| Reference number | MS/257/1/173 |
| Alternative reference number | Sa.173 |
| Previous numbers | ES1/26/173 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from William Radcliffe Birt, Kew Observatory to Edward Sabine |
| Date | 2 March 1850 |
| Description | Birt discusses the ‘unpleasant circumstances’ connected with the Kew Observatory and describes Mr [Francis] Ronald’s behaviour toward him as ‘overbearing’ from the moment he arrived, to the present day, and that he is convinced that certain measures need to be taken in order for the observatory to run smoothly and achieve its objectives. Birt would not like to detail every instance of Mr Ronalds conduct but describes one unpleasant occasion in which after being confined to his apartments from December 1849 due to an illness, Birt returned to the observatory in February 1850, and went to work in the original position he occupied when he first arrived. However, on Mr Ronalds arrival he asked to use the table Birt was working on. Birt notes that Mr Ronalds occupies all the rooms in the observatory and has converted two rooms into private apartments which only he holds the keys for. An altercation ensued between them, and as a result Birt removed all his papers to his apartment.
Birt assures Phillips that these ‘unpleasant circumstances’ will not interfere with his work, and the objective he came here to achieve. Discussion on self-registering magnets. Birt makes suggestions regarding the occupancy of the rooms. Professor [James] Challis has commented on the accuracy of Birt’s observations. Mr [John Russell] Hind thinks Birt’s observations favour Mr [Jean-Charles] Houzeau’s views. |
| Extent | 6p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| Physical description | Ink on paper |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA8279 | Sabine; Sir; Edward (1788 - 1883) | 1788 - 1883 |