134

Janry 31st [189]1

My dear Todd

I have just received for report “A Memorandum on the movement for reckoning time on a scientific basis” sent by Lord Knutsford.

I should like to go with you and Ellery in this matter: and have written to Ellery about it telling him my idea and asking his. and [sic] I want you to say what you think of what I said to Ellery.

I am not wedded to it and would agree to almost anything so that we might agree in our report.

My idea then is, to recommend the adoption of the 24 hour notation in all Postal Telegraph And Railway Time tables. and let the other matters stand over until the public have time to say how they like the innovation so far.

Yours faithfully
H.C. Russell

Pg 33
Observatory
Nov 26 90

HC Russell
E Douglas Archibald Esqre

My Dear Sir

Have just received your telegram re loss of letter to Todd. Herewith I send another which I hope may be in time for your purpose.

You will be glad to hear that Abercromby is a little better again. I saw him Sunday last in haste.

Yours very truly
H C Russell

32
Observatory
Sydney Nov 26 90

My Dear Todd

May I have the pleasure of introducing to you Mr E Douglas Archibald. I have no doubt you know him well by his writings on the “Unusual Optical Phenomena of the Atmosphere” following the Krakatoa eruption, and other valuable contributions to Meteorology.

He was for some time a Professor in of the colleges in India; and is here on a lecturing tour with one of ………………. and would like to stay if inducement offered.

I suggested to him that perhaps Western Australia might be prepared to make a Meteorology Department in which Mr Archibald’s thorough knowledge of meteorology might be of use to that colony. And it would certainly be an advantage to the Eastern Colonies to have a good man there. He would like to consult you about it.

Yours faithfully
H C Russell

C Todd Esqre C. M. G. F. R. S. ?? C.
Govt Astronomer
Adelaide

26

ISSUED FORM.
New South Wales Electric Telegraph.
COLONIAL AND INTERCOLONIAL LINES.

Stamped:
NEW SOUTH WALES
ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH OFFICE
SYDNEY
NOV 26
1890

Received at 1 h. 24 m.
Reference No. 49
No. of Words. 11
Amount Paid 2/2

TELEGRAM from ADELAIDE Station,
Addressed to Russell
Obsy
Sy

(You are requested to give no fee or gratuity to the Messenger. Please enter time of delivery and sign Ticket Book.)

Lost your letter to Todd. Kindly send me another by return ~
E. Douglas Archibald
United Serv Hotel
Time 12 h. 25 m.

Pencil notation across telegram – ‘See page 32’. [See next entry for item at page 32.]

Page 27
Observatory
Sydney Nov 18th 90

Dear Mr Archibald

I regret giving you the trouble of writing for the letter to Mr Todd. I had not forgotten it. …………. the advertisements did not think ……… wanted it so soon. ……. enclose it and hope it may be of use to you. Short of going to Western Australia: I know of no better person than Mr Todd to give you information…… the subject. ………………… I am sorry to say is not improving and is rather low spirited. If ………. better for him to his own doctor in London asking advice.

Generally …… and …… cyclones …………… ……. but it often ……. appears that small one …….. an intensity and ……………… ……… that of the large ones.

I have been reading Ferrel and thank him for new light on many points but cannot go with him altogether. So far as I have read. It is a cleverly written book and apt to make one think that there is a good deal of formula applicable to meteorology: upon which calculations can be made. but it has yet to be shown how far we can apply them.

For instance in the laboratory we know something about laws of diffusion of gasses and heat but where are the experiments which give us these laws as modified in nature by currenting air?
Yours very truly
H.C. Russell

26
Observatory
Sydney Nov 18th 90

My Dear Todd

May I have the pleasure of introducing to you Mr E. Douglas Archibald. whom I have no doubt you know well by his writings on “The Unusual Optical Phenomena of the Atmosphere” following the Krakatoa eruption, and other valuable contributions to meteorology.

He is here on a lecturing tour with one of …………..! And would take an appointment if it offered. I suggested that best ………. might do something in Meteorology; And he would like to consult you about it. If they are ………. to make a Department he would be glad to take the direction of it and it would be a good thing for the Eastern Colonies to have there such a thoroughly ………. Director.
Yours faithfully
H.C. Russell

Todd Esqre C. M. G. F. R. S. ??
Govt Astronomer
Adelaide

Observatory Sydney
October 20th 1860

60/36

My dear Sir

I have proposed to the government of NSWales the following arrangement

that the superintendents at the Principal Telegraph Stations be instructed to communicate with one another at the commencement of any serious gale stating the direction of the wind and the time of commencement.

In this way much light may be thrown on the laws of storms in this quarter of the world, and warning may be given at the different parts of the approach of gales thereby conferring a great benefit on the shipping interests.

I have no doubt this matter has already engaged your attention, and I trust you will cooperate with me by drawing the attention of your Government to it – I am dear Sir
Yours very truly
W Scott

C Todd Esq