| Description | He looked in the Library for books on geometry, and was chagrined to find that he was discovering old theorems. He cannot get a copy of [Jean-Victor] Poncelet's book on the perspective of conic sections, but expects it to contain all of the applications he has made. [Michel] Chasles gives extracts which suggest this and it is 'strange and mortifying' that he has been anticipated. He is now very interested and wishes he could get hold of Poncelet's book, as Alexander may be able to simplify some of his proofs. He encloses some notes he made before this discovery [not present]. Alexander has resolved to do no more experimental work until he hears from Galway, but frets about the delay, which he ascribes to 'the indifference of the govt. officials'. He has heard that Sir J.P. Corry wrote on his behalf. Alexander does not know much about polarization, but he gives details of the experimental apparatus in continuation of his previous letter, with Schuster's views on it, and sketched diagrams. |