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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Copy letter, from Sir John Herschel to Adolphe Quetelet, dated at Collingwood

Reference number: HS/22/103

Date: 3 December 1841

Description

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of 24 versus 36 hour series in meteorological observations. R.S.L. officially endorses 24 hours, but Adolphe Quetelet should continue 36 hours if best for him. Does not possess the Comptes rendus of French Institute and cannot therefore see No. 413. Will attempt to procure sight of it. Asks Adolphe Quetelet to return [P. F.] Verhulst's work to him. Expresses respect for Adolphe Quetelet's work. Asks for understanding if John Frederick William Herschel does not answer every letter promptly.

Reference number
HS/22/103
Earliest possible date
3 December 1841
Page extent
4 pages
Format
Manuscript
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Creator name

John Frederick William Herschel

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Citation

John Frederick William Herschel, Copy letter, from Sir John Herschel to Adolphe Quetelet, dated at Collingwood, 3 December 1841, HS/22/103, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_22_103/copy-letter-from-sir-john-herschel-to-adolphe-quetelet-dated-at-collingwood, accessed on 26 March 2025

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  • Herschel Letters

    This collection of nearly 10,900 letters, drafts, copies and notes is the largest repository of scientific correspondence from and to Sir John Herschel, leading figure of Victorian science.

    Dates: 1807 - 1875

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