| RefNo | MS/119/2/96 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from William James Smythe, Longwood, St Helena to Humphrey Lloyd |
| Date | 4 April 1842 |
| Description | Smythe recalls being at the Longwood, St Helena observatory frow two months now, and recounts his experience so far. Smythe discusses being sent an account of magnetic disturbances from last September from Edward Sabine, and how it would benefit them to know the cause of these disturbances. Smythe informs Lloyd that disturbances used to be a 'row at Donnybrook fair, but now it is a general rebellion'. Discussion on observations made by Smythe. Smythe informs Lloyd that the additional lens does not adapt the telescope of the declination intensity to a sufficiently short focus to observe the vibrations of the intensity needles. Smythe discusses using Lefoy's method of removing the telescope at each determination and observing with his reflecting circle. Discussion on last months (March) vertical force magnet readings. Smythe writes humorously regarding the Popes condemnation of the performers of animal magnetism, noting 'I trust this includes insects that have the vanity to recreate themselves with a see-saw on the vertical force needle'. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA2701 | Smythe; William James (1816 - 1887) | 1816 - 1887 |
| NA8252 | Lloyd; Humphrey (1800 - 1881) | 1800 - 1881 |