sub-fonds GB 0117 MS/232 - Observations for ascertaining the distances across the English Channel

Identity area

Reference code

GB 0117 MS/232

Title

Observations for ascertaining the distances across the English Channel

Date(s)

  • [1821-1823] (Creation)

Level of description

sub-fonds

Extent and medium

1 volume

Context area

Name of creator

Biographical history

In 1821–1823 Thomas Colby was deputed by the Royal Society, with Captain Henry Kater, to work with the astronomers Arago and Matthieu of the Académie des Sciences to verify observations made forty years earlier connecting the triangulations of England and France. For cross-channel observations, Fresnel lamps with compound lenses 3 feet in diameter were used, and Colby's description of them influenced Robert Stevenson to adopt them in British lighthouses. ( Source: Oxford DNB).

Repository

Archival history

GB 0117 MS/232 [1821-1823] Sub-fonds 1 volume Arago , François Jean Dominique , 1786-1853 , mathematician, physicist, astronomer and politician x Arago , Francesc Joan Dominic

Colby , Thomas Frederick , 1784–1852 , surveyor and army officer

Kater , Henry , 1777-1835 , scientist

In 1821–1823 Thomas Colby was deputed by the Royal Society, with Captain Henry Kater, to work with the astronomers Arago and Matthieu of the Académie des Sciences to verify observations made forty years earlier connecting the triangulations of England and France. For cross-channel observations, Fresnel lamps with compound lenses 3 feet in diameter were used, and Colby's description of them influenced Robert Stevenson to adopt them in British lighthouses. ( Source: Oxford DNB).

Observations for ascertaining the distances across the English Channel made by direction of the French and English Governments, bearing the signatures of François Arago, Henry Kater and Thomas Colby.

Open.

No publication without written permission. Apply to Archivist in the first instance.

English

Sources: Oxford DNB. Copied from the Royal Society catalogue by Sarah Drewery.

General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997.

Feb 2009. Arago , François Jean Dominique , 1786-1853 , mathematician, physicist, astronomer and politician x Arago , Francesc Joan Dominic Surveying Kater , Henry , 1777-1835 , scientist Colby , Thomas Frederick , 1784-1852 , surveyor and army officer Geography London England UK Western Europe France Europe

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

Observations for ascertaining the distances across the English Channel made by direction of the French and English Governments, bearing the signatures of François Arago, Henry Kater and Thomas Colby.

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

Open.

Conditions governing reproduction

No publication without written permission. Apply to Archivist in the first instance.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

  • Latin

Language and script notes

English

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Finding aids

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

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Related descriptions

Publication note

Notes area

Note

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Name access points

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Description control area

Description identifier

Institution identifier

Royal Society

Rules and/or conventions used

General International Standard Archival Description, ISAD(G), second edition, 2000; National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal Place and Corporate Names 1997.

Status

Level of detail

Dates of creation revision deletion

Language(s)

  • English

Script(s)

    Sources

    Accession area