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Description

Humboldt presents his plan for the observation of terrestrial magnetism, suggesting that permanent magnetic observatories should be installed across the globe, and seeking the Royal Society's support in establishing new observatories.

Subject: Magnetism

Written by Humboldt in Berlin.

Reference number
AP/20/7
Earliest possible date
23 April 1836
Physical description
Ink on paper
Page extent
23 pages
Format
Manuscript

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Citation

Unpublished letter, regarding terrestrial magnetism from Baron Humboldt to the President of the Royal Society, 23 April 1836, AP/20/7, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/ap_20_7/unpublished-letter-regarding-terrestrial-magnetism-from-baron-humboldt-to-the-president-of-the-royal-society, accessed on 15 July 2026

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  • Archived Papers

    The 'Archived Papers' collection is comprised of original manuscript scientific papers and letters submitted to the Royal Society which remained unpublished or were abstracted in the journal 'Proceedings of the Royal Society' published from 1830 onwards.

    Dates: 1768 - 1989

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