[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from W. N. Shaw],
1900
RDS Library & Archives
Copyright RDS Library & Archives. Publication, transmission or display is prohibited without formal written approval of the RDS Library & Archives.
Text
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from A. W. Dover],
1888
[Letter to J. E. Cullum from A. W. Dover],
1889
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Richard Barrington],
Royal Dublin Society,
1886
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from J. L. E. Dreyer],
The Observatory,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from G. M. Whipple],
Kew Observatory,
Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Ettrick W. Creak
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"
Creak, E. W. (Ettrick William), 1835-1920
RDS Library & Archives GFF collection of letters
Hydrographic Department, Admiralty,
Fitzgerald, George Francis, 1851-1901, Correspondent
1887
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Ettrick W. Creak],
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Laurence Parsons Rosse],
Birr Castle,
1897
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from J. E. Cullum],
Meteorological Observatory,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Mareth?],
Markree Observatory,
Valentia Observatory,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from R. H. Scott],
Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Charles Chree
A letter from Charles Chree to George F. FitzGerald regarding results collected by John Edward Cullum of the Valencia Observatory and his desire to send these results to George F. FitzGerald. pp.1 Inscription: Dear Sir, Mr Cullum of Valencia Observatory applied a fortnight ago for the monthly means of the magnetic elements here for the years 1889-1893 inclusive, for comparison with the results as Valencia which you and he are working at. He has since written expressing the desire that results should be sent to you dearest. You will find them in the enclosed table. I have explained to Mr Cullum that as the results for 1893 are unpublished by the Kew committee I should have to stipulate they should not be published by you until the report of the Kew Committee, at present in proof, shall have been published, or until the permission of the Committee were secured. As the committee meet on the 30th formal application for leave is publish, if that is desired, should reach me before that date. Yours Faithfully, Charles Chree
Chree, Charles, 1860-1928
1894
Valencia Observatory,
Meteorological Office,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Earl of Rosse],
Birr Castle],
1899
1896
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from E. P. Wright],
Letter from E. P. Wright to GFF on the issue of a Parliamentary grant to continue research on the magnetic observations at Valentia. Dated 29 May, 1889.
Wright, Edward Perceval, 1834-1910
Royal Irish Academy,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from A. W. Rücker],
Gledhow Gardens,
1895
Science
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Westwood, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 13 January 1896. Cullum discusses his scientific work. 3pp. Transcription: “My dear Sir, I have written you an official answer to your letter, for surely no exception can be taken to that, as I have already the [?] of the Council to do this work gratuitously for you. If there is to be any extraction of them I must place myself in their hands as their servant, but the General is a terrible martinet, I will not brook any interference with his prerogative. I need not tell you again it will be a pleasure to me to assist in the work, and will keep my name in the Scientific world, for I feel a bit buried here. Sidney has gone back to College anxious to keep up his work as he want to take his Arts degree in June, that he may be free for his hospital course. My wife joins me in kind regards and best wishes for a Happy New Year, Believe me, Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum”
Cullum, John Edward
Fitzgerald, George Francis, 1851-1901. Correspondent
Westwood,
[Letter to R. H. Scott from George F. FitzGerald],
Maples Hotel,
[Letter to J. E. Cullum from G. M Whipple],
Reports on the magnetic observations at Valentia /
Valentia Observatory
Meteorology
Meteorological stations
at the University Press by Ponsonby and Weldrick,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Arthur W. Rücker],
Science and Art Department,
[Letter to Unknown from Arthur W. Rücker ],
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Rosse],
1898
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Robert H. Scott],
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from L. P. Rosse],
Magnets
Atlantic Coast (Ireland)
Thomson, William, 1824-1907. Baron Kelvin, physicist
