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Correspondence and observations on solar eclipse, 1867 - 1869

 File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/122

Scope and Contents

Correspondence and observations relating to the total solar eclipse of 17-18 August 1868. The first part of the volume deals with the preparations for an expedition to India to observe the eclipse, the acquisition of new instruments, the financial arrangements, and diplomatic approval from the India Office, including a letter from the Under Secretary, H. Merivale. There are pieces on the Austrian and French expeditions and discussions with Major J.F. Tennant on the observations to be taken and the specifications for the instruments with J. Browning. The bulk of the volume is comprised of correspondence with W.J. Foerster, T.E.V. Oppolzer, G.G. Stokes, J.R. Hind, W. De La Rue, J.F.W. Herschel and others on observations and results. There are a number of newspaper accounts from 'The Overland Mail' (India) 'Le Progres Liberal' (France), 'The Ceylon Observer' and 'The Engineer'; prints of the eclipse; and maps denoting the path of the eclipse. There are also three solar photographs and an itinerary of P & O sailings for 1868.

Dates

  • 1867 - 1869

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).

Extent

1 volume(s) (1 volume)

Language of Materials

English