Asks about CL’s new book [Travels in North America (1845)].
Discusses views of A. D. d’Orbigny on elevation.
Mentions reading W. H. Prescott [History of the conquest of Mexico (1843)].
WB's wave models show that barometer observations will reveal atmospheric dynamics like astronomical observations revealed planetary orbits. Encourages WB to seek simple method of temperature corrections applicable to all barometers. Offers possible mechanism. Send results to B.A.A.S quickly. Will send WB's letter to [Magnetical and Meteorological] Committee.
JH agrees to write a biographical sketch of Francis Baily, and hopes he can count on others for information.
Continues to work on biographical sketch of Francis Baily [see JH's 1844]; is working through a lot of material to do it.
Expands on GA's proposed letter writing scheme in place of holding a magnetic congress [see GA's 1844-7-30].
Omitted important detail yesterday in JH's description of self-compensating barometer. Columns must be variable, not constant.
Suggests there is a direct relation between temperature and abundance of plant species.
No summary available.
Has at last received first letter CGE wrote.
More specimens being sent.
Sends his sketch of paper ["Fine dust in the Atlantic Ocean" (1846), Collected papers 1: 199–203].
D’Orbigny considers Pampas clay deposit result of debacle. CD cannot doubt it is slow, estuary deposit. Would be grateful for information on this point.
No summary available.
Has sent some of AD's algebra papers to Mary Somerville; comments on death of Francis Baily.
Sends JH a letter from Thomas Maclear, in line with Francis Beaufort's instructions.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Will send the information to Mary Somerville. Death of Francis Baily is most grievous. Hopes JH will write an obituary. Society has to elect a new president. Regarding his own algebraic papers.
Acknowledges note and parcel for Ehrenberg.
Considers why different areas have different numbers of species. Gives an example opposing JDH’s view that paucity of species results from vicissitudes of climate. CD has concluded that species are most numerous in areas that have most often been divided, isolated from, and then reunited with, other areas. Cannot give detailed reasons but believes that "isolation is the chief concomitant or cause of the appearance of new forms".
Some comments and questions on mathematics.
Sends copy of ES's memorandum to George Peacock describing progress in publication of magnetic and meteorological observations. Encloses copies of observations from Antarctic survey and Ceylon. Reasons for H.E.I.C.'s hesitation to expand survey by C. M. Elliott. Praises C. J. B. Riddell's book, which described portable magnetic apparatus that is now requested by observers worldwide. Recent changes in other instruments. Reimbursement for instruments provided to observatory in Newfoundland. Recent results of surveys on Continent, in Canada, and by Capt. Blackwood in Torres Straits.
Has just examined the area between Dublin, Paris, and Heligoland for waves. Self registering barometers would be useful.
No summary available.