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Stratford, William Samuel, 1789-1853 (naval officer and astronomer)

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1789 - 1853

Biography

William Samuel Stratford (1789-1853) was born on 22 May 1789. He entered the navy in 1806, and was engaged in naval business in the North Sea, 1809-1815. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1815, but was not engaged offshore after that year. Thereafter, Stratford studied astronomy, and became Secretary of the Astronomical Society on its foundation in 1820. He was appointed Superintendent of the Nautical almanac in 1831, and made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1832. He died on 29 March 1853.

Found in 23 Collections and/or Records:

 File

Cambridge observations, 1833 - 1837

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/225
Scope and Contents Cambridge observations of the Sun, Moon and planets, including two books titled 'Calculations of Cambridge Observations of Sun, Moon and planets, 1833, 1834 and 1835'; correspondence with W.S. Stratford about rough geocentric places and an error in the ephemeris of Pallas; calculations of the Moon's diameter and the Moon's errors in longitude and ecliptic polar distance after correcting for error of diameter; sheets on the computation of the Moon's place from H.C. Schumacher's meridian...
Dates: 1833 - 1837
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on magnetic observations, 1834 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/675
Scope and Contents Correspondence on magnetic observations, including papers on the establishment of a Magnetic Observatory in Greenwich Park and the benefits to astronomers of this research; specifications and accounts for the Observatory building; functions of the Magnetic Observatory and the provision of staff and equipment; extracts from Royal Society correspondence and minutes on magnetism and meteorology; a report on a letter by F.W.H.A.V. Humboldt concerning magnetic observations; the report of the...
Dates: 1834 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on observatories, 1834 - 1847

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/140
Scope and Contents Correspondence and requests for advice relating primarily to the establishment of observatories in various localities, including in North America. There are also letters concerning University Chairs and correspondence with the Treasury on financial matters. The correspondents include the Duke of Northumberland, M.J. Johnson, S.H. Christie, R. Sheepshanks, Sir T.M. Brisbane, W.S. Stratford, W.H.C. Bartlett, J. Glaisher, J.P. Nichol, J.W. Lubbuck, J.Q. Adams, J.M. Gillis, J.D. Forbes, C.P....
Dates: 1834 - 1847
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on reductions, 1837 - 1849

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/530
Scope and Contents

Correspondence on the printing and distribution of planetary and lunar reductions. The correspondents include F.W. Bessel, F. Beaufort, H.C. Schumacher, J.F. Encke, W.S. Stratford and J.F.W. Herschel.

Dates: 1837 - 1849
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on reductions, 1833 - 1847

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/544
Scope and Contents

Correspondence concerning requests for reduced lunar observations, etc.; computation of the geocentric places of the planets; instructions and computations for planetary reductions; Bradley's reduced observations; and reductions of the minor planets. The correspondents include J.W. Lubbock, J.C. Adams, W.S. Stratford, J.F. Encke, F. Baily, J. Challis and P.A. Hansen.

Dates: 1833 - 1847
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on Royal Astronomical Society, 1836 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/229
Scope and Contents Miscellaneous correspondence regarding the Royal Astronomical Society, concerning the medals for 1837, 1842, 1844, 1845 and 1847; Mr Baily's death; a memoir of Mr Baily by Sir John Herschel; the election of a President in 1845; the Anniversary Dinner of 1845; the appointment of assistant secretaries; the grant of the interest of the Lee Fund to Mrs Pond in 1837; a booklet of the Charter and byelaws, 1844; De Vico's maps; Madame Witte's model of the Moon; Bessel's researches on Uranus; and...
Dates: 1836 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on visitor admissions, 1835 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/706
Scope and Contents Correspondence regarding admissions to visit the Royal Observatory. The volume is divided broadly into requests from the Admiralty to visit the Royal Observatory, introductions on behalf of visitors, personal requests to visit the Observatory, and instructions to assistants to receive guests. The correspondents include C. Wood, F. Beaufort, J. Barrow, S.H. Herbert, H.T.C. Corry, H.G. Ward, R.S. Dundas, J.G. Children, C.W. Pasley, H.C. Schumacher, J.F. Encke, J.W. Lubbock, T. Henderson, W.R....
Dates: 1835 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on visitor admissions, 1849 - 1854

