| RefNo | MS/425/607 |
| Previous numbers | MS/425/596 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter, JFW [John Frederick William] Herschel, Slough, to Sir Richard Jenkins |
| Creator | Herschel; Sir John Frederick William; first baronet (1792-1871); British mathematician and astronomer |
| Recipient | Jenkins; Sir Richard (1785-1853); British East India Company servant |
| Date | 30 April 1839 |
| Description | Herschel writes as chairman of the Magnetical (Joint Physical and Meteorological) Committee, enclosing a copy of the memorial addressed to the Government. This outlines a proposal for a magnetic expedition to Antarctic seas and the establishment of magnetic observatories in British territories. Ships under the command of Captain J C (James Clark) Ross have been commissioned for the naval expedition, with observatories officered for three years. Madras or Ceylon were included in the original plan and it is hoped that the East India Company will be sufficiently impressed by the wider undertaking to bear their part. Herschel explains the sites which would be useful for observatories and the type of observers required. Professor [Humphrey] Lloyd has undertaken to instruct Government observers. |
| Extent | 5p. [pp.268-272] |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | On paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |