No summary available.
No summary available.
Copy of JH's midsummer examination questions—17 on Greek drama, 22 on Mechanics—at St. John's College. Currently reading P. S. Laplace's Système du monde, which confirms WH's theory of galaxy formation. T. W. Hornbuckle reports that money has been received from Bruce & Co.
Duties at St. John's College. James Grahame's father is arriving from Glasgow. [James] Wood is working to get Grahame into college. Ask cousin [Mary Baldwin] for address for Mr. Rogers. Recalls JH's summer vacation.
JH's hypothesis on nebular vortex and formation of solar system. Has other ideas about molecular forces and comet tails, but will wait to learn whether WH wants to hear them. JH burned over 100 pages of notes on these speculations. Will return to Slough in mid-December.
Describes JH's public Latin examination in algebra yesterday. James Grahame and sister were dangerously ill, but Grahame returned to Cambridge. [Addendum:] Newspaper clipping naming students (including JH) who received B.A. degrees at Cambridge on 16 Jan. 1813.
Sends William and Mary Somerville to visit Herschel family. Describes and praises the couple. Hopes observatory at Edinburgh will be completed soon.
No summary available.
Two weeks of examinations begin tomorrow. Experiments writing with glass pen. Describes glassmaker's methods. Suggests application to micrometers.
Responds to JH's criticism of churchmen. Criticizes law and defends church as careers. Explains why WH never discussed religious opinions with JH.
Apologies for any bitterness caused by differences of opinions. Willing to listen to JH's reason for preferring law over church as career, but must postpone arguments until later. [Typewritten copy includes annotation by unknown hand that JH's letters were not preserved in this 'only serious conflict of wills between the father & son.']
Working in law office of [F. W.?] Sanders. Attended R.S.L. last night. T. W. Hornbuckle offered JH position as subtutor at St. John's College, but JH declined. Describes paper on minerals that JH submitted through E. D. Clarke to Geological Society. Charles Babbage just made creative mathematical discovery.
Schedules time in London next week to cast two mirrors for 20-foot telescope. Details of mixture to be used for mirrors. Questions about casting process. Tells JH to consult 'Messr. Devey' for answers. Plans to visit Greenwich soon. Hand tremor makes writing difficult. Received letter from [Ragreneau?] inviting Herschel family to breakfast tomorrow.
Would like WH's son, JH, to write some articles for his Edinburgh Encyclopaedia. Would he help him on an article entitled 'Stars'?
Encloses two sketches of proposed armorial ensigns, and would be pleased to receive them back with Sir William's preferences.
Asks WH to contribute to a fund to place a bust of Edward Troughton in Greenwich Observatory. Introduces himself to WH.
Gratitude for election to Astronomical Society. Notes on double star Zeta Orionis. Regards to James South.
Terrible voyage across Channel. George Peacock and Richard Jones accompanied JH and Charles Babbage for part of journey.
No letters from Slough. Terrible weather. Unable to explore Alps. Purchased carriage for remainder of tour. Describes journey from Paris through Jura Mountains to Geneva. Met J. A. Deleu family, M. A. Pictet, Alexandre Marcet, [Gilbert Elliot] Lord Minto, and Italian expatriates from Neapolitan revolution. Proposes itinerary through Alps, weather permitting.
Journey of JH and Charles Babbage from Geneva via Mont Cenis to Turin, where effects of revolution are still evident. Describes Milan. Oppressive heat and torrential rain. Plan to return via Monte Rosa or 'Mont' St. Gotthard. Language problems.
Would like to know when he can call on the Herschels.