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Description

Refers to instruments for the fixed observatory at [Tasmania; Lutruwita or Truwana, colonial Van Diemen’s Land]. Herschel hopes the Admiralty will provide all fixed stations with chronometers and portable transit instruments. Fears that naval expedition will be detained.

Reference number
MS/257/2/264
Earliest possible date
29 March 1839
Physical description
Ink on paper.

The letter has a hole where presumably the wax seal has been broken.
Page extent
4 pages
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

John Frederick William Herschel

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Citation

John Frederick William Herschel, Letter from John Frederick William Herschel, Slough to [James Clark] Ross, Hyde Park, 29 March 1839, MS/257/2/264, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/ms_257_2_264/letter-from-john-frederick-william-herschel-slough-to-james-clark-ross-hyde-park, accessed on 10 December 2025

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  • Manuscripts General

    Science in the Making presents selected items from the 'Manuscripts General' series, notably astronomical observations, investigations of discrete topics, and indices and registers of papers read before the Royal Society.

    Dates: 1551 - 1951

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