Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Dorothy Fitzgerald
Swimming Holidays Drawing
Handwritten letter from Dorothy Fitzgerald to George F. Fitzgerald. Transcription: Dear Papa. Thank you very much for your nice letter and stamps. I swam a little on Tuesday without the swimming collar. We have been to the Velvet Strand twice. Nesta and I were sketching yesterday. Nesta sketched the other side and top of the hotel and I sketched the corn field and the church tower. With very much love and kisses, Your loving Dorothy.
Fitzgerald, Dorothy
RDS Library & Archives GFF collection of letters
RDS Library & Archives
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
Text
Family
Handwritten letter from Dorothy Fitzgerald to George F. Fitzgerald. Transcription: Dear Papa, I hope you will have a fine passage. It will be very nice when your back again. Miss Evans is going into town this afternoon. I am abel to float now. Aunt Edith was here today and Annie. We all send love and kisses. Your loving Dorothy.
Fitzgerald, George Francis, 1851-1901. Correspondent
Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Ettrick W. Creak
Magnetic science
Handwritten letter from Ettrick W. Creak to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 16 November 1886. Creak discusses the increasing changes in the field of magnetic science as well as instruments he believes are needed for further advances. 4 pp. Transcription: "Dear Professor Fitzgerald, I have been absent from London for ten days and unfortunately your letter was not forwarded to me as you should been answered much sooner. I am glad to hear that you have discovered an enthusiastic magnetic observer at Valentia as eventually he may be of help to magnetic science when most wanted. With regards to the fortnightly observations at Valentia, I hardly think they would come up to modern requirements . With the general knowledge we [can?] process of the Earth's magnetic state at given [spaces?], I have come to the conclusion that we require something very [exact?] for further investigations into the subject. The degree of precision I would [?] advocate is nothing less than that derived from self registering instruments - for Declination Horizontal & Vertical intensity accompanied by an Earth currant apparatus. This latter I consider an important addition as we have so little information therein. The magnetic instruments of the Kew pattern. As a preliminary to the most excellent way, Mr. Cullum might be given a differential declination magnetometer which he might observe hourly (absolute time) for 24 hours every fortnight which compared with Kew would give a general idea of the relative motions of the [?] of the [?] places Kew and Valentia. If his zeal also carried him so far he might make numerous eye observations in days of undoubted disturbance. Preliminary observations of this kind would probably tell us whether the expenses of the self registering instruments was worth incurring. Fortnightly observations of [?] the three elements would furnish good value if carried out through the year, and furnish data for secular change in after years. I am glad you are [?] Cork on the question of a Naval observatory. Is the trade there large enough to support it without Government aid? Your Sincerely Ettrick W. Creak"
Creak, E. W. (Ettrick William), 1835-1920
RDS Library and Archives GFF collection of letters
Hydrographic Department,
1886
Fitzgerald, George Francis, 1851-1901, Correspondent
Handwritten letter from Ettrick W. Creak to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 22 October 1886. Creak discusses his observations concerning magnetism in relation to distance. 4 pp. Transcription: "Dear Professor Fitzgerald, I am much obliged to you for your kind offer to make observations of the magnetic elements but considering that you have so long dis-continued the regular observations I can hardly ask you to start afresh even for a week. I am very sorry your intended magnitude survey of Ireland came to naught as it would have been useful in many ways especially in the reconstruction of our chart of Magnetic Declination so important to navigations approaching the English Channel and Irish Coasts. I have a large number of observations which would [be a?] bringing up to date if I only knew really good values for the secular change. Independent observations made at different spots in the same neighbourhood are often most misleading and nothing but continuous observations of the same spot for about 15 or 20 years will give me the annual change as accurately as I desire. I have Greenwich and Kew and Stonyhurst very satisfactorily but I am anxious to obtain the secular change at places on or near a line roughly drawn from Stonyhurst to Berehaven as from my present values the amount of secular change decreases in that direction becoming zero [and?] a line drawn from Newfoundland to the Cape de Verde Islands. I shall however be very glad of any observations from Ireland such as you have so kindly offered to obtain if possible. Yours Sincerely Ettrick W. Creak"
Hydrographic Department, Admiralty
Handwritten letter from Ettrick W. Creak to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 14 October 1886. Creak asks Fitzgerald for help in obtaining research and informs him of his latest publication. 4 pp. Transcription: "Dear Professor Fitzgerald, I am desirous of getting some recent observations of the three magnetic elements in Ireland and I write to ask if you can help me in doing so. When I say recent I mean since 1880 and if I could obtain any continuous observations for secular change it would be of great value to me. The Declination is the more important Element to me at present and that more likely to be observed. Mean Annual Values in the neighborhood of Dublin and each single observations in any part of the country would be very acceptable. I was sorry that I was unable to be present at the B. A. meeting this year but often work quite prevented me. I sent you a copy of a Memorandum which I wrote on the subject of Antarctic research in Terrestrial Magnetism reprinted from the B. A. report by the Scottish Geographical Society. Last Saturday I saw in the printed list of Articles in the forthcoming edition of the Admiralty Manual Sci. Enq. that for every contributor entitled to F. R. S. after his name it was duly recorded except myself. I wrote to Sir R. Ball a note pointing out the omission and telling him that I had no idea that it was intentional but asking him to have it corrected. Perhaps you will smile at my [action?] in the matter but as the book is largely intended for naval officers supplied & survey ship where the distinction of F. RS. is exceedingly rare I felt bound to write. Hoping you are quite well. Believe me. Yours very truly Ettrick W. Creak"
Hydrographic Department, Admiralty,
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Frederick Guthrie
Guthrie, Frederick, 1833-1886
Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland)
Frederick Guthrie wrote to Professor Fitzgerald requesting information about the physical space and capacity of Fitzgerald’s physics laboratory. Specifically, he asked for rough estimates of the total floor space devoted to physics, the area used for lectures, the space allocated for storage, and the maximum number of students who have worked on practical physics simultaneously. Guthrie mentioned he was seeking more space for practical work and hoped Fitzgerald could assist. pp.2 Transcription: Dear Fitzgerald, I am trying to get to get more room for practical work in Physics. Will you kindly give me the following information about your Laboratory? (1) What is the total floor space from wall to wall devoted to Physics? (2) How many square feet are employed for lecture purposes: including apparatus and cabinet? (3) How many for storage? (4) What is the greatest No. of students you have ever had working at Practice Physics at the same time? A very rough estimate will greatly oblige. yours, Frederick Guthrie
Guthrie, Frederick
Fitzgerald, George Francis, 1851-1901
A handwritten letter from F, Guthrie to Professor G, F Fitzgerald dated 5th of April 1883. In this brief and apologetic letter, Fred Guthrie expresses regret for not having supported the recipient’s candidacy for the Royal Society of London, stating that he was unaware they were being considered that year. pp.1 Transcription: My dear Sir, I did not know that you were "up" for the Royal Society of London, this year. I feel disgraced at not seeing my name amongst your supporters. Yours faithfully, Fred Guthrie
RDS Library & Archives GFF corespondent letters
1883
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from G. Gore
Handwritten letter from George Gore from Institute of Scientific Research 67, Broad Street, Birmingham to George F. Fitzgerald, dated March 19th 1894. Gore thanks Fitzgerald for responding to a enquiry and praises Fitzgerald for his statement "that the mechanical energies of molecules of different gases are equal". 1p. Transcription: Dear Professor Fitzgerald, Thank you very much for the note you have been so kind as to send me reflecting my enquiry in the Philosophical magazine of this month. Although I have read much on the physics of gases, and the statement that the mechanical energies of molecules of different gases are equal is one which I would certainly have noted, I have no recollection of ever having met with it, and I would much like to see it in print. Such a statement is of so very fundamental a character that I think it ought, like Avogadro's Law, to be explicitly expressed in simple words in every textbook of physics and monograph on gases. Your article in "Science Progress" appears to me originally suggestive and very interesting. Yours Truly, G. Gore Professor Fitzgerald
Gore, George, 1826-1909
RDS Library and Archives GFF Collection of Letters
1894
Rayleigh, John William Strutt, 1842-1919.
Handwritten letter from George Gore from Institute of Scientific Research 67, Broad Street, Birmingham to George F. Fitzgerald, dated Jan 9th 1894. Gore writes in response to a letter received from Fitzgerald. Gore discusses his experiments he hopes to publish. My dear Sir, I have to thank you for your thoughtful and suggestive letter. On second research employing an oxidizable metallic powder is very desirable; a long time ago I purchased a quantity of platinum powder for the purpose. I have not seen Lord Rayleigh's remark to which you kindly refer me. My series of experiments on change of temperature of liquids by contact with powdered Silica will I hope be published before very long. Hoping to see your communication in "Nature". I am Yours Truly, G. Gore
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from G. Griffith
Kelvin, William Thomson, 1824-1907.
Lister, Joseph, 1827-1912.
Schuster, Arthur,1851-1934.1851-1934.
Royal Irish Academy.
National Physical Laboratory (Great Britain).
British Association for the Advancement of Science.
Letter to George F. FitzGerald from George James Burch
Burch, George James, 1852-1914
Physiologists.
Electrometer.
Physics.
Color blindness.
Handwritten letter from George James Burch, 11 Beech croft Road Summertown, Oxford, to George F. Fitzgerald, undated. Burch writes of his struggle concerning his scientific work and implores Fitzgerald for help. 3pp. Transcription: "Prof. Fitzgerald Dear Sir You will doubtless remember a correspondence that passed between us some while since on the subject of the Capillary Electrometer - The interest you then expressed in my work encourages me to venture upon the request I am about to make. I propose to offer myself a Candidate for the vacant [Chair?] of Physics of Sidney - Unfortunately nearly all my work on the Capillary Electrometer has been done under the auspice of physiology, and as Prof. Lotch tells me, their testimonials would not have much weight for this purpose. Its a little disappointing after twelve years work to find that because this purely physical research happens to have yielded results, especially valuable to physiology, it should be difficult for me to reap the result of it But I quite realize that when I can get the testimony of physicists as to its value, it will be of very little benefit to myself. May I hope that you will be able to assist me in the matter? If the request is one that ought not to be made, please consider that I have only consulted you as to whether I might make it, and that I shall accept your advice in the spirit in which I am quite sure it will be given Believe me Yours Truly George J. Burch P. S. I enclose an abstract of my paper on Colour Blindness now being printed in extenso in the Phil. Trans. - When it appears, I hope to send you a copy -"
RDS Library & Archive GFF collection of letters
Science
Telegraph.