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Valencia Observatory, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 2 October 1898. Cullum thanks Fitzgerald for a cheque and discusses his meteorological work and Atlantic cables. 4pp. Transcription: “My dear Sir, It is very kind of you to send me your cheque for £10.17.10 the whole sum for the repair of the Magnetic House which relieves me from anxiety. I fear if we had the instruments this year we should hardly be able to begin satisfactorily next year, as I should very much like an independent determination of the bearing of my fixed mark before commencing the new Series of Observations. No doubt a [s?] will be propounded by the Magnetic Committee of the International Meteorological Congress in which I shall participate, and a new international series commenced. With regard to your idea of the Atlantic Cables, I have a recollection of hearing of Observations of Earth Currents being made many years ago, when the Cable was at Foilhommerum and not in use, under then Sir Wm. [T?]. Possibly Lord Kelvin may remember them and give you some information. In any case it would be well to apply to the higher officials in London, as the Superintendent could do nothing himself. With kind regards, Believe me, Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum”
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from the Bishop of Limerick],
The Palace,
The Athenaeum,
Declination (Astronomy)
Meteorological instruments
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Valencia Observatory, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 8 May 1897. Cullum expresses dissatisfaction with the Magnetic Committee and the work he is undertaking. 3pp. Transcription: “Dear Sir, I am sending you the inclosed letter because it is utterly ridiculous going on or rather not going on like this, as I am afraid the Magnetic Committee think the work is proceeding, and I have had no communication from them whatever. I am willing to do the work, if there is no one else to do it and if they give me the means of doing it satisfactorily, but is only waste of time to go on with it as it is. I got such a cold in the house during the winter, that I contented myself with a Declination observation since the beginning of the year, but shall do nothing more until I get some decided instructions. The Instruments are only wasted, and would be better in your care. With kind regards, Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum”
A letter from Charles Chree to George. F Fitzgerald outlining the transport of scientific instruments to Markree Observatory in Co. Sligo. Mr F. W. Henkel is also mentioned as he was the appointed astronomer at Markree Observatory. pp. 2 Transcription: Dear Professor Fitzgerald, We have completed the examination of the dip circle and [xxxx] for Valencia, and gut out the tables too, so that the instruments are ready for transport to Ireland. In case you have no other convoy in view I might mention Mr Henkel of Markree Observatory proposes to begin a course of magnetic instruction here around Jan 8th terminating about Jan 20th when he rehomes I think in Ireland. I know nothing of Mr Henkel or whether he would be likely to undertake charge of the instruments. To whom shall the account be made out for the verification fee? Yours faithfully, Charles Chree Superintendent
Fitzgerald, George Francis, 1851-1901
Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Charles Chree discussing the delivery of equipment to Ireland and the accidental breaking of a thermometer. pp. 2 Dear Professor Fitzgerald, I am sending up by special messenger the magnetometer and [xxx] circle for Valencia with the tripod stand. The instruments are carefully packed and with and with ordinary careful treatment should arrive safely. Unfortunately one of the thermometers was broken here and we have not had the time as of yet to replace it. A new thermometer however has been ordered and we shall send it directly to Ireland , in a week or so, of course it is not a [secondary?] item. Yours faithfully, Charles Chree Superintendent.
[The Observatory],
A letter from Charles Chree to Prof. George. F Fitzgerald in which he asks questions about the process of an experiment he is carrying out with magnets. Chree also discusses equipment that he will need in order to carry out further experiments. pp. 2 Transcription: Dear Professor Fitzgerald, I enclose a receipt for your cheque £92.11 . I am somewhat puzzled by the 'black dust'. We take the magnet into pieces and determines its temperature [xxxx] in a water bath, and if I did not know the care usually exercised I should have suspected that if it had been omitted to properly dry out the magnet. In any case as you have interchanged the lens and scale it should certainly be best that we should have the magnet back to redetermine its moment of inertia. For this of course we should make no charge, supposing you pay postage one way. We should want magnets and appendages, including suspension pieces at end of silk thread and auxiliary bar. But we should not require the glass suspension table. Please also send the telescope, Yours faithfully, Charles Chree
