From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Caroline Lucretia Herschel
Date:
1841-4
Source of text:
TxU:H/L-0586.8.b; Reel 1058
Summary:
Has not unpacked William Herschel's letters that JH secured from the R.S.L.
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
Has not unpacked William Herschel's letters that JH secured from the R.S.L.
Sends letter on the subject of the star maps.
Regarding the payment of John Arrowsmith's bill for the printing of the star maps, which seems excessive in relation to the low standard achieved. Would like FB's comments.
Measuring work of the base line is virtually completed and levelling of the line will commence forthwith. Has devoted every day to the work except Sundays. Comments on various aspects of the work. F. E. Wilmot wishes he had not returned the rusty dip bar. Obelisk is on board the Romeo.
Is delighted at the prospect of JH's article being included in the next number of the Quarterly Review. Is not surprised it will extend to fifty pages, but hopes he will remember the 'general reader.'
No summary available.
Has communicated JH's remarks to John Arrowsmith. Is sorry for the inconvenience caused.
Doubts that isomerism of all elements can be verified experimentally, but notes a number of groups with similar atomic weights that might well fit. Further on vegetable colors in photography. Refers to enclosure of a further dialogue on infinity.
Reports receipt of a communication, which argues that all elements are merely isomers of one substance. Expresses support for such a view.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Further about the map printing problem [see FB's 1841-4-6].
No summary available.
No summary available.
Would like some dry prints of the star map, if no further expense is involved. Is sorry that he has caused him all the bother.
List of papers JH took from CLH on his 'last visit' to [Hanover]. Miscellaneous notes about relatives and acquaintances.
Sends paper on erratic boulders [Collected papers 1: 145–63] to the Society. Has taken two months to complete it because of illness.
M. F. B. Dausse visited FW several times to study instruments and copy meteorological observations. Dausse urged FW to share these with D. F. J. Arago, who is concerned at delay in publishing survey results. Please notify R.S.L. that Arago's official request will arrive soon. Encloses copy of FW's 15 Apr. 1841 letter to Arago. New rain gauge. Problems with anemometer and dipping needle. Will visit Cape Agulhas with Thomas Maclear to make magnetic observations.
John Arrowsmith has undertaken to make further copies of the star maps on dry paper, free of charge.
Asks WW to be godfather to JH's new daughter, Amelia. In reviewing WW's [Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences] has found many of JH's views changing, but cannot accept his dear friend's a prioristic approach.