Handwritten letter from George James Burch, 21 Norham Rd, Oxford, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 18 August 1896. Burch is writing of an invention he made and implores for Fitzgerald's opinion. 4pp. Transcription: "Dear Prof. Fitzgerald Accept my thanks for your very friendly suggestion -It had occurred to me some three years ago that the Capillary Electrometer might be used as a recording instrument in telegraphy and I made (privately) some enquiries - I gathered that with cables the speed is limited not so much by the receiver as by the cable itself, and as the apparatus - in it- then condition was not such as could be worked save by a specially trained man, I gave up the idea - Of course it is much more manageable in its present form and if a submarine cable could be made to work up to the speed the capillary electrometer would be capable of very rapid work - Preece says that if possible reversals of the transmitter represent an average word - I do not know whether that means single, or double reversals - Now I have plenty of photographs taken at moderate speeds, in which there are over 720 double reversals per second (one of the Figs in my paper has 650) This would mean 30 words per second, 1800 words per minute if double reversals are meant, 3600 per minute if single reversals suffice This is I believe about 4 times as fast as the automatic transmitter, and is well written the rate of easy working. You will see by a passage towards the conclusion of my paper that I have refrained from patenting any part of it preferring to present my discovery and invention to the scientific public - the same method may be applied to any form of electrometer or galvanometer or other measuring instrument … the motion may be rectilinear or circular … the surface may be flat or developable … etc Whether this dedication of public use covers the [employability ?] of the capillary electrometer as a receiver in telegraphy I hardly know - If you think that it does not, and that an outsider could step in and patent a special use of a method that I have refrained from patenting I confess I should be inclined to wish I had taken steps in the matter myself - Unfortunately I am not in a position to risk money on it, and I do not know enough about telegraphy to judge of its applicability. But if it is a thing I ought to do, I should willingly join with envy one who cared to take it up I should be very glad of your opinion on the subject, and should have written sooner but for feeling overdone with work Yours Faithfully George J. Burch"
1896
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from H. Ebert
Ebert, H. 1861-1913
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Howard Grubb
Grubb, Howard, 1844-1931.
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from J.S. Goodbody
Goodybody, J. S.
A handwritten letter from J.S Goodbody to Professor George F. Fitzgerald, dated October 22nd. J.S. Goodbody sends Fitzgerald a photo taken by Marcus as a memento of his visit, mentions Marcus has gone to St Paul’s, hopes the pressed flowers arrived safely, shares news about cycling activities, and wishes Fitzgerald found everyone well at home. 3pp. Transcription: Dear Mr Fitzgerald, Marcus asked us to send you this copy of his photo of you while you were here, in memory of your visit. Marcus left yesterday for St Pauls and expected to arrive tomorrow morning and have Sunday. To look about before beginning work. I hope your pressed flowers arrived quite safely, Aunt Bonnie has also been collecting them here, but has not found as many I do not think as yet. Papa has not yet tried the bicycle although Mother is becoming quite expert at it, I am afraid he wont succumb. We had a splendid ride on Wednesday over twenty miles in which Marcus took me on a tandem which made it very easy work. I hope you found everyone quite well when you get home. Ever yours sincerely, J.S. Goodbody
Goodbody, J.S
October 28th
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from John Gray
Gray, John
A handwritten letter from John Gray to George F, Fitzgerald, dated March 21st 1896, John Gray writes on behalf of Lord Kelvin to acknowledge receipt of a letter and to send final proofs of Kelvin’s Baltimore lectures. Kelvin, currently too busy to respond personally, hopes the recipient will accept the proofs as the first instalment of a planned volume to be completed within the year. The lectures cover topics such as vibration and wave motion, which were mentioned in the recipient’s previous letters. Transcription: Dear Sir, Lord kelvin had hoped to write you sooner himself, but he has been too much occupied and will still be so until the end of next week. He therefore instructs me to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 18th and to send you the accompanying final proofs (by bookpost) of his Baltimore lectures he will be glad if you will accept them as the first instalment of a volume which he hopes, possibly, to complete before the end of a year. You will find there, discussed in some detail, the subjects of vibration and wave motion of which you tell him in your last letter. The pencil corrections which you fid on pp. 46, 74, etc. have been made from Lord Kelvin's cops I am, Yours faithfully, John Gray
Preece, W. H.
A handwritten letter from John Gray to Prof. G. F. Fitzgerald, dated September 25th 1896. 1pp. Transcription: Dear sir, Lord Kelvin desires me to send you the enclosed copy of a letter sent by him to W.H. Preece Esq today. I am, Yours Faithfully, John Gray Seey Prof. G. F. Fitzgerald
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from John Gunn
Gunn, John
A handwritten letter from John Gunn to Prof. George F. Fitzgerald, dated 23rd of November 1888. John Gunn writes to Professor Fitzgerald to acknowledge receipt of a letter from Dr. Hill and to send 50 copies of the "Rules for Observers," with more to follow once printed. He mentions Fitzgerald’s success in recruiting observers and notes similar enthusiasm from Mr. Brown of the Belfast Natural History Society. Gunn is optimistic that Ireland will contribute significantly to the initiative and hopes for comparable success in England and Scotland. pp.2 Transcription: Dear Sir, Dr. Hill has handed me your letter, and I now send you herewith 50 copies (all I have at present) of Rules for Observers. As soon as the printers can strike off a fresh supply, the balance shall be forwarded. It is very encouraging to know that you expect such success in getting observers. Mr Brown, of the Belfast Natural History Society, also hopes to induce several as members of that association take an interest in the work. So Ireland should produce very valuable results. I hope our efforts in England and Scotland may be equally successful. Yours very truly, John Gunn Professor Fitzgerald Dublin
1888
A handwritten letter from John Gunn to Prof, George F. Fitzgerald, dated 4th of December 1888. John Gunn informs Professor Fitzgerald that two individuals, Mr. B. Kernan of Warrenpoint and Mr. A. Mulligan of Rathfriland, have volunteered to take surface water temperature measurements. Mulligan also suggests contacting Mr. John Smyth, C.E., of Banbridge, and mentions plans to establish a high-altitude station in the Mourne Mountains. Gunn asks whether Fitzgerald’s circular mentioned the 2 shillings and 6 pence charge for each thermometer and case, as neither volunteer appears to be aware of this cost. 2pp. Transcription: Dear Sir, Two gentlemen, Mr B. Kernan, Warrenpoint, and Mr A. Hulligan, Rathfriland have already written me expressing their willingness to take observations on the temperature of surface water in their neighbourhood. The latter suggests that Mr John Smyth, Sons, C.E. Lanaderg, Banbridge, should be applied to if this has not already be done. He also says that he hopes to establish a station among the Mourne Mountains, at some height above the sea. May I ask If, in your circular, you have stated that a charge of 2/6 is made for each thermometer and case? Neither Mr. Mulligan nor Mr. Kernan seem to be aware that such a charge is to be made. Yours truly, John Gunn Prof. Fitzgerald
Letter to George F. FitzGerald from John Noble
Noble, John, 1829-1909
Handwritten letter from John Noble to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 14 February 1898. Noble asks Fitzgerald to return brushes to his client, Mr. Koch. Transcript: "Koch v. Trinity College Dear Sir Referring to our former correspondence herein Mr. Koch now asks that you will return the two dynamo brushes in question which I think is a very moderate requisition on his part. These brushes would appear to have been invoiced to the College on 28th Aug. '96 Faithfully Yours John Noble"
1898
Handwritten letter from John Noble to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 27 January 1898. Noble discusses brushes. 2pp. Transcript: "Dear Sir On the instructions of Messrs. G. L. Hoch of Hohenlimburg Germany I have written Provost Trinity College for amount of [account?] £1=9=6 for dynamic brushes supplied to Trinity College and the Provost or rather his solicitors state that the person giving orders for the articles should be commemorated with [L]. Accordingly I write this letter, as from a post card forwarded by my clients you appear to have given the Order having written Sir Koch stating the class of brushes you required. If you do not wish to retain the articles, I would ask you to be so kind enough to return them to Mr. Koch. Faithfully Yours John Noble"
Noble, John 1829-1909
Handwritten letter from John Noble to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 3 February 1898. Noble replies to Fitzgerald in concern to an order to his client, Mr. Koch. 1p. Transcript: "Dear Sir In reply to yours of 29th alp. I beg to enclose post-card with your signature directed to Mr. Koch If it is not absolutely an order it certainly raises the presumption that such an order was given by you to my client Faithfully Yours John Noble"
Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Kate C. Manders
Manders, Kate C.
Handwritten letter from Kate C. Manders, Windsor Terrace, Malahide, to Sir George F. Fitzgerald, dated 5 May 1899. Manders discusses her house. 3pp. Transcription: " Dear Mr. Fitzgerald I should be so glad if you could have the dado dove for me as you kindly said you would as soon as possible. I have not let my [house?] this year yet if you should hear of anyone wanting a [house?] I should be so grateful if you would remember me Yours Truly Kate C. Manders P. S. I was sorry to hear your children had been ill & hope they are quite well again."
