Record

RefNoAP/12/15/2
LevelItem
TitleUnpublished letter, regarding the northwest magnetic pole from John Macdonald to Sir Humphry Davy
Date19 October 1825
DescriptionMacdonald details his process for calculating the approximate location of the northwest magnetic pole. Includes a diagram of the earth viewed from the South Pole, indicating a possible location for the southeast magnetic pole. He writes that he worries that if the British do not begin making concerted efforts to discover the true locations of these poles, the French or Russians might achieve it first.

An ink inscription at top of first page reads '(JFWH [John Frederick William Herschel]. No 74)'.

Subject: Geodesy

Written by Macdonald in Summerlands, Exeter [Devon, England].
Extent4p
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
RelatedRecordAP/12/15
Fellows associated with this archive
CodePersonNameDates
NA8200Davy; Sir; Humphry (1778 - 1829); chemist1778 - 1829
NA3036Macdonald; John (1759 - 1831)1759 - 1831
Add to My Items

    Collection highlights

    Browse the records of some of our collections, which cover all branches of science and date from the 12th century onwards. These include the published works of Fellows of the Royal Society, personal papers of eminent scientists, letters and manuscripts sent to the Society or presented at meetings, and administrative records documenting the Society's activities since our foundation in 1660.

    The Royal Society

    The Royal Society is a Fellowship of many of
    the world's most eminent scientists and is the
    oldest scientific academy in continuous existence.
    Registered charity number 207043

    Website design ©CalmView



    CONTACT US

    + 44 207 451 2500
    (Lines open Mon-Fri, 9:00-17:00. Excludes bank holidays)

    6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG

    Email Us →

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe to our newsletters to be updated with the
    latest news on innovation, events, articles and reports.

    Subscribe →

    © CalmView