending this via G. B. Airy in case JH has left.
Has performed some Newton's rings interference experiments. Asks whether such experiments have already been communicated to the R.S.L.
Trying to understand David Brewster's results on absorption of light in gaseous state, and the dark lines in solar spectrum, the cause of which he misunderstands.
Will be able to receive JH during Cambridge trip.
Outlines possible program for Wednesday.
Would like his opinion on the enclosed plan regarding chronometers.
His son Thomas has set out for France and he himself is in London to see the passage of a bill through Parliament. Would be grateful for letters of introduction to M.P.'s with which JH is acquainted.
Regarding Society matters. Small parcel has arrived for JH.
Has sent to Francis Baily a copy of his Sailing Directions and a roll of charts. Hopes JH will point out any errors he may note.