1899
Handwritten letter from Kate C. Manders, Windsor Terrace, Malahide, to George Francis Fitzgerald, dated 11 March 1897. Manders seeks Fitzgerald's opinion in concern to renting her house. 3pp. Transcription: "Dear Mr. Fitzgerald I must apologize for not having replied to your letter [ere?] this. I hope to let my house house this summer, but think it would suit me better this year to let it from the 1st July to the end of October. Would there [abouts?] suit you? Of course it is rather early in the year to make definite arrangements, but I will certainly not let my house without first writing to you - there seems to be a great demand for houses in Malahide this year as I have already received applications. Very Truly Yours Kate C. Manders"
1897
Payment.
Handwritten letter by Kate C. Manders, 46 Waterloo Road, Dublin, to George Francis Fitzgerald, dated 14 October 1897. Manders thanks Fitzgerald for a cheque she received from him. 2pp. Transcription: "Dear Mr. Fitzgerald I received your cheque for £32.10 this morning for which I am much obliged. I don't really know how much [netting?] there was I think the only thing will be for me to have it measured when I return home. Very Truly Yours Kate C. Manders"
RDS Library and Archive GFF collection of letters
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Nesta Fitzgerald
Handwritten letter from Nesta Fitzgerald to George F. Fitzgerald, dated Monday 17th. Nesta Fitzgerald writes to her father, George F. Fitzgerald recounting her day with a lively and affectionate tone. Transcription: Dear Papie, Raymond and Anne picked all that flower that you told Dordie to botanise and Dordie is very angry!!!! Granet says we will want tools (wooden) she had them for that (?). Ask Mamie could not she and Miss Evans come down some day next week or on Sunday. Did any of you guess who the Snorter was. We saw three magpies yesterday they were in the tree in the garden we went over to the Hut yesterday and made things out of the clay. Annie made a nest and put a hen in it. Dorothy made a lighthouse and I made a nest and an egg in it. Please give my love to everybody and tell Anne and Bee I will write to them soon Your loving Nesta
Fitzgerald, Nesta
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from P. L. Gray
Thompson, Silvanus Phillips, 1851-1916.
Radiation
Handwritten letter from P. L. Gray, 15, Francis Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, to George F. Fitzgerald, dates 3 November 1895. Gray discusses the nature of Radiation while expressing his hope to contribute more to the discoveries of Radiation and Absorption. 2pp. Transcription: "Dear Professor Fitzgerald, Thank you for the return of Paschen's letter, which touches on several interesting points. I have felt for some time that the [general?] question of Radiation & Absorption of different surfaces required a fresh start experimentally I hope to be doing something at it myself in the next few years. I am inclined to think highly of the importance of what Paschen prints out - that the variations in the law of Radiation, obtained by experiments, are due to the difference in the absorbing power of the various "receiving-surfaces" which have been used. I have not yet seen Sylvanus Thompson's lectures on Ave Lamps; I will look them up immediately. Yours Very Truly P. L. Gray"
Gray, P. L.
1895
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from R.T. Glazebrook
Glazebrook, Richard, 1854-1935
Cunningham, D. J. 1850-1909.
Royal Dublin Society.
Technical education.
Glazebrook, Richard, 1854-1935.
Schuster, Arthur, 1851-1934.
Preston, Thomas, 1860-1900.
Stokes, George Gabriel, 1819-1903.
Education, Secondary.
Maxwell, James Clerk, 1831-1879.
Helmholtz, Hermann von,1821-1894.1821-1894.
Ether (Matter)
Lodge, Oliver, 1851-1940.
University of Manchester.
University of Leeds.
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Raymond Fitzgerald
Handwritten letter from Raymond Fitzgerald to his father George F. Fitzgerald. Transcription: Dear Papa, Please write me a letter. Your loving Raymond
Fitzgerald, Raymond
Animals Golf
Handwritten letter from Raymond Fitzgerald to George F. Fitzgerald. Transcription: My dear Papa. Thank you very much for your nice letter. We have got two young kittens. I have got a new golf cap, two gold sticks and three balls. With love from George and Bre. Your loving Raymond.
Handwritten letter from Raymond Fitzgerald to his father George F. Fitzgerald. Transcription: My dear Papa, George sends thanks for his letter. I have got a new hat. We had a ..... picnic. Eve ..... Sends love and kisses, Raymond
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Robert Goodbody
Goodbody, Robert
A handwritten letter from Robert Goodbody to George, F Fitzgerald, dated the 24th of September, 1897. Goodbody expresses that he hopes Fitzgerald had a pleasant journey home. Goodbody, also shares that he has been unwell recently, likely due to drinking dirty water while golfing. Goodbody also apologises for being unpleasant and that he hopes to see Fitzgerald again in December. pp.2 Dear George, I trust you had a good voyage & found all well at home. As for me I have had a wretched cold. & on Saturday I was forced to go to bed with a sharp attack of malaria. I am only getting on it now. I have had torturing of it at times for some weeks & suppose I drank some bad water out golfing. I fear that I was rather irritable in any manner when you were here. Which has not of late years, I am told, been characteristic of me. I wish I had seen you for longer. But it could not be helped. I hope to see you in December. [Marcus?] does not go to St Paul till the end of October. I have not seen sun clearly all Fitzgerald Yours faithfully, I forwarded a letter by this mail
Robert Goodbody
Ball, Robert S. 1840-1913.
A handwritten letter from Robert Goodbody to Professor George F. Fitzgerald dated, 21st of August 1897. Robert Goodbody thanks George for his card and is delighted at the idea of seeing him. He asks if George will stop in New York during the B. & A. meeting and who will accompany him, offering to host two people comfortably and encouraging George to stay as long as he likes. He wonders if Ball will also be coming and asks to be informed so he can write to him. He mentions he may be busy with his sister visiting but assures George he will always have room for him above anyone else. 3pp. Transcription: Dear George, Your kind card to hand & I am greatly pleased at the prospect of seeing you. Do you stay at all on your way through New York at the B. & A. meeting? & who will be with you? Mind I can always put up two people easily. & I want you to make my. Plan you house for as long & as often as you can manage it will make me feel young again to see you! Not that I feel old but this begins me. Will Ball be coming on? If so please let me know & I will write to him. The only doubt I have is that for Sister is to be on & I will not manage the time at ours. But [Colborn?] comes remember I have room for you in preference to any one be he great or small. Yours affectionally, Robert Goodbody
Home rule
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Robert Graham
A handwritten letter from Robert Graham to Professor George F. Fitzgerald dated, the 2nd of July 1892. Robert Graham asks Fitzgerald to provide a ticket for the Sunday Garden Party for Captain Morton’s friend, Faurs, who is visiting for the celebration. 1pp. Transcription: Dear Fitzgerald, Could you let me have a ticket for the Garden Party on Sunday, for Captain Morton's friend [Faurs?], who have come to stay for the celebration, and oblige Yours faithfully, Robert Graham G.F Fitzgerald
Graham, Robert
1892
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from Sir Oliver Lodge
Heaviside, Oliver, 1850-1925.
Larmor, Joseph, b. 1857.
Temperature.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 1894. Lodge discusses Fitzgerald's boat journey on the sea, and he explains a formula of Oliver Heaviside. Lodge states that the formula is correct. 1p.
Lodge, Oliver, Sir, 1851-1940
Heat
Physics
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 25 May 1893. Lodge discusses how a body can cool and heat up again. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ A body can cool by leaking its heat away, or by converting it into another form of energy. In heat energies it is the working substance that is cooled not the source. It is cooled by converting its heat into work. It is easy to let it cool too much, but in [?] can heat with flow in as soon as connection with old body is established. The only effective cooling is from O to O'. is. the same as it can [a?] do if left to leakage. Doesn't this come in all right? Λ"
1893
Physical Society (Great Britain)
Largely illegible handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 14 January 1993. Lodge discusses scientific topics such as ether and atmospheres. He explores the ideas of William Thomson Kelvin and John William Strutt Raleigh. 3pp.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 8 January 1993. Lodge discusses scientific ideas regarding gravitation and friction. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ Of course I'm coming on the 21st since you have laid commands upon me. Very enterprising of you. How's Pioneer getting on? Haven't seen a review of it yet. Hope it will sell. You have read page 208. Better than publishing your letter [o?] for other folk to benefit and would be for you to work these thing out and publish most elaborately. No I don't think that gravitation is known by [u?] nearer the u2/V2 and in a resisting medium deviation and friction would [n?] one another to a very high order (as far as direction was concerned) and as regards speed, deviational force would defend a 1n power of velocity; and by Ohm's Law etherised friction is probably also 1n power of velocity (distance matters nothing in either case). Very likely also friction would depend on moving mass [?]; and if its compensation ever for any one body means compensation always for all, expect for the expected thing, you mention, about target and radius vector not being perpendicular to each other. I [r?] however your ingenious Doppler mode of [c?] counteracting even this. Λ"
Refraction.