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/707
Scope and Contents Correspondence with the Admiralty and the general public concerning visits to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. Indexed volume in four sections: 1. Correspondence with the Admiralty and Admiralty introduction of Visitors; 2. General introduction of visitors; 3. General correspondence about visiting the Royal Observatory; 4. Orders to assistants regarding the reception of visitors.The correspondents include J. Babinet, S. Bannister, F. Beaufort, J.B. Biot, G.P. Bond, E.W. Brayley,...
Dates: 1849 - 1854
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Correspondence on weights and measures, 1829 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/343
Scope and Contents General correspondence, letters J-Y, on proposals to reform or decimalise the standards of weights and measures. The correspondence takes the form of answers to questionnaires to respected parties and asks opinions on proposed improvements and on systems used abroad. There is also a pamphlet called 'The Mechanic and Chemist' and a poster on the 1845 law of weights and measures as applicable to Ireland. The correspondents include J.V. Lamont, the Earl of Liverpool, W.H. Miller, C.W. Pasley,...
Dates: 1829 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Correspondence with Nautical Almanac Office, 1827 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/203
Scope and Contents Correspondence with the Nautical Almanac Office, primarily with W.S. Stratford over the 'Nautical Almanac', and including topics such as the minor planets, Jupiter's satellites, Halley's and Encke's Comets, and errors in the 'Nautical Almanac' and Greenwich observations. There is further correspondence with the British Association for the Advancement of Science on the subject of producing a comprehensive star catalogue and reductions. The correspondents include Sir J. Barrow, Sir J. South,...
Dates: 1827 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Discussion of star places, 1756 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/193
Scope and Contents

Correspondence on the positions of stars, with their errors, new discoveries, comparisons of star places (i.e. with the Tabula Regiomontana) and the motion of variable stars. The correspondents include F. Baily, Sir F. Beaufort, J.F.W. Herschel, J. Glaisher, R. Sheepshanks, W.H. Smyth, T. Galloway, W.S. Stratford, J.R. Hind, W.R. Dawes, Sir G. Everest and W. Lassell. The papers also include various parts of star catalogues.

Dates: 1756 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Sub-Series

Miscellaneous correspondence, 1828 - 1847

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/369
Scope and Contents Airy's miscellaneous personal correspondence, discussing, among other matters, minor planets, the health of friends, the distribution of scientific papers, and the Great Northern steamship. There is also a paper on progressive educational studies, an anti-German lampoon, and a whimsical engraving of people flying near Greenwich, c. 1840. The correspondents include J.H.V. Madler, O.M. Mitchel, W.H. Miller, A.C. Peterson, G.A.A. Plana, L.A. Quetelet, J.T.R. Robinson, the Earl of Rosse, K.L.C....
Dates: 1828 - 1847
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Miscellaneous correspondence, 1850

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/372
Scope and Contents Airy's miscellaneous correspondence with, among others, F. Beaufort, J.B. Biot, G. Bishop, P.H.L. von Boguslowski, S.H. Christie, T.F. Colby, W. Cubitt, A. d'Abbadie, A. de Morgan, W. Denison, J.D. Forbes, C.L. Gerling, B.A. Gould, J.S. Henslow, J.F.W. Herschel, M.J. Johnson, P. Kelland, J. Lee, U.J.J. Le Verrier, Mr Manners, G. Peacock, C. Pritchard, L.A. Quetelet, the Earl of Rosse, E. Sabine, E.S.C. Santini, H.C. Schumacher, A. Sedgwick, R. Sheepshanks, W.H. Smyth, C.P. Smyth, R....
Dates: 1850
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Miscellaneous correspondence, 1851

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/373
Scope and Contents Airy's miscellaneous correspondence with, among others, D.F.J. Arago, C. Babbage, G.P. Bond, J. Challis, A.R. Clarke, W. Cubitt, A. de Morgan, W. Denison, J.F. Encke, J.D. Forbes, J.G. Forchhammer, E. Gautier, B.A. Gould, P.A. Hansen, J.F.W. Herschel, G.B.I.T. Libri, G. Peacock, C. Pritchard, L.A. Quetelet, H.V. Regnault, the Earl of Rosse, G.S.G. Santini, H.C. Schumacher, P.A. Secchi, A. Sedgwick, R. Sheepshanks, W.H. Smyth, R. Stephenson, G.G. Stokes, W.S. Stratford, F.G.W. Struve, J....
Dates: 1851
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Miscellaneous correspondence, 1852

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/374
Scope and Contents

Airy's miscellaneous correspondence with, among others, D.F.J. Arago, F. Beaufort, J. Challis, E.J. Cooper, W.R. Dawes, A. de Morgan, W. Denison, J.F. Encke, J.D. Forbes, R. Grant, J.F.W. Herschel, the Earl of Rosse, E. Sabine, A. Sedgwick, R. Sheepshanks, W.H. Smyth, R. Stephenson, W.S. Stratford, F.E.W.V. Struve, W. Whewell and Lord Wrottesley.