A letter from Charles Chree to Prof. G. F Fitzgerald regarding the shipping of scientific equipment to an address in South Kensington by special messenger. 1pp. Transcription: Dear Professor Fitzgerald, I am this morning in respect of your letter of the 16th I shall send the [xxx] and dip circle for Valencia to 8 Gilston Road, South Kensington, on the forenoon of Saturday the 21st, by special messenger. Yours truly, Charles Chree
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from R. M. Conner],
Registrar's Office, Trinity College,
A handwritten letter from Charles Chree to Prof, Fitzgerald which provides a detailed recommendation for scientific instruments needed for magnetic observations. Chree expresses a strong preference for Dover dip circles and suggests that a unifilar magnetometer is also necessary, recommending Dover as the supplier due to past issues with other manufacturers. He lists the costs of the instruments and their verification, noting a total of £95 1s, and advises that transport to Ireland be handled personally to ensure their safety. Guidance is given to the maintenance of the equipment and the dangers of interference of railway lines to experiments are highlighted. Chree concludes that he will wait for a response before proceeding with the final order. 4pp. Dear Professor Fitzgerald There is I think no doubt that Dover dip circles are the best. The ordinary supply is 2 dip needles which should suffice for you purpose. The other necessary instrument is a unifilar magnetometer - for declination and horizontal force measurements, We used to consider Elliott Bros. the best makers of these, but, though I believe the death of the workman skilled in the construction, their unifilar of some years ago were not very satisfactory, and from our recent experience I should be disposed to recommend Dover, always [favoured?] there is no special hurry. I mention this point because I know Dover to have a considerate amount of magnetic work in hand. It is quite customary for us to order instruments, which it is understood we are to [lest?], and I am quite prepared to do so for you. Without verification - including annotation of tables - horizontal force observations at least are impactable. The cost of the the instruments mentioned are as follows; Dip Circle (2 needles) £26 5 s Verification £ 1 1 s Unifilar magnetometer £ 60 Verification £ 5 5 s Packaging case £ 2 10 s Total £ 95 1 s This would not include transport in Ireland, Probably some trustworthy person had better take the instruments over as personal luggage, A chronometer is required for the [vibration?] experiment in full [xxx?] force; [xxx?} these I presume you already have as in dampness, all the magnets should be left in the absence leave in a dry place, and they should be carefully wiped after each observation if necessary. I know of no precautions possible in the construction of the instruments themselves (but could consider [xxx?] make) there might be drying agent in the experimental hut. There is I understand a railway line and electric [wiring?] on Valentia. I hope the experimental hut is no so near the {tracks?] as to render the rails a source of suspicion or that there is no wires near it. Any uncertainties of that source are troublesome the trains are I presume so few that any issues might be avoided. as to the verification fees mentioned above I have no to modify or remit. I have known the Kew Committee do this in one or two special cases, but the Committee will not probably meet again until [October?] so that no application would be considered until then. I shall await a reply before ordering the instruments, desiring to feel sure you have all the facts before you. Probably the unifilar manometer will not be ready for use until October. Yours faithfully, Charles Chree superintendent
Chronometers
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald. Cullum, dated 28 June 1898. Cullum notes the lack of electricity in Cahirciveen and mentions Fitzgerald's instruments, which he is looking after. 4pp. Transcription: “Dear Sir, In reply to yours of the 25th last; you may inform Dr. Chris that there is a Observatory now in Valencia, we are two miles from it and one from the town of Cahirciveen, which is not such a go. a. head place as to indulge in Electric in any form. There is no installation even in Valencia, the nearest being Waterville ten miles away. There is however a single line of rails about 70 [yrds?] from the Observing House, but the passing trains, about six a day, do not visibly affect the suspended Magnets. The Instruments are certainly not in my way, and I can keep them as long as you wish, the thing required before the course recommences being the [Chaining?] of the Chronometer, which I think I may be able to send [up?] in careful charge if you will tell me where it can be left in July or August. Dover used to make only Dip Circles, but perhaps he has gone in for Unifilars, now I believe Elliott is done up. I dare say I shall hear all about it when the Kew man comes. Yours very truly, J. E. Cullum”
