| RefNo | MS/425/597 |
| Previous numbers | MS/425/586 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter, PM [Peter Mark] Roget, Rl Socy [Royal Society], to the Chancellor of the Exchequer [Thomas Spring Rice] |
| Creator | Roget; Peter Mark (1779-1869); British physician and philologist |
| Recipient | Rice; Thomas Spring; first Baron Monteagle of Brandon (1790-1866); British politician |
| Date | 25 May 1837 |
| Description | Baron [Alexander] von Humboldt has written to the Royal Society to solicit help in making magnetic observations. A report on the matter has been produced by the Astronomer Royal and Mr Christie and a copy is transmitted. It was considered that magnetic observations should be set up in stations most suitable for the purpose, and a committee established for effecting this. A principle difficulty has been finding responsible observers without calling upon government funding, which would arise if permanent observers were appointed. This problem has been solved by the General of the Ordnance sanctioning the use of Royal Engineers officers. Roget gives a list of the stations which would most assist Baron Humboldt's plan. It has been recommended that they approach HM Government for funding to provide instruments and Roget asks for £500 to meet requirements. |
| Extent | 4p. [pp.258-261] |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | On paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |