| Reference number | MS/257/4/73 |
| Alternative reference number | Sa.1202 |
| Previous numbers | ES4/1/1202 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy of a letter from Edward Sabine, 13 Ashley Place to Professor [William Parkinson] Wilson |
| Date | 19 August 1858 |
| Description | Sabine refers to following Wilson’s ‘proceedings in relation to the southern telescope’ [reference to the great Melbourne telescope], and is ‘indebted’ to Wilson for its ‘transmission’. Describes Melbourne Observatory’s claims to support, referring to three ‘requisites’, funds being found from the colony itself, to observatory will be directed under a person educated ‘in the mother country’, and ‘ad is secured of the very highest competency for the preparation of the instruments’.
Refers to the experience and ‘sound judgement’ of Lord Rosse, Dr Robinson and Mr [Thomas] Grubb. Sabine comments on [Britain] unable to take its ‘proper place in science’ without the ‘cooperation of her colonies’.
Remarks on a report Wilson sent, referring to ‘the appropriation’ of funds. Refers to astronomical and magnetical work, cost of instruments, magnetic observations made at Hobart Town. References the differences between the northern and southern hemisphere and refers to the ‘occasional observations’ made by Sir [James Clark] Ross on his ‘southern voyage’. Discusses the discovery from Hobart Town and Toronto observations ‘that the magnetic charge of the earth is greater in both hemispheres’.
Sabine asks Wilson to examine a table of lunar diurnal variation of the declination and horizontal force at St Helena [not enclosed]. |
| 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 |