| RefNo | MS/119/2/73 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Frederick Marow Eardley-Wilmot, Cape of Good Hope Observatory to Humphrey Lloyd, Trinity College, Dublin |
| Date | 31 March 1840 |
| Description | Eardley-Wilmot writes regarding the present and future prospects of the Cape of Good Hope observatory, and its building plans. Eardley-Wilmot informs Lloyd that he has unpacked the instruments. Eardley-Wilmot notes the advantages of the site chosen for their observations and argues there is not better site in the country, as well as being in the grounds already belonging to the admiralty, and it is attached to the astronomical observatory. Eardley-Wilmot mentions Mr [Thomas] Maclear's kindness and is grateful for his assistance. Eardley-Wilmot discusses the arrangements made with the Governor and the Ordnance Department who will be building the observatory. Discussion on the materials and measurements of the buildling. Eardley-Wilmot informs Lloyd he has placed two magnets at 32 feet distance in a line perpendicular to the true meridian, leaving 13 feet on either side.
Eardley-Wilmot discusses his intentions regarding operations on the intensity, and describes the intensity room, as well as placement of the meteorological instruments. [Thomas Charles] Robinson is to send two more dipping needles.
Eardley-Wilmot shares his concerns about leaving the magnet in tents all night, as Mr Maclear noted that his large telescope was blown over by a sudden gale once. Eardley-Wilmot proposes to put the reading telescopes near together and argues that no one will be in the intensity room for longer than necessary. Eardley-Wilmot discusses his intentions regarding making observations.
Eardley-Wilmot is unable to send returns until the observatory is built.
Discussion regarding difficulties in getting the divisions from the scale. |
| Extent | 6p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper.
The letter has a hole where the wax seal has been broken. The wax seal has been removed. |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA6061 | Eardley-Wilmot; Frederick Marow (1812 - 1877) | 1812 - 1877 |
| NA8252 | Lloyd; Humphrey (1800 - 1881) | 1800 - 1881 |