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Forbes, James David, 1809 - 1868 (natural philosopher)

 Person

Found in 53 Collections and/or Records:

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Astronomical methods and instruments, 1859 - 1861

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/170
Scope and Contents Miscellaneous astronomical methods, new inventions and instruments sent in by various scientists and interested parties. The correspondents include E. Dunkin, J. Nasmyth, J. Booth, Lord Rosse, W. Lassell, J.F.W. Herschel, J.J. von Littrow, J.D. Forbes, G. Fisher, J.R. Hind and C. Pritchard. There are pieces on water clocks and barrel clocks, with drawings of their mechanism; N.R. Pogson's paper on an 'occular crystal micrometer'; C.R.D. Bethune's paper on 'reducing the apparent distance of...
Dates: 1859 - 1861
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 academic works, 1847 - 1850

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/465
Scope and Contents Correspondence and papers on various academic works, including W.H. Stevenson's thoughts on hydrogen, gas and water; E.W. Brayley's injury to book bindings by gas; and R.S. Poole's places of the sun and moon's longitude in regard to ancient Egyptian chronology. There are papers by F. Coxworthy on the influence of electricity in regard to various scientific phenomena; M. Faraday's galvanic experiments; Airy's essays on the route of the Israelites during the Exodus; a small map of North Canada...
Dates: 1847 - 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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Correspondence on magnetic instruments, 1835 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/676
Scope and Contents Correspondence and related papers concerning magnetic instruments. The correspondents include G. Forbes, H. Lloyd, F. Beaufort, J.F.W. Herschel, K.F. Gauss, M. Faraday, J.V. Lamont, F. Baily, E. Sabine, C. Brooke and F. Ronalds. The papers include diagrams of the small needles used in the Magnetic Observatory at Munich; a printed 'Account of the Induction Inclinometer and of its Adjustments' by H. Lloyd; a piece of gilt covered paper; a printed paper by W. Snow Harris titled 'New Steering...
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 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 magnetism and photography, 1862 - 1872

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/681
Scope and Contents Correspondence and related papers concerning magnetic instruments and photographic registration. The correspondents include H.E. Roscoe, B. Steward, G. Forbes, H. James, W. De La Rue, B.A. Gould, L.M. Rutherford and C. Brooke. The papers include vertical and horizontal section plans of the Horizontal Force and Declination Photographic Apparatus; a paper by J.D. Forbes titled 'An account of two artificial hemispheres representing graphically the distribution of temperature and magnetism from...
Dates: 1862 - 1872
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 solar eclipse, 1850 - 1852

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/119
Scope and Contents A book devoted to the total solar eclipse of 28 July 1851, comprised mainly of correspondence on preparations and issuing instructions to professional and amateur astronomers. The correspondence includes letters to J. Challis, E.J. Cooper, J.F. Encke, H. Fox-Talbot, H.A.E.A. Fayé, J.D. Forbes, J.F.W. Herschel, W. Lassell, Sir J.W. Lubbock, R. Stephenson, H.U. Addington and Lord H.E. Stanley of Alderley. There are a considerable number of requests from many amateur astronomers.The...
Dates: 1850 - 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).
 Sub-Series

Correspondence on transit of Venus, 1869 - 1879

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/277
Scope and Contents Correspondence on instruments used in observing the transit of Venus. The correspondents include J.C. Adams, J. Challis, W. De La Rue, G. Forbes, Messrs C. Frodsham and Co., Messrs Dent and Co., J.H. Dallmeyer and C.J. Corbett. The papers include lists of clocks, with some of their rates; a list of telescopes used in the transit of Venus observations; plans of plate holders for photoheliographs; two photographs of the Corbett 6 1/3" Equatorial Telescope; drawings and a diagram from a...
Dates: 1869 - 1879
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

