Has found a few minor errors in the calculations checked so far [see GA's 1863-2-6]; comments on magnetic tracings JH received from GA.
Has found a few minor errors in the calculations checked so far [see GA's 1863-2-6]; comments on magnetic tracings JH received from GA.
Suggestions on improving JB's gravimetric balance, constructed on principle of 'Bifilar suspension.' Refers to 1861 report of similar invention by J. A. Brown and another article on this topic.
Returns [Warren] de La Rue's letter and discusses its contents, especially the making, mounting, and mirror for de La Rue's reflecting telescope.
Expresses interest in Swedish plan to survey Spitzbergen and to measure meridian of arc. Discusses gravitometer being developed by [Jacques] Babinet.
Might have saved JH some work if he had known what G. F. J. A. Auwers was doing [see GA's 1863-2-20]; has found some more errors in nebula calculations.
Comments on family health; asks AD if he has read James Challis on the topics of the ether and of zodiacal light.
Responds to GS's 1863-2-20, strongly recommending the support of the R.S.L. to defray part of the cost of publishing Richard Carrington's work.
JH received and will insert HA's list of nebulae into JH's catalogue. Progress of catalogue. Wishes JH had earlier knowledge of [G. F. J. A.] Auwer's reduction of William Herschel's nebulae, which JH just received.
Supports G. P. Bond of Harvard College for foreign membership of R.S.L.; proposes H. E. Sainte-Claire Deville for the Rumford Medal, for his development of a high temperature laboratory furnace applied to metallurgy and the 'disseverance' of the hydrogen and oxygen of water.
Comments on RF's ideas on the gravitational effect of the sun and moon on the earth's atmosphere.
No summary available.
Thanks for lectures on heat motion theory and radiation through earth's atmosphere, and for brochure on 'conformation' of the Alps. Asks about upcoming lecture of JH's son [Alexander].
Family eagerly awaits WJH's return home after ten years in India. JH is visiting cousins in Halton. Locations of WJH's brothers and sisters. If possible, stop in Malta and visit William Lassell's equatorial reflector. Alexander Herschel will lecture on meteors at Royal Institution.
Thanks for help in Mrs. Baldwin's affairs. JH's family's health is improving. Major house repairs in progress.
In response to the request [see Edward Twisleton's 1863-4-10] to comment on mathematics and physical science education for the Public School Commissioners, JH urges that more teaching be done in these areas.
Received some proof sheets this morning of the Appendix to CL's book on the Antiquity of Man. Has read through the book with great interest. Comments on various points. Will have to revise their ideas on the length of human existence. Has had another letter from Twisleton so supposes he must try and write on science in schools. Have had sickness for the first three months of the year.
[JH's summary of letter] Instructions and corrections relative to data on nebula for JH's catalogue.
Returns paper of G. B. Airy, Astronomer Royal, and submits report on it.
Introduces JH's son Alexander to PS, and hopes PS will support Alexander, who is seeking to become Assistant Secretary of the Royal Geographical Society.
Explains how to detect errors in catalogued positions of stars. List of new nebulae in [G. F. J. A.] Auwers's catalogue.