Comets.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 1892. Lodge discusses scientific ideas regarding light, dust particles, reflexion and absorption. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ Thanks for papers. They are cut off. I interfolded a paper on Light repulsion at Cardiff giving [?] a bright dust particle [?] for which suns light repulsion would overbalance its gravitation attraction. Reflexion is better than absorption. I did not know you had done it all in 1882. But the dust particle is much bigger than a molecule. I forgot the result, but the pressure is about 100 microdynes per square centimetre at Earth's distance. (on Langhry's estimate of nodiation rec). Many thanks for papers. I wish you had sent me them all long ago. Have you no more now? Λ"
Pendred, V.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 21 Waverley Road, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 21 October 1889. Lodge discusses the ideas of Vaughan Pendred and the topic of ether, and he disagrees with Fitzgerald's criticisms of Lodge's models. 2pp. Transcription: "My dear Fitzgerald, I forget I told you that the BA knocked me up and I am only getting right again now. You [m?] about Browns 10- it was included in the 5.16- you sent me and in the ofc receipted sent in. The paper was sent as a voucher. Everything is square to date. I wish indeed you had been at N'carth to lighten us up and to give us more about [c?] ether or to draw more from W.T. on the subject. Fancy you wasting 25 good sheets on Pendred! He is hopeless but his nonsense unfortunately does no discredit to a large number of British [E?]. There are heaps who think similarly and the great [h?] of them are ignorant which may pride themselves upon the fact. Hence I think Pendred is doing service by his outspoken representation of the book which is current; and if corrected the correction should be public. Your [?] ether is very nice. I am sorry you disliked my models so much but I am not altogether surprised. I don't greatly harken after them myself except as a step and better than nothing and I feel the force of most of your remarks. I don't understand why you say I mix up mechanical and elastic force though. None of my models show mechanical force that I remember. Is Liverpool never on your way from Dublin to London? We would amply like to put you up. Yours muchly, OJL"
1889
Armatures.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 21 Waverley Road, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 1 January 1892. Lodge discusses an experiment involving rotating disks using an armature and wires. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ Delighted to hear about your 106 per sec idea. Don't fully understand it. Don't want to. Don't tell folk but [p?] it at one. I run my disks now at 3000 revs a minute, the armature is specially wound with that wire live to brace up its wires, and I should have no compunction in running it at 6000. It has run at 4 or 5 [?] I had it. It is a gramme ([?], Malter and Platt). Its diameter is I suppose 8" or 2 feet round, hence it has a peripheral velocity of 100 feet a second when running at 3000 so I feel sure that your 100 meters per sec is within reach. (The run of steel disks goes at 500 feet a second- but that's different.) Your high speed armature ought to be globular not cylindrical. T=PV2 give the maximum velocity for a hoop (about ⊥ axis) of any substance whose tensity is T and density P. I don't know about Fison and music. Must find out. What was the 2 [g?] for? I went up to the B. Sc. I forget what happened but is no matter. I can be up from evening 21st to 23rd and go to Rayleigh on 22 (RI). Hooray for old Thomson. Λ"
Education.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 19 March 1894. Lodge discusses his student and Victoria University exam questions. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ Schuster says he is going to see you soon about Hons Physics question. I send him a no. of suggested questions for you to modify. He will bring them you (ID sheets). Also I send a brief summary of what my candidate is able to do. He is very anxious to get a first class. He has some chance I think. If he doesn't break down with over work and write books. He won't take exercise and lately has written some books. Some months back he was very hopeful. Enclosed from my brother of [a?] to saying that he was talking pedagogy and you were thinking of real scientific work. Tear it up. Please see that you have my questions before you when setting- as well as those of other colleges so can there be any sort of uniformity or fairness of standard. Λ"
Milman, Arthur.
Energy.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 17 May 1893. Lodge discusses a letter he wrote to Arthur Milman, and scientific ideas regarding heat, potential energy and force. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ I have written to Milman to fix a line for show paper. They will probably want to [f?] - for the calendar. I think your No 4, too hard, I mean, but the first three will do excellently. He might be asked in addition what precaution he took about the escape of heat from the ends of his cooling bar and whether he was troubled with waves of heat therein as Forls was. If you like me to write out your question I will do so gladly. I return them first for final comments or attention. Many thanks for remarks on my Phys Soc Paper, which are excellent ones. See Nature this week if you have time. Slipping is [p?], but the tangential component is ineffective if smooth and if rough the force tilts to match. I admit that a point can't have potential energy and that any theorem involving potential energy cannot be an [a?] one. There is something blindfold about it and I have come round to see that both energies may be transferred in a lot of cases. A body may lose both as you say. But I will consider your instances and the whole matter further. Λ"
Hertz, Heinrich, 1857-1894.
Nasal polyps.
Ozone.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 9 October 1893. Lodge encourages Fitzgerald to be an external examiner at the Victoria University of Manchester, and he notes that he has some nasal polyps. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ Will you please indicate you're willingness to the Victoria University to be External Examiner in Physics provided an [adequate?] arrangement be made about travel expenses. I'm anxious to get you, and they do allow [?] for travelling and money for distant ones. I see no reason why they shouldn't pay you the whole if you can. They have plenty of cash. Write then at once. The [r?] vector is manifesting. Λ Oddly enough I have been having small nasal polyps removed, same as Hertz. Word is it's ozone. Modestly painful [b?] but not incapacitating. Lecture last week and another today. Not enough to need ether. Λ"
Perry, John, 1850-1920.
Rayleigh, John William Strutt,1842-1919.1842-1919.
Magnetism.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 19 December 1893. Lodge thanks Fitzgerald for his reply regarding Oliver Heaviside and states that he will send it to John Perry. Lodge discusses a theory about flow along magnetic lines. 2pp. Transcription: "Λ Thanks for reply re. O.H. am sending it on to Perry. Have been much excited about Larmor's paper though I have only seen the abstract. Rayleigh offered at Council to refer it to me, but I said you lest I didn't understand it at all. It is not interesting. I had an hour talk with him about it. I can't find any flow along magnetic lines in air though. If any it must be very slow. About a yard an hour per CGS unit λ field. I should have seen what you think of this failure. It means [d?] if theory is correct. But perhaps your [formula] explains it. Does it? The [l?] he has put into McCullagh is very interesting. Shall hope to hear more of your sunspot period someday. What are you doing with the English language? Don't understand the reference. Wife desires her best wishes and remembrances. Λ"
Bentley, Alfred T.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 15 October 1893. Lodge discusses a letter sent by Alfred T. Bentley and apologises for telling Fitzgerald some information prematurely. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ Bentley's is a stupid letter. I am sorry I told you prematurely. I didn't know it was premature. I was talking it over with Schuster and thought that now was the time to drop a hint, Glad to hear of Larmor's good work. He seems to be on the right track. Has he been to Dublin? Or how do you know about it? Λ"
Maxwell, James Clerk,1831-1879.1831-1879.
Heat.
Entropy.
Diffusion.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 7 April 1894. Lodge writes from a golfing trip at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, Birkenhead. He discusses scientific ideas regarding heat, diffusion and entropy. The letter includes several equations. Lodge concludes the letter by congratulating Fitzgerald on the birth of his fifth daughter. 7pp.
Experiments
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 2 November 1890. Lodge apologises for not returning Fitzgerald's list of experiments with comments and makes plans for a meeting. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ I am very much ashamed of myself to find that I had not returned your list of exps with comments. I was sure I had. But I have found it now here. I write [p?] to Dickens and expect to hear from him again as to details. I arranged another two candidates. 1/2 are to come in morning and 1/2 in afternoon and all are to be down on the one day. You will travel up on Wednesday might I suppose. I return your duplicate list. Λ"
1890
Dust
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Victoria University, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 12 December 1894. Lodge invites Fitzgerald to stay at his home and asks about an experiment with a glass tube and dust. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ You will please come to us 2 Grove Park on Saturday if you can. We are looking forward to your visit. We shall be perfectly ready and can easily put you up. On Thursday we are having a house warming so to speak, but it will be all set straight. When you stroke a glass tube to get dust figures, the dust inside the tube gives quite a different pattern to dust in another tube end on. [Diagram] Nodes much further apart, Why is this? Yours etc, Λ"
Electricity.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, University College, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 26 April 1895. Lodge discusses the questions he is writing for students at Victoria University. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ Such a job I have had to make questions after the holidays. I always feel perfectly ignored after holidays. I hope a [s?] no of them will do. I think among them there are enough for paper V, especially if you add one or 2. I enclose another of Howard's (I enclosed 3 of his last time). The questions are not in order of difficulty, I must leave that to you. But the M.Sc. men will need a fair supply of easy ones for the 1st 3 papers. I fancy my Electricity ones are rather hard. Perhaps Schuster's are better for this part. Yours, Λ"
Examinations
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Victoria University, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 12 June 1894. Lodge discusses the schedule and questions for exams for students of Victoria University. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ Pract exam Honours Monday and Tuesday and Pass on Friday next week that is so I think. I send our work for pass and hons will you tick off what we shall offer them. I suppose they will have some choice? Tell me when you are coming. I don't know your arrangements. We shall be glad to see you of course. Λ"
Electromagnetism.
Magnets.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 28 April 1895. Lodge discusses an experiment involving a magnetic circuit, iron and copper. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ Thanks for letter. I agree with all you say, and I had used many of the arguments myself, but I had not realised that no [cloud?] circuit experience could be crucial. At the same time some of them are surprising (see over). The motion of this one was that or the orthodox rotary field view when the magnet had no keeper the extend line would cut the [?] wires; whereas when the magnetic circuit is complete, they won't (I know it's lost as an argument but it's plausible) (the fact is that the keeper slightly increases the current, as you suppose). As to the keeper rotating between the poles of a magnet, the current is 40 or 50 times stronger with iron than with copper. which I don't think would have been primarily expected, although is recommended. But now here is a curious experiment. A is a rotating iron drum, B is a cylindrical keeper forming an electromagnet with air gap annular between A and B. Wire, [r?] with A, passes through hole in it and cuts lines of force in ring (once apparent). Will there be a current topped off? (Could you not return with me on 4th and stay Sunday. We have a debating soc [?] to diverge on 4th on differences in Social Corporation.) Answer, no, because the wire in hole in iron is not really screened but feels the lines flashy across hole as the iron turns and cuts just as many as the other 1/2 of the loop does. Or if that's not right, what is? Lines never more at all? Preliminary mechanics question will reach you with this. Honours Physics in 2 batches have already been sent. (Very sorry you are not coming here on 4th. Give us some time if it's possible. Yours OJL)"
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 6 January 1895. Lodge discusses a hypothesis that both Fitzgerald and F.W.H. Myers came up with. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ It is very interesting that you [?] have hit upon the same hypothesis that Myers has been working out for some time now. The sorting demons can do nearly all the observed trials, and that is what has seemed to us the most likely direction for [g?] after a theory. I shall send your letter on to Myers and perhaps he may send you his own crude attempts in that direction. He will be much pleased that the idea has struck a [p?] after even so small acquaintance with the phenomena. Λ"
Argon.
