Letter 1673

Posted on August 2, 2016 by -

Edmond Halley to Hans Sloane – May 14, 1710


Item info

Date: May 14, 1710
Author: Edmond Halley
Recipient: Hans Sloane

Library: British Library, London
Manuscript: Sloane MS 4042
Folio: ff. 131-132


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Transcription

[fol. 131] [I] could heartily wish I could be present on Wednesday, but did think the Society was gott over the matter… mention this last councell day: for it was carried… a great plurality of Voices, that the Dr had offended, and that the grimaces he sais he apprehended you [to] make, being subject to a dubious interpretation, and unobserved by my self )who saw you all the while) and overall others present, should first be disowned by you, as to the intention of any looks or actions: and that then the Dr for his words, which could not be denyed, should begg your pardon before the Society, with a promise not to do the like for the future. I belive the Councell will continue of the same sentiments: but if you think any thing i can say may be serviceable to you; I shall again be in town the latter end of this week, and will if need be give my voidance vivâ voce, at another Councell you may easilygott for the week following. I am sorry you have all this trouble being Sr Your most obedt Servt. Edm: Halley

Edmond Halley left Oxford without an undergraduate degree to travel the world, giving him the opportunity to study astronomy on the spot. Upon returning to England he had a prestigious career and collaborated with Sir Isaac Newton, entered the public service, served as a professor at Oxford, and was appointed Astronomer Royal in 1721 (Alan Cook, “Halley, Edmond (1656-1742)”, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004; online edn, May 2009 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/12011, accessed 1 June 2011]).



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