From:
John Frederick William Herschel
To:
Roderick Impey Murchison
Date:
11 February 1850
Source of text:
MM/16/126, Royal Society
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
Royal Society
No summary available.
Proposes priorities for allocating £1000 granted to R.S.L. by government. Disagrees with RM and Edward Sabine; R.S.L. should not assume responsibility for observatory or any other permanent institution.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Has been requested to serve on committee on R.S.L. government grant [see JH's 1850-2-15] and to draw up report to council for adoption on next day. JH declines request but offers opinions, suggestions, and a resolution.
Has received report of R.S.L. grant committee, noting that it did not adopt three of his recommendations. Asks questions. Is glad that RM and Charles Babbage are again on friendly terms.
No summary available.
Thanks for clarifications on grant comments [see JH's 1850-3-14]. JH's work is plentiful and time is short, so wishes not to undertake public projects, like working on R.S.L. grant committee. Received RM's enclosure regarding Russian Academy. Has heard nothing about medal committee.
Requests copy of RM's lecture on distribution of gold, and further information on value of it and silver. Asks specific questions about Russian gold.
Gives RM a letter from Charles Bell [see Bell's 1851-10-28] on a geological map and collection prepared by Andrew Bain. Suggests the British Museum might wish to purchase Bain's collection of fossils.
Interested in RM's statements on various subjects, including gold diggings and the 'declension of California Produce.'[?]
Cannot introduce a Mr. Grant to overly 'pressed' Mint assayers. Will help Grant as far as possible, but returns 'excellent' testimonials, having no part in 'manning' possible Australian mint.
Application made to the Royal Geographical Society detailing ARW’s proposed trip to the Malay Archipelago and requesting free passage for the journey.
Sending an account of a 'certain Dr [David] Livingstone.' JH agrees with Thomas Maclear that Livingstone deserves encouragement. Has received RM's testimonial on behalf of [Frederick] McCoy.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
JH's health is improving. Sends a portion of a letter from Thomas Maclear regarding Dr. [David] Livingstone's observations. Suggests the portion be read at the Geographical Society. Asks RM to invite Livingstone to visit JH.
Sending details of his idea for a new projection of the sphere. If printed will need the maps re-engraved.
Comments on Robert Stephenson's theory regarding the presence of fossil plants in Arctic regions and on possible astronomical causes of such fossilization; gives some of his own theories.