Record

RefNoHSF/1/3/62
LevelItem
TitleLetter from C [Charles] Pritchard, Freshwater, to Sir John [Frederick William Herschel]
CreatorPritchard; Charles (1808-1893); British astronomer
Date14 May 1869
DescriptionHe returns the document about 'the non-accidentally hired telescope'. Herschel's note has been encouraging. He need not tell Herschel how little is understood about the great and continuous work of Sir William Herschel among scientific men. They are so absorbed by rapid modern discoveries that they overlook their predecessors. A review of Herschel's father's discoveries will allow Pritchard to inform many people of the steps from which their knowledge comes. He asks for information on Caroline Herschel's arrival in England, and if she was recognised by George III as her brother's assistant and paid an honorarium...'how in the world did she come by her knowledge of calculation & astronomy?' Pritchard was puzzled not to see [Nevil] Maskelyne's name on his father's election certificate and wonders if he was on Council. He would like to know of any great foreigners who visited Slough to see William Herschel and the great telescope would be pleasing; he thinks [Joseph Jérôme Lefrançois de] Lalande visited. Pritchard has been watching the Sun and describes his equipment, wondering what William Herschel would have given for it. He wonders if the circulation of rings or broken rings of meteoric matter are the cause of some periodicies of stellar light. When he thinks of how Herschel discovered Uranus, he loses patience with how 'the northumberland' [George Biddell Airy] missed Neptune.
Extent4p.
FormatManuscript
PhysicalDescriptionInk on paper
AccessStatusOpen
Fellows associated with this archive
CodePersonNameDates
NA5459Pritchard; Charles (1808 - 1893)1808 - 1893
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