Correspondence on transit of Venus, 1880

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/283
Scope and Contents Correspondence relating to the transit of Venus, 1882. The correspondents include W. Spottiswoode, J.R. Hind, A. d'Abbadie, J.C. Adams, W. De La Rue, Maxwell Hall, Sir D. Gill, G. Forbes and J.H. Dallmeyer. Included amongst the correspondence are printed papers on instructions to observers; minutes of the meetings of the Transit of Venus Executive Committee; a Report of the Committee; a paper on Airy's Double-Image Micrometer; and newspaper cuttings on the transit of Venus and expeditions....
Dates: 1880
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 with scientific societies, 1860 - 1863

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/410
Scope and Contents Correspondence with various scientific societies, with related papers. There are minutes and proceedings of the British Association; papers on the work of the Balloon Committee; R. Willis' address to the 1862 conference at Cambridge; the programme and list of membership for this Cambridge conference; 'Birmingham Daily Post' and 'Daily Telegraph' reports on balloon trials; Airy's talk on strains in tubular bridges; writing by J.D. Forbes on the conduction of heat in bars; determination of...
Dates: 1860 - 1863
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

Correspondence with scientific societies, 1865 - 1868

 Sub-Series
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/412
Scope and Contents Correspondence with various scientific societies, with related papers. There are notices and council minutes for the British Association; reports of the Kew Committee; the report of the committee wishing to publish K.L.C. Rümker's stellar observations; papers relating to W.R. Birt's lunar committee; W. Thomson's report on tidal observations; W.R. Grove's address to the 1866 convention; and J.D. Forbes' address to the 1867 convention. Other articles include a description of the Kew...
Dates: 1865 - 1868
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 with tradesmen, 1849

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/722
Scope and Contents Correspondence with tradesmen, including letters from booksellers; coal merchants; clock repairers; horologists; builders; chandlers; merchants; draughtsmen; machine repairers; stationers; opticians; the Kent Water Company; parcel carriers; engineers; chemists; decorators; journeymen; and the Phoenix Gas Company. The letters cover instructions; requests; accounts; bills; receipts; invoices; circulars; tenders; routine repairs; and adjustments and improvements to instruments. There are...
Dates: 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 with tradesmen, 1850

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/723
Scope and Contents Correspondence with tradesmen, including letters from booksellers; coal merchants; horologists; builders; chandlers; merchants; draughtsmen; instrument makers; stationers; the Kent Water Company; parcel carriers; engineers; chemists; photographic suppliers; decorators; the Phoenix Gas Company; journeymen; an ironmonger; a manufacturer of gas appliances; and an upholsterer. The letters cover instructions; requests; accounts; bills; receipts; circulars; tenders; invoices; routine repairs; and...
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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Honolulu Station Journal, 1874-05-26 - 1875-01-24

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 59/69
Scope and Contents

The journal kept by J.D. Forbes and G. Tupman at Honolulu during the 1874 Transit of Venus Expedition. There is an entry for 20 November 1874 regarding the death by drowning of one of the observers (Lambert).

Dates: 1874-05-26 - 1875-01-24
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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Letters from observatories, 1849

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/142
Scope and Contents Letters from various observatories on filling vacancies, requests for information and for advice on instruments, and the formation of new observatories. The correspondents include J.R. Hind, C. Pasley, T. Maclear (a testimonial), J. Challis, W.S. Jacob, R. Sheepshanks, C.P. Smyth, G. Fisher, C. Pritchard, O.M. Mitchel, Captain P.P. King, Sir J.F.W. Herschel, W.R. Dawes and J.P. Nichol. There are communications with J.D. Forbes on the possibility of time balls at Edinburgh; reports by the...
Dates: 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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Letters from observatories, 1848 - 1852

