| RefNo | MS/957/93 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from T R [Thomas Romney] Robinson, Observatory, Armagh, to Henry Kater, 12 York Gate, Regent's Park |
| Creator | Robinson: (John) Thomas Romney (1793-1882); Irish astronomer and physicist |
| Recipient | Kater; Henry (1777-1835); British geodicist and metrologist |
| Date | 17 November [watermark 1822] |
| Description | Giving an account of his Dollond collimators, but from the 'peculiar circumstances of the dome that contains my equatorial' he had trouble fixing them steadily, and trademen there are not so easily had as in London. He gives some details of observations, which are encouraging, and he will continue with comparative observations which he will send if the results are curious. His collimator is better finished than Brinkley's and small weight does not vary its inclination. A large wasp is lighter, so Troughton need not be afraid of flies deranging it. He notes some minor operational matters, including putting green glass inside the lantern lens to improve his vision. The collimator has given him an idea for a repeating instrument, whuich he describes. He asks if Jones is doing anything about Robinson's instruments, and if he has nothing when Robinson is over in February, he 'will come like a wild Irishman and devour him'. In a postscript, he asks if Kater will foward an accompnying note to [William Hyde] Wollaston [note not present] and asks to be remembered to [Charles] Babbage. He asks Kater to order a spy glass from Dollond, with a good object glass. |
| Extent | 4p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| Dimensions | 232x188mm. |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA2440 | Robinson; Thomas Romney (1792 - 1882) | 1792 - 1882 |