Platinum.
Iridium.
Osmium.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 16 February 1895. Lodge discusses an abstract from the Royal Society and describes a theory about elements. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ Thanks for interesting abstract from the R.S. The suggestion is a woeful one and they are quite right to make them things into short papers. My remark about "Creeds being cheap today" was only a sarcasm against myself because in this card I had said several times that "I believed" this or that. As to the Argon I did not speak of a position in the ordering VIII front group, but of another place altogether, not supposed to be a gap with the atomic weights 38 82 and 130. (If it is to fill the Pt trial vacancy it ought to be 20 or 21 surely). About 2 percent of the heavy stuff would do, and the heavy stuff might be a gas, having no virial. Yours Λ"
Crookes, William, 1832-1919.
Magnetics.
Hybrid systems.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 25 February 1895. Lodge includes equations and notes regarding a scientific hypothesis. 2pp.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, without a date. Lodge writes from his bed as he is unwell. He discusses elements. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ I am lying in bed with a mild dose of influenza and enjoying your kind letter on Argon. I did not realise you meant to separate PtOsIr from the other two groups, PdRuRh and FcCoNi but otherwise your proposal is the same as mine only I called it making another VIII row and you called it doubling the VIII row into 2 sets. There is an orthodox gap between the Pd and the Pt group but I don't see that it works well to consider them as belonging to different series. I am surprised at all the faith you have in the A. Progression relations but the idea is interesting. I am reading [O?] book at last. It's nice and easy. I was rather bad yesterday and have had nothing to eat since Saturday midday till this evening. Shall be about again soon. Λ"
Mercury.
Interference (Light).
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 24 March 1895. Lodge discusses an experiment involving a thread of mercury in a V groove joining two pools. The letter includes diagrams and letters. 2pp.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Victoria University, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 25 April 1895. Lodge discusses an experiment involving magnets and notes that he sends exam questions for students at Victoria University. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ Do you prefer to say that a magnet's lines [n?] with it, or not, when a law magnet is oxidly spun. Spin above magnet and tap off curved from centre to ends. First with stand wood, next with stand iron, so as to close the magnetic circuit. Which will give most current in your opinion? The experiment (or some like it) have just been made here. I am sending you a batch of suggested questions for Honours. I cannot well sort them out to the different days, because I don't know what Schuster's are like. He and I have both an MSc man (for 1st 3 days) but I have a real Honours man too. I hope you will be able to sort out and concoct suitable papers from the material (over). I shall also send a summary of the work which my honour man Thornton wishes to hand in. Perhaps indeed I shall enclose it herewith. Another exp is [diagram] which gives most current to tapping circuit. Or does either give any? Λ"
University College,
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 8 June 1890. Lodge discusses the Royal Society members. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ By all means nominate [F?]. He is a good man to have. We had better try and get Waghan as our extra when we want an extra (which will be often). I hope we can get rid of Blakesley soon. I think your idea of sending round to the [?] centres/or suggest exps is very good. That list I sent you was mere scratch lot of what we commonly do in our laboratory. Did you send Dickens my first long ABC communications? I meant it to help his arguments after you had amended and criticised it, I shall be in town for Roy Soc [s?] and a few days longer 18-21 June. So if I can do anything then to help I will. Λ"
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 4 September 1896. The letter is largely illegible. He mentions a letter Fitzgerald wrote in Nature and arranges to meet Fitzgerald next Tuesday. 1p.
Thomson, J. J. 1856-1940.
Cathode rays.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, without a date. Lodge discusses an experiment by J.J. Thomson. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ J.J.T. has got results all right; and has he now tells me put the [s?] plate in a box inside the vacuum i.e. in the cathode rays and got nothing. He says both a cathode and phosphorous are necessary. I tried to find attempts to make Hertz waves to pump light waves through the box on to the plate, but that failed. I thought it was superimposed Λ and λ. I don't know what it is now. All the better! Yours, OJL I do hope that the lung trouble with your children is nothing serious. It's always alarming. At one time we had a lot of trouble of that sort."
Röntgen, Wilhelm Conrad, 1845-1923.
X-rays.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 20 January 1896. Lodge discusses an experiment involving cathode rays and various materials. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ I shall hope to send you some prints of the results we get tomorrow. Also perhaps one or two of Rontgen's results just [l?] me and Schuster, whose assistant came over today to see our arrangements, as he had not managed it yet. I think I must abandon the cathode rays idea because photographing a magnet on wire gauze the lines come out straight instead of [diagram]. The rays were going ⊥ to paper and if cathode rays they would be deflected between the poles. If it is anything etherised it's tremendously important and will probably tell us μ and κ. The bones are not quite opaque, nor are metals, but they are more opaque than liquids and flesh. Aluminium is very transparent. Steel is very opaque. Other metals between. Quartz more transparent than [?]. Just the minute Rontgen has sent me his paper (I asked him to). I see he is strong on the differences between his radiation "X radiation" and cathode rays. It seems to start from the green phosphorescence on [?] when bombarded by cathode rays,"
Lodge, Oliver, 1851-1940
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Victoria University, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 21 January 1896. Lodge writes about prints he made of different experiments involving magnets. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ I send a few hasty prints but the day has been foggy and they are not good. One is a magnet close to a sensitive plate. Another is a magnet on wire gauze with the plate on the other side the magnet and other are pieces of wire gauze with an aluminium electrometer needle lying in the middle [?]. Another is some coins [1st success]. All are taken through 1/4 inch of wood [?] the floor of a box in which the things were placed. The source of radiation was outside the box. I also send, but only for a short time, 2 copies of Rontgens originals which Schuster had. Please return these 2 at once. I have to show them here. One is a compass box with its lid on. The other is a hand with a ring on the third finger. Λ"
Electrons.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 25 January 1896. The letter is composed of equations and discussion about sound waves, light waves and polarisation. 5pp.
Atoms.
Particles.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Victoria University, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 3 February 1896. Lodge discusses J.J. Thompson's theory about longitudinal waves. 1p. Transcription: "M d Φ J.J.'s longitudinal waves don't go independently of matter. They have to utilise the + and - charge on atoms and in free space they would - what I don't know. [?] transverse perhaps. A stream of unelectrified particles is the simplest thing. I shouldn't wonder if it turns out only that. I don't think that J.J. would admit that the velocity is the same in all matter, but he would dodge the refraction by reason of the = and - distances being equal to A ∴ [a?] by opposite displacements on the average [doubt reversed of sign and no rotation] Λ"
Marconi, Guglielmo, 1874-1937.
Letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Victoria University, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 16 June 1899. Lodge discusses consulting a patent lawyer. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ My letter was not explanatory but only a preliminary enquiry. I am glad to find that you would be disposed to contemplate giving an opinion. There ought to be no difficulty about the renumeration; it is work that should be extremely well paid. I think your idea of consulting and of utilising the advice of some independent patent lawyer is a very good one. It will be difficult for the Marconi people to suggest a lawyer other that those who have been already engaged in drawing up or in advising on their patents, and who are therefore not disinterested. The same with me. The things that you will be asked to advise will be the value of our own improvements and the anti-value of our opposition. What I believe they want to do is to buy up the whole thing and get me as a consultant. My position is that though I am willing to sell them the improvements and refrain from opposition and indeed help in scientific matters. I am indisposed to have my name on a prospectus as consultant when they issue their shares to a company. It is a delicate matter and my statement is not evidence; but I find that in the city of London they are regarded as rather a stock-jobbing gang who wish to sell their shares to the public at a high figure. This may or may not be the case, but anyway I should have no control over their financial operations, and that being so I should not wish to have my name on their prospectus so not appear to assume any responsibility for acts which I could not control. So far as their actual work has been concerned it seems to have been very good, but I mistrust the financial part, partly no doubt through ignorance. Their nominal capital is enormous 3/4 million now, and they are very sensitive to any breath of opposition. Muirhead is anxious to proceed with his large-scale experiments, and to make a syndicate among his cable-telegraph friends who indeed are anxious to come in. Also he regards the field as open for him to manufacture and supply apparatus unimpeded by their imaginary first patent claims. With regard to Muirhead he is a most honest and liberal man, (I was introduced to him long ago by Carey Foster) one of the best fellows in himself, but of course accustomed to look at matters a good deal from a business point of view. At the same time he is very careful about any reputation that I may have and is anxious to do the best possible for me. I have considerable confidence in his judgement and absolute confidence in his honour, but his deafness is a great drawback and makes interviews with him very difficult especially for strangers. We all agree I think that if we were to amalgamate, the company would be considerably strengthened, and their foreign patents, especially their American patents, would sell far better. We are opposing them actively in America and have opposed them once in England with success. These oppositions are a nuisance and I should be glad to come to terms. They approached some time ago and wanted to know terms. Muirhead said £30,000. They asked for a denomination: but he didn't have one as Muirhead rather preferred independence. Now they suggest an expert to give an opinion I have mentioned you. If in the course of this matter you have occasion to see Muirhead you may take it that he is a thoroughly good man in every sense, and his wife is a very nice woman whom my wife likes. You would enjoy as stay with them at Shortland's if it happens so, and it is pretty sure to be necessary when you go to see their works as Elmers End in Kent. This is all preliminary, but the whole case will have to be laid before you by both parties; but you probably know more of the Marconi position than ours. I may say that the negotiations are being conducted on a perfectly friendly basis and that all the opposition has been purely legal and formal- never rancorous. I think you will find that the questions ultimately put are such as you can answer in conjunction with a patent lawyer, but all this lies in the future. The only difficulty that I see is in the appraisement of absolute value. The proper appraisement it seems to me is relative value, that is, assuming the value of the position of one side to be so and so, then the position of the other side is so much; or, put otherwise, that the value of the one position is a certain practice of the value of the other. I don't see that I can well sell the so called magnetic system on any time. It is a development and improvement of the part of the plan known as Pruce's and the P.O. are trying it and willing to take it up. Both the P.O. and Lloyd's are anxious to run anything rather that Marconi's, because they fear to land their names and influence to stock jobbing operations. I have this from both the heads of both the P.O. and of Lloyd's. Yours, Λ"
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, Victoria University, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 22 November 1899. Lodge states in his letter that he does not want responsibility for Dr Galt's report. 2pp. Transcription: "My dear Fitzgerald, With regard to that report of Dr Galt in in the British Association volume which is now very shortly going to press. I feel that it ought to have been submitted to the committee before sending in, and I am not inclined to make myself responsible for it. Dr Gladstone is going to add a note to say that he has tested the solutions formed by dissolving (a) the alloy (b) the mixture in nitric acid, and has found the resulting solutions not to be the same. Lord Kelvin replied that nevertheless if these solutions are mixed, no appreciable heat is evolved, and perhaps this is a complete answer, but I do not feel sure, and in any case I do not feel inclined to make myself responsible for Dr Galt's report, though at the same time similar experiments have been made by a Mr Baker of Birmingham with rather similar results; hence I must assume, and I am willing to assume that the experiments were carefully performed. In neither case however I am clear about what happened to the gaseous products. I rather think that Baker allowed them to escape, and what Galt did with them, I do not think he says. I think the best plan is for me to send you a copy of the note proposed to be added by Dr Gladstone and also to send you a note that we might add if we thought fit. No time must be lost, as Griffith is anxious to go to press. Yours OJL"
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 26 September 1896. Lodge suggests writing a Dictionary of Physics to avoid repetition and explain elementary concepts. 2pp. Transcription: "Φ I ventured to open the enclosed from Kelvin thinking it might be interesting, but it isn't. He asks me to send it on. Please let me know your address this week for Victoria papers. Do you think that the time has come for a Dictionary of Physics somewhat analogous to Watt's Dict of Chemistry. It just strikes me that it might save much repetition eg such heads as Elasticity, Pressure, Stress, Leak, and everything might be summed up sufficiently for elementary purposes and whereas these words occurred their heads could be referred to. The present form of text book must either be partial or too bulky. It is the fundamental ideas that need such treatment to avoid repetition in all parts of the subject and to fix things clearly. Would it be too mortally dull I wonder? Λ"
Ayrton, W. E.1847-1908.1847-1908.
