| Reference number | NLB/14/271 |
| Alternative reference number | NLB/14 p151 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Arthur William Rucker, to Dr John George Bourinot, Honorary Secretary, Royal Society of Canada, Ottawa |
| Date | 6 February 1897 |
| Description | Rucker, as directed by the President and Council of the Royal Society, informs Bourinot that they have considered the question of the "Unification of Time" as requested in the letter of 14 October 1896.
He reports that they appreciate the arguments in favour of the assimilation of the Astronomical and Civil Day and after consideration the Admiralty consented to allow the Nautical Almanac to be altered from 1901 if other countries publishing Astronomical Ephemerides did the same. However, as official replies in 1895 have indicated strong opposition, they have decided not to proceed.
The Society agree with the Admiralty that such changes should not be introduced to the Nautical Almanac, unless it is simultaneous with its introduction into the equivalent publications of other nations. The consideration given to the question by foreign governments and the unfavourble opinions of foreign astronomers, means it is unlikely that objections could be removed prior to the publication of the 1901 Almanac. As a consequence, they do not feel able to urge the British Government to make the suggested change, but have appointed a Committee to consider the question further. |
| Extent | 1p |
| Format | Printed |
| Physical description | Printed letter cut out and stuck to the page, with manuscript annotations. |
| Access status | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | Name | Dates |
| NA6673 | Rücker; Sir; Arthur William (1848 - 1915); physicist | 1848 - 1915 |