| RefNo | MS/257/1/164 |
| AltRefNo | Sa.164 |
| Previous numbers | ES1/26/164 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from William Radcliffe Birt, Cambridge House Academy, Bethnal Green to John Frederick William Herschel |
| Date | 24 May 1848 |
| Description | [This is a copy of a letter sent to Sir John Frederick William Herschel].
Mr [Francis] Ronalds informed Birt of the Kew Observatory may be discontinued in regard to the consecutive series of electrical observations, and the object of meteorological magnetical and electrical self-registering instruments. The reason being that the annual expenditure may be better appropriated. In Birt’s opinion it is a pity that the hard work and observations of the last five years will now be lost by not continuing them and their discussion with a view to deduce laws.
Mr Ronald informs Birt of the difficulty in carrying on the necessary observations and experiments in a manner which Mr Ronalds deems satisfactory. Discussion on results obtained by sets of electrical and magnetic registrations by photographic instruments, and Birt’s investigation into atmospheric waves.
Birt apologises for his seeking Sabine’s continuous advice, however the subject of Kew Observatory’s discontinuance has caused this frequent communication. Birt hopes Sabine has fully recovered from the attack of influenza. |
| Extent | 3p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA8238 | Herschel; Sir; John Frederick William (1792 - 1871); astronomer | 1792 - 1871 |