| RefNo | MS/119/2/108 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from Joseph Henry Kay, Magnetic Observatory Rossbank to Humphrey Lloyd, Trinity College, Dublin |
| Date | 4 September 1842 |
| Description | Kay thanks Lloyd for his friendly counsel and pointing out any errors in the work conducted at Rossbank observatory [located in Tasmania; Lutruwita or Truwana, then colonial Van Diemen's Land]. Kay informs that he has corrected what was in error a while ago himself. Kay informs Lloyd that the 'HMS Fly' Captain [Francis Price] Blackwood has arrived recently and the officers are now conducting a series of magnetical observations on the grounds of Rossbank observatory. Kay has been informed by the officers that observations will be continuing for a longer period than first anticipated, therefore Kay is requesting additional assistance at the Rossbank observatory. Kay is of the opinion that the observatory could be better superintended by the Director having a sufficient number of assistants that could perform the routine duty, leaving the Director time for miscellaneous observations. Kay notes that at present he is unable to conduct these observations due to the 'continual drag of the day and night routine'. Sir John Franklin agrees with Kay in regard to additional assistance. Kay hope Lloyd and Edward Sabine will take this into consideration.
Kay acknowledges receipt of Lloyd's paper on magnetical instrument. Kay informs Lloyd that he has not yet received the auxiliary apparatus for determining temperature corrections.
Kay expresses his happiness at the successful results of the observations at sea in the ships 'HMS Terror', noted in Edward Sabine's report in contribution number three to terrestrial magnetism. |
| Extent | 4p |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA4898 | Kay; Joseph Henry (1814 - 1875) | 1814 - 1875 |
| NA8252 | Lloyd; Humphrey (1800 - 1881) | 1800 - 1881 |