Elizabeth Baily would like him to write an inscription for her brother's memorial tablet. Francis Baily was buried in the land of his fathers at Thatcham.
Suggesting alterations in the wording for the memorial tablet to Francis Baily.
Encloses the corrections by his friend T. H. Key to the wording for the memorial to Francis Baily.
Further regarding the inscription for the memorial to Francis Baily. Has forwarded it to the executors and translated it for Elizabeth Baily. Wire pens satisfy him.
The epitaph has been sent to be drawn onto the stone. Comments on some of the wording. Sends some Alderton's blotting paper and the compliments of the season.
Response to questions on magnetic circular sent out by JH [see JH's 1844-12-5].
Has not seen enough magnetical and meteorological observations to judge their effectiveness. Encourages British government to continue these, but perhaps reduce frequency.
Agrees that vacancy in chemistry professorship left by J. F. Daniell's death at King's College should be filled by Robert Hunt, but W. A. Miller appears likely to get job.
No summary available.
Has written down what he gathered from HF on Tibetan dogs. Would welcome a few more details at any time, as he knows of nothing parallel to it.
CD has heard from Lyell that JM is inclined to publish a second edition of Journal of researches. His agreement with Henry Colburn leaves CD free to publish with anyone. Will have no further relations with Colburn. Discusses details of proposed revisions.
Would like to borrow the pamphlet on variation [Frédéric Gérard, "De l’espèce dans les corps organisés" (1844), extract from Dictionnaire universel d’histoire naturelle, ed. C. D. d’Orbigny].
Glad to hear Humboldt’s views on migration. CD believes we cannot "put any limit to the possible and even probable migration of plants".
Wants good book on plant morphology.
Thanks for note; encloses copy of FitzRoy’s agreement with Henry Colburn [see 379], to the effect that after sale of first edition of Narrative, CD is at liberty to publish his Journal of researches in any manner he chooses.
Cannot doubt that Atlantic dust comes from Africa. Could Gulf Stream have brought South American organisms to African coast?
Has come to same conclusion as CGE on volcanic origin of Patagonian stone. Formation extends 550 miles.
Could CGE examine Pampas mud to see if Infusoria are freshwater or salt-water? Results would be important.
Has received pamphlet from JDH [John Murray, Strictures on morphology (1845)].
Hopes JDH will enjoy Edinburgh.
Has just finished Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire on animal monsters [Anomalies de l’organisation chez l’homme et les animaux (1832–7)], "and a nasty curious subject it is".
No summary available.
Forwards reply from C. R. Weld explaining why Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations were not sent to English and foreign scientists involved in global survey.
JH's influence worked; J. W. Lubbock asked ES for list of recipients for Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations. Preparations for new Arctic expedition. Will give copies of JH's letter to F. M. E. Wilmot and J. H. Kay. New observatory at Colombo [Ceylon]. Problem defining seasons for observations at St. Helena. Reply from W. E. Weber [to JH's circular].
Actinometers are 'counterordered.' Reply from H. W. Dove to JH's circular. Problem defining seasons for tropical stations. Concerned that some authorities are reaching decision to extend or to terminate magnetic observations before receiving and reading Toronto volume. Failure of R.S.L. to send Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations to appropriate recipients. Details of J. H. Lefroy's magnetic survey for Hudson's Bay Company, and misunderstanding over who would pay for Lefroy's transportation. Efforts by F. M. E. Wilmot to obtain ship for survey of [Cape of Good Hope]. ES concurs with Treasury's suggestion that copy of Toronto volume be sent to each colony. Observations of nebulae by T. R. Robinson.