| RefNo | MS/119/2/121 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from E Russell, Makerstoun Kelso to Humphrey Lloyd |
| Date | 28 July 1841 |
| Description | Russell informs Lloyd that he has started his observations from July and discusses his results from various experiments conducted at the Makerstoun observatory. Russell sends Lloyd the results from the July term. Russell gives Lloyd an account of the adjustments and precautions he will adopts in future observations starting in August. Russell discusses deflection experiments on two magnets in order to determine the relative force. Russell records deflections for an experiment to obtain the relative force of all magnets. Discussion on Russell's experiments to obtain the effects of temperature on two magnets, and if the temperature causes a difference in the deflection of the magnetic moment of the bar. Russell asks Lloyd for recommendations regarding deflection experiments. Russell determined the values of the scales of the instruments. Dicussion on the adjustments of the instruments. Russell discusses difficulties faced when attempting to adjust the horizontal force instrument. Russell found in an experiment the plane of detorsion coincided with the magnetic meridian. Discussion on adjustments to the declination instrument. Russell records observations with the magnet in the direct and inverted positions in order to obtain the zero point of the scale. Russell informs Lloyd about finding fibres of the suspension thread broken. Russell discusses the deflection produced by moving the arm of the torsion circle by 90 degrees, and how at present the plane of detorsion coincides perfectly with the magnetic meridian. Discussion on the values produced when the vertical force magnet was vibrated in the vertical and horizontal planes. Discussion on the difference in readings of the two microscopes.
Russell informs Lloyd that there is not much to report regarding the meteorological instruments, due to their standard being unfit for purpose after Sir Thomas Brisbane had an accident with it. The replacement mountain barometer has not been compared with the former. Russell is also waiting on a standard thermometer from London, which will be compared with the Royal Society's .
Discussion on the term observations. Russell informs Lloyd of the adjustments he intends to make on various instruments and work he is planning to complete. Russell has not yet made any absolute determinations due to cloudy weather conditions and lack of stars
Russell informs Lloyd that the observatory clock has been adjusted to Göttingen time. |
| Extent | 10p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA8252 | Lloyd; Humphrey (1800 - 1881) | 1800 - 1881 |