Clarifies areas of disagreement with DB in JH's explanation of the results of colored tints of light passing through polarizing crystals.
Clarifies areas of disagreement with DB in JH's explanation of the results of colored tints of light passing through polarizing crystals.
Has had a letter from Davies Gilbert regarding the presidency of the Astronomical Society. Possible alternatives. Gives a problem of the law of chance.
Had intended to speak to Smith in person until hearing of death of Smith's mother. Offered position of Professor of Botany of Glasgow University; requests assistance and information from Smith on lecturing, asks for any book recommendations or published botany lectures.
Thanks for the extract of his paper. Comments on this and his own discoveries on the polarization of light. His fees for the articles will pay his subscription to the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Asks where WL procured a certain 'large crystal of Fish-eye-Stone.'
Planning to come to London in April or May to attempt to settle at India House the remainder of his natural history collection and unless easily arranged "the whole for me may go to the devil". Hopes Smith received a copy of his "Hindu Genealogies".
Relieved that news of death of King [George III] did not weaken William Herschel. Will see JH and Lady Mary Pitt Herschel in Bath in April. Lady Watson and Miss Joy are not well.
Finds that the crystal of 'Fish-eye-stone' came from Sweden and was attached to a mass of oxydulous iron. Hopes that JH receives this information in time for his paper.
Business matters relating to the R.S.L. and the Astronomical Society.
Regrets that he has already promised his votes for the Medical Tancred Studentships for 1821 and 1823 have already been promised, for Mr Woodward and Mr Austin, respectively, and otherwise happy to help any descendants of John Taylor; educational advice. Condolences on Smith's "severe losses" [deaths of Smith's and Pleasance Smith's mothers].
Gives diagram and explanation of TY's reduced parallax. JH's formula is elaborate but complicated. TY's formula is less exact but easier for public to use. Welcomes criticism.
Pleased to hear of his election to the Astronomical Society. No further news of the projected observatory at Cambridge. Has JH any news of the Observatory to be erected at the Cape? Would JH add his name to his certificate for the R.S.L. Is he interested in the Plumian Professorship?
Has sent the Address to the printers for the corrections to be made. Committee meeting on Tuesday next. Hopes JH can come.
Delayed writing following death of Smith's mother. The King [George IV (1762-1830)] almost died but is now recovering, dropsy was avoided after he lost 130 ounces of blood, the illness not caused by intemperance but was the same kind which killed the Duke of Kent [pneumonia]. Thinks ministers acted generously and wisely dissolving Parliament so early. A new Linnean dining club established at the Thatched House Tavern, dismisses concerns that it will cause a schism with those attending the club held at the British Coffee House. Two children of his son, Robert, died of whooping cough, his daughter Charlotte's ten children all had it but survived, she is now expecting her eleventh.
Thanks JH for communication to the [Cambridge Philosophical] Society. States the reactions of Cambridge faculty to the society. Gives dates for next meetings.
At author's request forwards Smith an additional copy of [Georg Franz] Hoffmann's "Genera plantarum Umbelliferarum", following miscarriage of the first copy sent.
Is sending the books. News of the Committee meeting. Relations of the Astronomical Society with Sir Joseph Banks and the R.S.L.
Sends 100 kinds of seeds; list of desiderata.
Was unable to attend council meeting of the Astronomical Society. Difficulties over the choosing of a president. Regarding the affairs of Sir Joseph Banks.
Was unable to attend the meeting of the Astronomical Society Council. Has heard the news regarding the president. Gives a problem of chance. Regarding the printing of the supplement.