| Description | Written from the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London. The letter discusses the difficulties with Professor Piazzi Smyth's spinner, suggests a possible flaw in placing a fluid on top of the spinner table, explains the underlying mechanics and suggests some solutions or alternatives. The letter also comments on the potential unfairness of Professor Smyth being left with the costs of the experiments since he is unlikely to gain by the invention of such a device whereas the interests of the Great Eastern may well gain from the device and so Airy believes that Brunel or the Great Eastern should bear the cost. The original letter can be found at DM1306/11/20/1/6. |