Westwood House,
Eaton Place,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from Charles Chree],
A handwritten letter from Charles Chree to Professor George. F Fitzgerald dated June 29th 1898. The letter discusses correct procedure when caring for and using scientific apparatus. The letter also contains information on the delivery of equipment to Ireland and the barer of verification fees. 2pp. Dear Professor Fitzgerald, I have ordered a unifilar and dip circle from Mr Dover for Valentia, and have written about the damages of climate and the desirability of selecting when there is a choice the materials least likely to suffer from it The danger of using magnetic materials is of course the principle one to avoid. With respect to dampness must much depend in the carefulness of the observer. This is of course a dry climate, but we must never leave any of the magnets in the magnetic hut, and generally give at least the dip circle a wipe after observations. The instruments will I hope be be ready for transportation in Ireland in good time to allow of the observer becoming at home with them before Jan, 1899. Fees for verification all go with the ordinary observer income; their remission does not affect any individual but only the observatory balance. Yours faithfully, Charles Chree
RDS Library& Archives GFF collection of letters
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from C. H. Stacpoole],
Provincial Bank of Ireland,
Magnetism
Scientific apparatus and instruments
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Valencia Observatory, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 25 February 1889. Cullum tells Fitzgerald about his experiments with magnets and how his chronometer is broken, and asks Fitzgerald if he can get another. 8pp. Transcription: “My dear Sir, I am very gratified to see by your letter that you are satisfied with my work, and I trust it will be well received. I have already told you how interested I am in this branch of science, and I again renew my offer to do all I can to further it. If I could see my way to making these eye obs. [observations] of disturbances I could be very pleased to add them to the other work. It is useless to attempt to make them in the Magnetic house, and to have a large Magnet near would utterly adjust the results. To be any way satisfactory the magnet should I think be permanently swung in a wooden hut specifically built for it in Dip needles, so at the end of the year I thought I would get the axles polished and back again between the observation days, meaning to do it at my own expense, and for my own satisfaction, but as these letters of [Dover?] will show, it has turned out a more serious and expensive matter than I imagined for the circle is on its way back with a bill of over £4 tacked to it. A distinct part of the ground that I might detect when the disturbance is going on. This is a matter of expense for you to consider - the Instrument is here, and could be set up I believe for a few pounds. There is however another matter already worrying me. During the series of observations I was very much disheartened by the unsatisfactory working of the I feel very much concerned that I did not consult you, but knowing that our grant was expended I did not intend to trouble you with it and now hold myself entirely responsible for it. Then again the Chronometer is out of order and I think requires cleaning, for after winding it drops beats and sometimes stops, and it is only by inclining it that I can get it to go for the observation. This is urgent for it may cease to go at all and then I am done for. I was about asking you to allow me to bring it to Dublin and get it exchanged, permitting me to choose another. As you are inclined to continue these observations for an indefinite period, it would certainly be advisable to buy one out and out. The better the Instrument the better the result will be, and it is always useful and valuable. I am sending you Mr. Whipple’s letter as it touches on the Dip Circle. I sent him my MSS. [manuscripts] as the Kew values were only published to October, and he also kindly criticised my paper. I am very sorry to trouble you with so much matter, but am glad to get it all out at once. Thank you for your kind remembrances of Mrs. Cullum, we both hope someday to have the pleasure of seeing you here. Believe me, Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum. P.S. I do not want these letters back J.E.C.”