Dates: 1852
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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'Nautical Almanac' correspondence, 1849 - 1857

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/204
Scope and Contents

Correspondence concerning the 'Nautical Almanac' with regard to the positions of the minor planets, observations of the Moon's position, its corrections and the Moon's culminations. There are requests for information and discussions on the material inserted in the 'Nautical Almanac'. The correspondents include W.S. Stratford, C.P. Smyth, Sir F. Beaufort, P.P. King, C.F.A. Shadwell and A.D. Bache.

Dates: 1849 - 1857
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Notebooks and notes of miscellaneous official and private papers of Stratford, 1827-1838

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Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.4238
Scope and Contents Contents: I. Draft regulations for the London Chemical Society, with draft minutes of a meeting of the society, 22 March 1827, inserted loose; II. English translation of P. Caturegli, Ephemerides Motuum Caelestium, 1829-1832 (Bologna, 1828), app. pp. III-XVI; III-V. Memoranda of accounts, 1832-1833 (see below); VI. Engagement book, October-December 1837; VII. Occultations and eclipses of Jupiter's satellites for 1838; VIII. Mean time of transit of the same for 1838; IX. 'Independent...
Dates: 1827-1838
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 File

Notebooks, with some additional loose sheets, containing calculations made at the Nautical Almanac Office by various assistants under Stratford's supervision, relating to Halley's Comet, 1835-1836, 1827-1838

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Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.4236-4237
Scope and Contents

Includes a final proof of Ephemeris of Halley's Comet 1835-6 (Nautical Almanac Office, 30 December 1835), in which the first results of these calculations were published.

Dates: 1827-1838
Conditions Governing Access: From the Fonds: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Official and scientific correspondence, 1823 - 1830

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/803
Scope and Contents

Airy's official and scientific correspondence, volume 1, including letters from Amici, Baily, Beaufort, Bouvard, Brewster, Carlini, Cerquene, Colby, Davy, Gambart, Garvey, Gilbert, Hamilton, Herschel, Hudson, Hussey, Jenkins, Lardner, Lax, Maclear, Pearson, Pond, Rigaud, Robinson, Rumker, Sabine, Sanchis, Schumacher, South, Stratford and Young, with an index to the correspondents at the end. There are a few letters in French and Italian.

Dates: 1823 - 1830
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Official and scientific correspondence, 1830 - 1832

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/804
Scope and Contents

Airy's official and scientific correspondence, volume 2, including letters from Arago, Auber, Baily, Barrow, Beaufort, Becker, Cooper, De Morgan, Encke, Forbes, Foster, Gambert, Gilbert, Gregory, Hamilton, Harcourt, Henderson, Herschel, Hudson, Hussey, Inman, Innes, Lax, Lubbock, Maclear, Princess Olive, Parrot, Pearson, Quetelet, Robinson, Schumacher, Sheepshanks, Stratford, Taylor, Tiarks and Tyson, with an index to the correspondents at the end. There are a few letters in French.

Dates: 1830 - 1832
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Papers on Government superintendence, 1837 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/2
Scope and Contents The mutual accusations of Lt. W.S. Stratford and W. Woolhouse, 1837.Correspondence on the Superintendent of the proposed Naval School at Portsmouth, 1838-1839.Letter from Captain Shirreff to Airy regarding the rate of pay of schoolmasters in the Navy, 12 August 1840, including 'Naval Notice on Regulations for the Qualification, Pay, and Half Pay of Naval Instructors and Schoolmasters'.Letters from the Admiralty examining the Greenwich Hospital Schools and concerning...
Dates: 1837 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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Papers on Northumberland's telescope, 1842 - 1846

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/158
Scope and Contents Papers relating to the publication of a paper by Airy on the establishment of the Northumberland telescope at the University Observatory, Cambridge. There is an essay giving a description of the dome and telescope, and correspondence with engravers, artists and printers for the paper's publication. The correspondence includes letters of thanks for the work from J. Challis, W.H. Miller, W.S. Stratford, G. Bishop, G. Fisher, W.R. Dawes, E. Sabine, Sir F. Beaufort, S.H. Christie, M.J. Johnson,...
Dates: 1842 - 1846
Conditions Governing Access: From the Management Group: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
 Fonds

William Samuel Stratford: Papers

 Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.4236-4238
Scope and Contents

Mainly consist of astronomical calculations, including work relating to Halley's Comet. Also includes some accounts and draft regulations for the London Chemical Society.

Dates: 1827-1838
Conditions Governing Access: Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).