Accepts invitation to WF's party on 19th, but will miss reading of Adam Sedgwick's and R. I. Murchison's paper. Chemical composition of 'Fish limestone.'
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Accepts invitation to WF's party on 19th, but will miss reading of Adam Sedgwick's and R. I. Murchison's paper. Chemical composition of 'Fish limestone.'
Discusses atmospheric refraction, Francis Bacon's distinction between argument and testimony, and the manner in which the Board of Longitude was dissolved.
About the sad state of the R.S.L. under the presidency of Davies Gilbert, and what is to be done to improve it.
Sending two copies of JH's Prelim. Discourse; keep one and pass one to Charles Babbage. JH tried to cancel the motto for the book but it was too late.
Is sending sketches, etc., from his field book made while visiting the Isle of Wight. Disagrees with some of WF's representations.
Expresses opinions about the medal fiasco at the R.A.S., and in so doing, also defends G. B. Airy. JH is very concerned about the mean attacks being made on various people over the Neptune discovery controversy. Makes especially strong statements in a PS written on Feb. 21.
News of his own children.
Has heard a report that [Humphry] D[avy] is not prepared to nominate Charles Babbage and that D[avy] would be glad if J. G. Children would become Secretary of the R.S.L. Nonetheless, WF hopes that Davy will change his mind.
Regarding the affairs of the R.S.L. and JH's intentions.
Has written to Charles Babbage to express sympathy on the death of his wife, but fears there is not much can be done for him. Has given up the Dorset operations. Comments on JH's theory of sulphurate of iron. May be one of his neighbors soon as he has been offered a residence at Beaconsfield.
Is having some of JH's friends to dinner and would be pleased if he would join them. Affairs of the Geological Society. Has notice from Capt. P. P. King with specimens from the Straits of Magellan.
Regarding the suitable persons for the Observatories of Greenwich and Cambridge, is JH interested? Has been discussing R.S.L. Council matters with W. H. Wollaston.
Regarding a suitable book on the Isle of Wight. Regarding Dionysius Lardner and his projected Cabinet Cyclopaedia. Urges JH not to reject idea until he has made further inquiries. Affairs of the Board of Longitude.
Regarding the projected Cabinet Cyclopaedia and its authors. State of Ireland in 1828. Feels hard against the Saxons.
Hopes the Herschels are well. Is worried about the state of Charles Babbage's engine. Thinks an approach should be made to Arthur Wellesley (Duke of Wellington).
JH's paper was read at the Geological Society and received great approbation; it will be printed in the Proceedings or Transactions. Was unable to be present as Mrs. Fitton gave birth to a son. Sorry state of the R.S.L. affairs. Intends to have nothing to do with the R.S.L. at present.
Comments on some of JH's geological papers. Has received a paper on Yorkshire geology from R. I. Murchison.
Has not received an invitation from Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex) for his soiree nor been introduced to him. Charles Babbage has likewise had no invitation. JH's case is different.
Regrets the time that has elapsed since receiving JH's letter. Charles Babbage does not contemplate finishing his machine and is already planning another. Richard Jones appointed one of the Tithe Commissioners. News of the activities of Robert Brown, Francis Baily, Charles Lyell, William Buckland, J. W. Lubbock, and others. Railroads expanding in England. Many built and projected.
Regarding a successor to Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex) at the R.S.L. Is glad JH intends to devote his time to scientific labor. Pleased to hear his book meets with JH's approval.