Gulf Stream
Plankton
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 5 January 1897. Cullum mentions a scientific paper he has written and new experiments regarding plankton and the Gulf Stream. 4pp. Transcription: “Dear Mr. Fitzgerald, I am very much obliged to you for your kindly acknowledgement of my paper. It was a heavy task, as the condensed tables represent an immense amount of calculation. Mr. Scott took a great interest and assisted me very much in it, as well as Dr. Hann with the object you recognise, of giving data for future text books. Scott however warned me of theorizing in the text so I contented myself with frets, and left such matters to larger minds than my own. Concerning the Gulf Stream, however, I am entering on a new inquiry at Mr. Scott’s request for Prof. Cleve of Upsala, which is in the periodical Collecting of “Plankton” in the harbour for his examination. He says, “it will become of the greatest interest to know whether the Gulf Stream continues the whole winter to run along the west coast of Ireland, or whether there is an interruption by North Atlantic, eventually Polar craters. That I believe I will be able to decide by examining samples from Valencia. I am sorry to acknowledge Sidney’s step is a disappointment to me, as I feel he has seriously handicapped himself in his advance in his profession, which I have struggled so hard to give him, otherwise I should have nothing to complain of, as the Hicksons are a good Kerry family. I have undertaken to give him his degrees, after that he must forage for himself. I am entertaining the [Mag.?] [ofs?] but have not heard anything of them from Prof. Rücker beyond the comparisons he made with his Standard Inst. The house wants a new covering. With best wishes for a Happy New Year, Believe me, Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum”
Azimuth
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Valencia Observatory, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 12 April 1888. Cullum discusses making adjustments to his magnetic house. Transcription: “Dear Sir, I am now sending you the Voucher for the Amount expended on the Magnetic Account. Mr. Whipple writes to me that he has been in communication with you respecting my Magnetic House, and that he has recommended that I make a light in the roof to enable me to get transits of stars to make a reliable determination of the Azimuth of my fixed Mark. As this is the only thing which I am in doubt about I shall be glad to act on his suggestion if it meets with your approval. I am, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum”
[Letter to Sir Robert Ball from George F. FitzGerald],
Trinity College,
[Letter to Sir Robert Ball from Arthur A. Rambaut],
Dunsink,
[Letter to George F. FitzGerald from F. M. Moore],
Chronos,
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Valencia Observatory, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 6 October 1887. Cullum discusses his scientific instruments (a magnet and chronometer), and the possibility of meeting up with Fitzgerald in Dublin. Transcription: “Dear Sir, Many thanks for your kind and considerate letter of the 4th. I am glad you approve of sending the magnet to Kew, for it would be a pity for the sake of such a small fee to have my Observations questioned. In writing to Mr. Whipple I will ask his opinion of the advisability of remagnetising the Coll. Magnet. What I meant by doubling the stirrup is that by putting a suspension fitting at the bottom of it, the Magnet can be reversed without turning it in its fitting, so that when its Magnetic axis is determined it can be fixed. You must decide about the Chronometer, for I fear I shall not be able to begin Observing regularly until the beginning of the year, and it seems a pity to be paying for nothing. It has a large rate, and is not particularly handy, the tick being weak, and the dial not so clear as my own one. If you wish I could bring it up to Dublin with me at the end of this month, for I hope to be there then for my marriage, and we can then go fully into the matter. I was sorry not to be able to have you in the Summer, but I hope next year you will be able to pay me a visit, and I shall always be glad to see Mr. Preston when convenient to him. With kind regards Believe me Yours sincerely J. E. Cullum”
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Valencia Observatory, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 29 March 1888. Cullum sends Fitzgerald the amount needed to pay for his scientific experiments, and discusses future payments. 2pp. Transcription: "Dear Sir, I am sending you by this post the Amounts expended on Account of the Magnetic Observations. You will see that I have not yet paid for the Observing House and the determination of the constants of the Coll. Magnet. There is not likely to be any more Expenses, exceptions will have to be made for its Azimuth, which can be corrected at the end of the series. I intend making Absolute measurements of Horizontal Intensity. Inclination and Declination [?] a month to correspond with the Kew Observations, published in the Annual Report. Trusting this will meet with your approval, I am, Dear Sir, Yours very sincerely, J. E. Cullum"
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Valencia Observatory, Cahirciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 26 December 1887. Cullum tells Fitzgerald that his assistant will help with sending items. Transcription: "Dear Sir, Mr S[upue?], my assistant, will take charge of anything you may wish to send me. Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum"
Handwritten letter from John Edward Cullum, Westwood, Caherciveen, County Kerry, to George F. Fitzgerald, dated 18 March 1892. Cullum thanks Fitzgerald for sending him a cheque, and describes how himself and Mr. Whipple are changing and moving their scientific instruments. 2pp. Transcription: “My dear Sir, I have to thank you for your very kind and considerate letter of the 15th last, enclosing me cheque for £9.19.6. for which I enclose you the workman’s formal receipt. Mr. Whipple of Kew is with me now, and we are in the midst of our changing operations, which cause us much anxiety and labour. So far all has gone well, and I trust the end of this work will see all my self-recording Instruments working again satisfactorily. Mr. Whipple speaks of calling on you when in Dublin about the end of next week. Mrs. Cullum desires to join me in kind regards, Believe me. Yours sincerely, J. E. Cullum”
1892