| RefNo | NLB/20/29 |
| AltRefNo | NLB/20 p19-25 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Copy letter from Arthur William Rucker, to the Principal Secretary of State for India, the Royal College of Science, South Kensington, S.W. |
| Date | 17 January 1900 |
| Description | Rucker has discussed the Indian Magnetic Survey with Captain Denholm Fraser.
Instruments for making observations in the field have been ordered but errors in these arise during magnetic storms. In order to correct said errors self regulating instruments are set up at fixed stations by which the variations of the direction and magnitude of the magnetic force are photographically recorded. A complete set of observations involves the study of the perturbations of three quantities viz the declination and the horizontal and vertical forces. These perturbations are different at different places and Rucker believes they are presently studied in India at Colaba only. Is informed that a new magnetic observatory is to be established at Alipur. For the Indian survey to be thorough, Rucker thinks subordinate observatories should be established during the period of the survey at Rangoon and Peshawar. Another observatory in the extreme south of India or in Ceylon is also desirable. Thinks the Colonial Office should be moved to establish a permanent magnetic observatory in that island and that this should be done in time to make it useful for the purposes of the Indian Survey.
Discusses the suitability, merits, defects and cost of instruments. Discusses the use of portable instruments devised by Mr W Watson, Assistant Professor of Physics, Royal College of Science. Captain Fraser has gone to Stockton to learn the details of using these instruments and in case he reports favourably Rucker has obtained permission from the Principal Assistant Secretary of the Department of Science and Art to have two or three sets of these made for the Indian Survey.
Discusses requirements for a temporary observatory.
Suggests Captain Fraser should go though a course at Kew Observatory.
Recommends an early decision be arrived at as to the establishment of the temporary observatories. The construction of buildings and instruments, training of observers, and in situ testing will take a considerable time.
Has consulted the Indian Committee of the Royal Society as to several of the above recommendations and notably as to the number of temporary observatories which are necessary and they support Rucker's views. |
| Extent | 8p |
| Format | Carbon |
| PhysicalDescription | Typescript |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA6673 | Rucker; Sir; Arthur William (1848 - 1915) | 1848 - 1915 |