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/143
Scope and Contents Letters from various observatories on filling vacancies, building new observatories at Blackheath and the West Midlands, and improving existing observatories (e.g. by erecting new time balls in Quebec). The correspondents include R. Sheepshanks, J.F.W. Herschel, J.D. Forbes, C.P. Smyth, Sir B. Hawes, M.J. Johnson, W.H. Miller, J. Challis, Sir F. Beaufort and the Chancellor of the Exchequer. There are reports on the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, and two reports on Liverpool Observatory...
Dates: 1848 - 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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Letters from observatories, 1859 - 1861

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/146
Scope and Contents Letters from various British and international observatories on filling vacancies, plans for new improvements at Madras, and the formation of new observatories at Williamstown, Victoria, and other locations. The correspondents include E. Dunkin, J. Challis, R.C. Carrington, O.M. Mitchel, J.D. Forbes, R. Grant, Sir E. Sabine, Lord Wrottesley, N.R. Pogson, Professor Baden Powell, J.F.W. Herschel and R.L.J. Ellery. There are also tracings for the proposed Adelaide Observatory; a piece from 'The...
Dates: 1859 - 1861
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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Letters to Francis Baily, 1828 - 1843

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 15/29
Scope and Contents

Correspondence comprised predominantly of letters from T. Maclear or F. Fallows to F. Baily:

Dates: 1828 - 1843
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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Mathematical and other papers, 1849 - 1850

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/428
Scope and Contents Correspondence and papers on pure mathematics and other subjects, including A. de Morgan's thoughts on equations, area and probability; quadratic equations and the quadrature of a circle; J.W. Woollgar's use of the slide rule; J.D. Forbes on the probability of double stars, with an account in the 'Philosophical Magazine'; pendulum experiments by G.G. Stokes; Airy's report on sound navigation signals; a calculating machine; the properties of a circle; W.H. Smyth on the origin of the word...
Dates: 1849 - 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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Mathematical theories and calculations, 1835 - 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/425
Scope and Contents

Mathematical theories and calculations, mainly pure but some applied, by A. de Morgan, J. Forbes, Sir W.R. Hamilton and others. There are papers on binomial theorem, conic sections, spherical trigonometry, mathematical tables and the quadrature of a circle.

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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Mathematical theories and calculations, 1853 - 1856

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/432
Scope and Contents Correspondence on various mathematical theories and calculations, mainly pure, but some applied, and miscellaneous papers on scientific matters. The correspondents include Lord Wrottesley, A. de Morgan, B.A. Gould, J.D. Forbes, G. Rennie and D. Brewster. There are papers on 'Pierce's criterion for the rejection of doubtful observations, with tables for facilitating its application' by B.A. Gould; the 1/17 division of the circle; supplementary calculations of e2[Pi] and e-2[Pi] formulae for...
Dates: 1853 - 1856
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, 1848

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/370
Scope and Contents

Airy's miscellaneous personal correspondence for 1848, including requests for clocks and nautical almanacs and an extract from a book by J.F.W. Herschel called 'Outlines of Astronomy'. The correspondents include J.B. Biot, J.D. Forbes, W.R. Hamilton, J.F.W. Herschel, O.M. Mitchel, G.A.A. Plana, L.A. Quetelet, H.C. Schumacher, H. Lloyd, W.H. Smyth, F.G.W. Struve and J.R. Young.

Dates: 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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Miscellaneous correspondence, 1849 - 1850

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Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/371
Scope and Contents

Airy's miscellaneous correspondence with, among others, J.C. Adams, D.F.J. Arago, J.B. Biot, P.H.L. von Boguslowski, J. Challis, W. Cubitt, A. d'Abbadie, J.D. Forbes, J.S. Henslow, J.F.W. Herschel, M.J. Johnson, W. Lassell, U.J.J. Le Verrier, W.H. Miller, J.P. Nichol, G.A.A. Plana, J.C. Ross, the Earl of Rosse, H.C. Schumacher, G.G. Stokes, W.H. Smyth, C.P. Smyth, R. Sheepshanks, F.E.W.V. Struve and W. Whewell.

Dates: 1849 - 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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