Electromagnetic fields.
Two handwritten letters from Sir Oliver Lodge, Trefriw, North Wales, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 9 April 1895. In the first letter, Lodge discusses scientific ideas regarding potential difference, EMF, vacuums and pressure. In the second letter, he talks about Electromagnetic distances and includes diagrams and equations. 5pp.
1885
Bond, Walter. G.
Friction.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge, 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 11 October 1896. Lodge discusses the work of W.H. Preece and the idea of a Dictionary of Physics. 2pp. Transcription: "M d Φ Many thanks for interesting note. I enclose one from Bond to the same effect which may be burnt or returned. He like others did not know of P's ignorance and is surprised. I had been independently writing to him to get you to write an article on the paper of Preece's. But I had not thought of a leader. I think he may [?] feel damned at a leader. But it's a great [?] to suffer that P will show fight if attacked by you. He collapses when pricked and has withdrawn lots of papers by advice. The folly is that he will go on evicting them instead of paying a person with proper brains for the job. I quite acquiesce in you [r?] on the Dictionary. The treatise of the [function?] must be sequential and systematic in a way no Dictionary can be. I had been coming round to the same sort of view myself. Λ"
Engineering.
Handwritten letter from Sir Oliver Lodge. 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald. Lodge is coordinating plans with Fitzgerald. Transcription: "M d Φ How absolutely disgusting! Do get dates put back again. I have arranged not to go abroad till the 29th, but I must go then. This house is available for you of course but I want to see you, and I thought we were going to have a good time. Just strike and make a disturbance. You are [?] Ramsey much too long. It isn't fair. Cut it short and come to L'. I can't make up my mind about Toronto. I don't [?] to go at all. They offer £20 or something towards the expenses but that won't cover it or anything like. I suppose I shall wait for something to decide me one way or another. Λ Of course I agree with your nature letter, only I think that the Enquiring teachers are the ones that should try and mend their ways a bit. "
Handwritten letter from 2 Grove Park, Liverpool, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 8 November 1896. Lodge discusses the plans for a practical exam and a Physics Society meeting, as well as mentioning an experiment regarding friction. Transcription: "M d Φ I wrote about dates to A. Schuster asking him to fix after 16 December for pract exam, but I have not heard a reply. As to the Phys Soc it is very a [n?] to gather together the few persons in Liverpool who care about Physics. On occasion we have had 600 but usually about 16. No need to take trouble and give a formal communication but if you could give us a talk about something it would be appreciated. Anything you have on hand at the time would do. Is anything further known about the death of of Bp. of Killaloe and his wife? As told it looks as if there might have been some sort of telepathy, [a?] the coincidence, but I suppose nothing will be known? I see you suggest that the friction between air and a liquid may depend on whether the liquid evaporates or not. Hence part of the effect of oil on water perhaps. There can hardly be much [h?] in the film which is effective in [g?] the water to wind. Λ"
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from W. J. Sollas
Sollas, W. J. 1849-1936
A handwritten letter to George F. Fitzgerald from W.J. Sollas In the letter Sollas expresses his thanks for the help he has received from Fitzgerald during his time in Dublin and also writes about how he will deeply miss his company and staying in Dublin. 3 pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, Thank you warmly for your congratulations I shall be very sorry for many reasons to leave Dublin, I look forward with some misgivings to the possibilities of the new position. Thank you also for the kind way in which you helped to influence on the electors: and please don't remember what I said about, Professor, You may mind if I say so, lest is is true all the same, the loss which I shall feel most is going away, is the loss of you, what shall I do when I want to ask a question involving Physics in a university when there is no Fitzgerald? Mrs Sollas joins me in kind regards as I am Sincerely yours, W.J Sollas Thank you for answering the [compilations?] of your work to me. I am writing a note to Ramsay.
Sollas, W. J. (William Johnson), 1849-1936
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from W. Ramsay
Ramsay, William, 1852-1916
Handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to G. F Fitzgerald on the 20th of May 1892 W. Ramsay encloses a letter he believes will be helpful to Fitzgerald and apologises for delaying his own correspondence. He expresses regret that Fitzgerald can't attend the Castle Soirée but suggests meeting when he's next in town. Ramsay mentions being overwhelmed with work and notes limited progress on his ether experiments, particularly in determining its heat of vaporisation, which he plans to attempt again. 1pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I enclose you a letter which will give you what you want, I think. I have intended to write to you for ages, but have put it off. I am sorry that you can't come up for the Castle Soiree, but I suppose you can't. You might join us on a call the first time you are up. I am overwhelmed with many things; unfortunately the [up?]. The ether aren't making much progress. I have tried to determine the heat of vapour of ether, but without much success. I must have another go at it. With thanks again. Yours Sincerely, W Ramsay.
Ramsay, William
Sollas, W. J. 1849-1936.
Haughton, Samuel.
A handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George. F Fitzgerald on the 25th of June, 1897 In his letter, W. Ramsay thanks Fitzgerald and outlines his upcoming travel and ceremony schedule, including a visit to Mrs. Reynolds or Mrs. Fitzgerald and managing Oxford exam papers over the weekend. He seeks advice on protocol for gifting to a university dignitary and shares a scientific observation: that air's refractivity slightly exceeds the sum of its parts, while a hydrogen-helium mix falls short, suggesting variability in Dalton’s law—an intriguing deviation confirmed by refractivity measurements. 3pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, Many thanks for your kind letter. I hardly know what to say. I cant't leave before Thursday night, so I shall arrive at Dr Haughtons's on Friday morning. Then comes the ceremony. There is, I believe, lunch after the operation. In the afternoon, I shall try to do my duty, & I am dependent on you to learn it. I should like to call on Mrs Reynolds, or if possible, Mrs Fitzgerald. Mr Lollan is, I imagine, ["ex quaestione"?] Then I shall have a bundle of Oxford papers arriving on Saturday morning. I don't know if that will need two, or only one day's work. If two, then I need more use of my time on the way home on Saturday. If one, then I can stay over Saturday & read then on Sunday on my way home; or I could leave on Saturday night do then at home on Monday. I have to be in Oxford at 10:30 on Monday morning, as you see things are somewhat crowded. I fancy that to leave on Saturday night may be best . Please put me up to this tip: - Is it customary to give an embellishment to dignitary of the university less in rank then the Provost? and if so, how much? I have something interesting to tell you. Air has a [Refractive?] greater by 0.3pc. that the sum of the refractivities of its constituents, taken in the proportion in which they occur; and a mixture of hydrogen helium has one less that the calculated one and 1 1/2 percent. That means that Dalton's law is variable - which may have been suspected, but which is proved by reactivity measurements. Isn't that curious? Of course that is an assumption that volume of a mixture = the sum of the vols. of its constituents at the same temperature. Yours sincerely, W. Ramsay
Ramsay, W
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from W.J. Sollas
A handwritten letter from W.J Sollas to professor Fitzgerald in which he outlines his recent trip to Newhaven University. Sollas has enclosed an letter for the Provost in which he asks for Fitzgerald to pass on to the university Bursar. The letter then discuses he addition of Girls in Oxford university. 5pp. Transcription: my dear Fitzgerald, I have just come home after installed in Newhaven. The college buildings were a surprise to me: I had no idea that the women had been able to afford anything so fine. But they have [metamorphosed?] the country: even the "y/dx" along which we used to take our constitutional has disappeared, I have written to the Provost it explains itself. If you think it would not be bad form to send it would you put it in the inclosed new envelope and give it to the Booth to deliver, If it would, might I ask you to call on the Bursary on my behalf for the usual quarters cheque (£125) and £11,,14.0 for wages, the receipt for which I sent to the Professor. I have hesitated a good few [bushes?] alone, that remains is the hedge rows stand on the college grounds to mark its place. I used to abase my old college friends for getting married and going to his villas instead of college rows. but this time I foundI had cause to be grateful to them, for I could introduce the girls to their wives: and a good many of their wives were once Newhaven and Girton Girls! If this goes on and sexual selection is guided by the intellect the, Universities will have succeeded in a task which baffles Frederick the Great! So far we found Oxford delightful and Oxford men I am to know have been greatly misaligned. They are simply not affected in manners and full of kindness. I shall look forward equally to the result in the election in the 13th. I trust it is beyond doubt. In conclusion I am going to ask you to do me a favour: I enclose a letter good while before troubling you. But when the Bursar doesn't answer either or acknowledge then except what can I do? Mrs Sollas joins me in kind regards and love, With yours sincerely, W.J Sollas
Crystals.
