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Record
DM1306 - Brunel Collection
11 - Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the SS Great Eastern
1 - Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the SS Great Eastern
1 - E.S.N. Compy Report Book
Ref No
DM1306/11/1/1/folio 104-106
Title
Letter from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to George Biddle Airy at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Description
Written from 18 Duke Street, London. The letter introduces Brunel's current project, to build large steamships to service a route travelling to India via the Cape of Good Hope, and requests Airy's help and advice (as Astronomer Royal) in ensuring that the ship has perfect navigation. Brunel intends to establish an observatory on board his ship to constantly determine the ship's position, course, speed, the effect of wind and current and the variation of the compasses and the state of the weather. Brunel requests Airy's help with determining what observations ought to be made, what instruments should be provided and what sort of men should be employed to work in this observatory.
Date
5 October 1852
Format
Manuscript volume
Extent
3 pages
Thumbnail
Access Conditions
This material is held at the Brunel Institute - please contact the Brunel Institute to arrange access.
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