| RefNo | MS/257/3/37 |
| AltRefNo | Sa.783 |
| Previous numbers | ES3/14/783 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from William Lassell, Ray Lodge, Swanford, Wellingborough to Edward Sabine |
| Date | 5 August 1871 |
| Description | Regarding the total solar eclipse. Update regarding the ‘proposed application to the government for aid in observing the forthcoming total solar eclipse’ with Professor [George Gabriel] Stokes. A resolution of the Royal Astronomical Society requested Lassell to ‘confer with the government’ regarding this. Mr [Joseph Norman] Lockyer expressed his willingness to travel to Ceylon for this purpose and ‘draw up a memorial to the government’ to obtain ‘necessary assistance’. The memorial would hold more credit if signed by the president of the two Societies [The Royal Society and The Royal Astronomical Society] and the Astronomer Royal. However, Lassell received Mr [George Biddell] Airy’s strong disapproval of the venture, therefore Lassell ‘presumes’ Airy will not be adding his signature. Lassell argues without Airy’s signature the memorial's success is ‘thereby endangered’. Lassell respects Airy’s opinion but is unable to see reason for his ‘strong objection’ and would like to carry out the resolution of the Council. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7987 | Lassell; William (1799 - 1880); astronomer | 1799 - 1880 |
| NA8279 | Sabine; Sir; Edward (1788 - 1883) | 1788 - 1883 |