Silver iodide.
Handwritten letter from W.J Sollas to George F. Fitzgerald. W.J. Sollas writes to Fitzgerald expressing how much he has missed him over the past three months while deeply engaged in crystal research. He believes he has found solid evidence that silver iodide crystals belong to the cubic system, noting specific changes in volume and structure at high temperatures. Sollas shares that his paper was well received at the Royal Society and invites Fitzgerald to visit, eager to discuss his findings and the broader implications for fields like elasticity and optical properties, which he sees as rich areas for future study. 3pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, How much I have missed your friendly command this past three months! I have been hard at work at crystals all this time, and believe myself to have obtained demonstrative evidence of the [xxxxx] crystals in the cubic system. loving thing, that silver iodide does follow deductively from geometrical construction. The contraction along the vertical axis general contraction in volume up to 145 C, the sudden transition at that temperature to the cubic system. In accompanying contraction in volume, & the change in [allon?], everything fits; not merely. qualitatively, lent quantitative and was the implantation of their substances is merely a special application of a sured method. I read my paper at the Royal last Thursday it seemed to be favourably received. It was sent in for [proceedings]. I wish you could spare time on one of your visits to London to call here on route, we would give you a hearty welcome, and it would be a charity to me to talk about some of my research. It is only crystals that are cleaned up by this new method, but elasticity, optical character, changes in size of atomic volumes, & a host of other things. It seems to me one of the most promising fields of investigation now open: a veritable {xxx?]. For the egoistical better believe me Sincerely yours W.J Sollas
Joly, John, 1857-1933.
Handwritten letter from W.J Sollas to George F. Fitzgerald dated the 14th of October 1897. Sollas wished to congratulate Joly's nomination and taking up a position in engineering. Sollas also mentions proposing a 'Lingual lecture' and the potential challenges of that. 3pp. Transcription: My Dear Fitzgerald, I am delighted to learn that Joly's nomination was unanimous and I write to congratulate him All's well that ends well. I expect my letter to the Provost amused you. If Joly would take the Engineering mains. If my hands I should feel to ask observed to him just at present I see in the agonies of proposing an "Lingual lecture". Which is a very serious affair. The Vice-Chancellor comes to criticise and bring the Proctors with him, so I don't find it a joke that isn't sensed in full commercials. This lecture is on the 19th week Tuesday, and on the 20th I have to before the Natural History Society, so it may disrupt my other work my hands are very full. I didn't go to Russia! There was so much to do here it would have been meaningless to attempt it. I am glad you had such a good excursion, but I wont call you a semj civilised Canadian! Though I do wonder why you didn't go on the Klondyke so here and get far. Sincerely yours W.J Sollas
A handwritten letter to George F. Fitzgerald from W.J. Sollas The letter outlines the coming availability of the position of master of Natural Philosophy in Pembroke College. the letter also discusses the salary of the role. 3 pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I fear you are too deeply locked in Dublin to come over here, but there can be no harm in asking you know that the chair of Natural Philosophy which is practically mathematical physics will be vacant, or may be already is, by the retirement of the master of Pembroke (B. Price) This income is as foreseeably small, I think £ 600, but it will be increased some time or other. I am unfortunately a poorer man then by £ 100, lest thousands of pounds better off. It would be a great thing to afford if you could consent to come. Sincerely yours, W.J. Sollas.
Item of correspondence from GFF letters Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I am asked by an old student of J,C,D Edward Dunlop [Purgey?]. To propose him as a fellow of the Geological Society I shall in any case be glad to do so, but of he did family well worth me in Geology 1884-1885 I will not only propose him but see him and [laugh?]. Might I bother you so much as to ask you to refer to his marks and to let me know if they are respectable I see Purgey is at the [accommodation?] in the Doccam at present, Strictly private and confidential I never Acknowledged you for lecture on the ......
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from W.R. Maguire
Handwritten letter from W. R. Maguire, Town Hill Lodge, dated 18 August 1891. Maguire discusses a money arrangement concerning a bank and a Committee. 1p. Transcript: "Dear Sir I am very pleased as the results of your work but I think as we have but one account open in Bank it will be best in you to retain the money till the Committee meets and hand it in with any specific conditions attached I am away on holiday In a month at present only home for 2 n 3 days Yours Truly W. R. Maguire"
Maguire, W. R.
1891
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from W.S. Green
Fisheries
Two handwritten letters from W.S Green to Professor George F. Fitzgerald and an advertisement and letter form the Gloucester Net and Twine Company. Dated November 20th, 1888. [Letter 1] The writer responds to concerns about American schooners fishing mackerel in local waters due to the decline of their own fishery. While wary of potential harm, he notes that local spring mackerel don’t school on the surface like American summer mackerel, making purse seining less effective. Drifters (gill nets) are more successful here, and baiting the water likely wouldn’t work, meaning the schooners could often be idle. 4pp. Transcription: My dear Sir, Yours the 26th to hand. I am not surprised at all that owing to the American Mackerel fishery having deteriorated so much, the Schooners should think of coming over here. You ask me what i think of it & - here goes As American Savants consider that purse seining has injured the American fishery i should be very jealous of their doing us any harm over here. That is our point of view, However there is the other side which I will now consider. So far as I know the spring mackerel do not school on the surface i.e visibly to anything like the extent that the Summer Mackerel do on the American Coast, and many heavy nights fishing is done by our drifters (gill nets you we call them) Where the fish are not seen on the surface at all. Your schooners would often be idle & as our spring mackerel don't take bait it is quite possible that plan of baiting the water would not work. Of course the mackerel do sometimes shoal on the surface to a great extent, but a boat, depending on finding them doing so, would, as I have said, then be useless. {an advertisement for the Gloucester Net and Twine Co. from 1888, along with various information and a handwritten note} The writer notes from the newspapers that the Penrose Seiners plan to fish in Ireland next spring and asks for the recipient’s opinion on this idea. 1pp. Transcription: My dear Sir, I observe by the [Swanstown?] papers, that the Penrose Seiners would like to go to Ireland, next spring. What do you think of it? [Letter 2] W.S. Green writes to Fitzgerald about concerns that American fishermen will use purse seines in Irish waters, which Americans themselves admit damaged their own fisheries. He asks whether to publicise this issue through the press or their book and wonders if he should submit the part of his report on American mackerel fishing now as a preliminary report to warn about the danger. 3pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I received the enclosed today from a friend I made while in Boston. I am writing to discuss the interference that I feel sure that the Americans will use over foreign seines and to enable them to fish with tortured waters they will be under of their masters & crews. As it is acknowledged by the Americans themselves that by the best of their belief pure living has destroyed their fishery, I think some action should be taken to protect the fishery against further danger. There may not be a true bill against the present scheme at at, but as all the further documents of America have decided that there is, we have legislated accordingly. The matter seems of great importance. My Report can't be ready for some little time yet, so I want you to advise. Should I shall do from a R.D. Sounds point of view. Shall I address a note to the Daily news on this subject alone put for publicity or put in a newspaper letter on in our book. Sincerely yours, W.S. Green The only difficulty to prevent that Americans arranging an advantageous plan to work them as Irish. A angry the danger is imminent I have the portion of my report describing the American Mackerel fishery complete. Ought to make a fair copy. Do you think it would be well for me to send it in as a preliminary report and have it published at once. W.S.G.
Green, W.S.
November 30th
Fisheries.
A handwritten letter from W. S. Green to Professor George F. Fitzgerald dated November 10th 1887. W. S. Green writes to Fitzgerald to say his report is nearly ready and asks when it would be best to submit it, noting he can send it anytime but prefers to keep it until it is actually needed. 1pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I have my report all the same as ready. When would it be advisable for me to send it in? I can send it up anytime now but would like to keep it by me till it is actually wanted. Yours sincerely, W. S. Green.
Green, W. S. (William S.)
1887
Wright, E. P.
A handwritten letter from W.S. Green to Professor George F. Fitzgerald, dated January 20th 1888. W.S. Green writes to Fitzgerald explaining he has worked hard expanding the report to show suggestions from their meeting and is nearly finished. He notes he quoted the inspectors stating the £250,000 came from the Irish Church Fund to clarify it was not English money. He mentions Mr. D.E.P. thinks the report should be published separately for easier circulation. Green hopes their report can be issued before the Government’s forthcoming Irish fisheries report to avoid any impression of copying. Because the manuscript has many corrections, he proposes sending it straight to the printers and distributing proofs to the committee and himself. He also offers to prepare a simplified map and emphasises his wish for prompt publication, apologising if he has overstepped by expressing his opinions. 4pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I have kept the report a long time but not for nothing. I have worked very hard at it ever since as to carry out the suggestions of our meeting. I have had to expand it a good deal & there is nothing buts its likes to be disposed of. The only thing that you might object to is that I have stated that the £250,000 was "out of the Irish Ch. fund" in that I have copied verbatim the words of the inspectors' report and it is well to show that the grant was not out of English pockets. D.E.P. waist expand. His opinion that it should be published separately & not in the general Report - as those of the not yet buried out of sight - these now are not so convenient for circulation. I mention this to Mr. Moss but did not see you after. This is for your comments. The Govent Report of a commission on Irish fisheries is to be laid out. Fishing is to be laid on the Table immediately on the meeting of parliament so I would wish very much that ours could be out first. I don't know what is in this, but I would not take mine to come at after for then it might be said I picked my facts from it. As the corrections are numerous, there is difficulty in making out my M.S. I therefore think your suggestions should be carried out -- of sending it to the printers at once and then letting the members of the Committee have first proofs. I should like a couple proofs too. I send a map to help the understanding of it. If the Committee think well. I could prepare a bare outline map with very few names for the printer. But whatever is decided on I would like very much that it should be out soon You will excuse my giving my opinions upon things which of course that committee alone can deal with. But I dare say you will think it more satisfactory that I should express them. Yours truly, H.J. Green
Green W. S.
Haddon, Alfred C. 1855-1940.
A handwritten letter from W.S Green to Professor George F. Fitzgerald. W.S. Green writes to Fitzgerald unhappy that the Committee has decided he must only collect local statistics on long-line, lobster, and oyster fisheries, and leave out trawl, net fishing, and historical records. He feels this makes his work almost pointless, since all the fisheries are connected and past failures are important to understand. He recently visited a sardine factory and got helpful information, but now has to ignore it. Green explains this restriction goes against what he believes the Dublin Society needs, and he is also writing to Hadden about it. 3pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, Hadden and the following Resolution of the Committee "That you should, for the present, Confine your attention to local statistics concerning. Long line fishing & Lobsters & Oyster etc. Fisheries. You are not to investigate trawl & net fishing. No historical statistics will be required from you, of what has actually been done in the past. I am sure such a resolution has passed with the best possible intention, but it stultifies one completely. The long line of errata is now almost over, and it is of computing the importance compared with the past fisheries just about to commence Mackerel, Sprats, pilchards etc. but as there are distinct fisheries I am not to have anything to say to them. They are all most intimately connected with on another, and the failures of fishing enterprise in the past which must be counted as "Historical" I should think would be most useful. Gathering the statistics, authorities, etc. Would be tending to a certain extent in the steps of the Barton [?] commoner. as my idea would be to take the thing more from another stand point and in no way to clash with them. I visited a sardine "factory" last week. it has been working for 15 years and the owner Who is a fast friend of mine gave me a lot of help. but that is all about no fishers so it must be stuck out. You will no doubt see my difficulty and at the same time I think I know pretty well what the Dublin Society requires. I am writing to Hadden too. Yours sincerely, W.S Green
Letter to George F. Fitzgerald from William Ramsay
Lockyer, Norman, 1836-1920
Boyle's law
A handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George F, Fitzgerald dated 5th of January, 1895. W. Ramsay informs Fitzgerald that he is sending Olszewski’s paper, which he has reviewed and edited for clarity, suggesting it can now be published. He also mentions forwarding two identical letters from "Q." intended for The Times and Nature regarding the Rumford medal, which are moderate in tone and should be published simultaneously. 2pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I send you Olszewski's paper which i revived today. (This can't however be posted till Monday, for it must be registered). I have read that paper through very carefully, and I corrected the English in parts; it is often quaint, but always perfectly intelligible, so I think it might be printed exactly as it stands. I wonder if you will allow the reference to Dewar to pass? I think I should. put in a reason for publication, and it is merely a statement of fact, without comment. It's a little hard on Fleming, but I think I told you how Dewar's name came to associated with [Remington?] It is precisely the old story of the organist & the bellows-blower. The bellows-blower stopped in at the end & claimed his share, & the organist said he was a man of peace, being somewhat taken aback, and yielded this F. told me himself. It is true that the organist couldn't have plagued his time without the blower: but there is another polish blower who is also an organist. Q. has also sent two letters, (the same, but two copies) one for the 'Times" & one for 'Nature'. I am sending one to Lockyer, who expects its; & I shall send the other to Capper, whom I know, so that they may appear simultaneously. They are very moderate in tone, & refer to the award of the Rumford medal. You will see them perhaps next week.
A handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George. F Fitzgerald, dated the 4th of February 1895. W. Ramsay updates Fitzgerald on his ongoing work, including repeated density measurements of argon and plans to examine its behaviour over a wide temperature range. He mentions preparing and sending a vacuum tube and reports that his recent scientific paper was well received, though he dreads giving popular lectures. 2pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, I am ahead at it. I am first re-determining density as accurate as I can, five times, so as to get an average; circulating between each determination. I am next going to fix an [isocher?], from -90 degrees to say . 250 degrees. I don't think redetermination of the wave length will lead to much more than it has already given. The method gives concordant enough results for any one substance; but I am not so absolutely certain of 0.5 p.c. accuracy in comparing two substances, like air & argon. It may be worth while to attempt a descent in V. Meyer's apparatus at as high a temp. as I can reach; though I don't expect much from that. It is interesting about the spectrum. I am getting a lot of vacuum tubes made. & I shall fill them on Wednesday I shall send you one. It appears questionable if argon would show any solar spectrum. For apparently, nitrogen does all the conducting in vacuum, when the ratio increased to about 10 pc. At least the A lines are very difficult to make out with N2 in the tube. The paper went off very well. I wasn't a bit nervous, for it was for like an ordinary lecture. It is the popular lecture that I am afraid of. Yours ever sincerely, W. Ramsay.
A handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George F, Fitzgerald, dated 13th February, 1893. W. Ramsay asks Fitzgerald for help refining an equation correcting the rectilinear relationship yv^2/3=K(r-d) as his data shows deviations near the critical point. Ramsay reports progress with one successful experiment at –80°C and plans for further work. He ends by sending well wishes and hoping Fitzgerald and his family are in good health. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, Will you give me a final help? You suggested before some function of the volume, as a correction to the rectilinear relation yv^2/3 = K (r-d). The matter is now thus: - The straight-Line. Holds from B to A. on mapping differences from A to O ∏ (the critical point), I set a series of numbers. These mapped against v^2/3 give a straight line. The values of v^2/3 vary between A and B from 28 to 22, or thereabouts Of course I put another like this in: - yv^2/3 = K(∏-d) + R(v^2/3-a) So that the value of R(v^2/3 - a) at the critical point the right number to add to the first known, K(∏-d) ; but it will fade away efficiently at lower temperature, because v^2/0 varies as I have said between 28, where the rectilinear relation between yv^2/3 and T-d ceases to hold at temperature nearer T : and it appears to me, moreover, that such as equation is a clumsy attempt cant it be modified like this? gr^2/0 = KT-KD+Rv^2/3-Ra Kd+Ra are both numerical constants and can be added. But this appears to interfere with the origin of the curve. Anyhow I don't get reasonable results from yv^2/3 = KT + Rv^2/3 - count the straight line valuation between v^2/3 the difference between the calculated and real value of v^2/3 holds being accumulated. I suspect my trouble is that the equation at the bottom of last page deal with v^2/3, whereas i should deal with the differences. But the handling of the problem is beyond me will you come to the rescue? I have tried the differences against T, but the relation is a very complex one - like a/(T-6)^2 or a something of the kind. We have managed one experiment at -80 degrees, which appears to come on the straight line. We all plan to do a lot tomorrow. We are all well. I hope you have escaped influenza this time, & have found your wife & family flourishing. The wife sends kindest regards - Ever yours, W. Ramsay
Helium.
Handwritten letter from W. Ramsay to George. F Fitzgerald, dated the 29th of May 1897. W. Ramsay apologises for not responding sooner to Fitzgerald’s invitations and expresses regret that he can't accept them. He humbly downplays his accomplishments and feels undeserving of recent honors. Ramsay shares his disappointment that helium may not be responsible for the heavier gas fractions he studied—arguing instead that argon appears to be the cause—and reflects on the experimental challenges and his own self-doubt. He discusses ongoing work with gas separations and precise measurements, plans to contact Lord Rayleigh about publishing their apparatus details, and looks forward to discussing these matters in person. He sends warm regards to Fitzgerald’s family and mentions a curious find: a fund for a city library in Egypt with 5,000 manuscripts. 4pp. Transcription: My dear Fitzgerald, "My face is that red" when I think of your kind letters of invitation, which, worse luck, I am unable to accept. And still worse, I haven't written to thank you for the share you had in adding an-other honour to my list, which is already far too long. I am bowed down when I think of them in one scale or my deserts in the other. I know as well as you do that I am rather a duffer, with a kind Plain that I would much rather have gone to you but I thought that it might / all I D - [Huugh?] low to invite me quasi - official by, a hat you would have gone so had is here etiquette. You see I don't know what good manners and customs are. I am rather despondent about helium. After all our work, it appears nearly certain that argon is the sole reason of the higher density of the heavier portion. We can make mixtures of argon and helium which give spectra apparently identical with those of one heavy fractions, and which must have an identical density Of knack of experiments and a kind of dourness in hammering at a thing - But it seems to me that if any one like dozens of others were only to take trouble they would do far better. In fact I put somewhat you impostor, and you, in your good-ness kindness have lent a hard to encourage the deception I wonder you aren't ashamed of yourself. But I am definite from any point, which is to thank you very much for your kind invitation, and especially We are at separation notices now, to see if they too give the mean. The apparatus is capable of giving the results. The error is not more than 0.1 p.c. I must write to lord Rayleigh & ask him to publish details of the apparatus, for we must use of a heap of results with air, oxygen, nitrogen & hydrogen to prove our point. I hope I shall have a chance of talking over these matters when we meet. Kindest regards to all. Glad to see the children in the flesh (o skin) & not merely as pictorial representations! have you heard of Grenfell fund of a city library in Egypt with 5000 pieces miss? Yours Sincerely, W Ramsay