Part 7
Last night, at 14^h 30^m, I had my first peep at Jupiter through it, and a grand sight it was; his belts coloured, though not so vivid as they are sometimes, were fine in the extreme; and, though the power employed was only the achromatic 215, the satellites were beautiful little discs, one especially showing the tint of its surface.
A quarter of an hour later Saturn was in the field of view; a grand object, several of the satellites surrounding it. A little cloud was coming up over it, so I could not see so much of this planet as I should have liked, though amply sufficient to prove incontestably its high class.
With double stars I have not attempted much, though on turning it on μ^2 Boötis I found the division easy, the components being respectively slightly orange, and dullish white or pale yellow.
I have had lots of grand views of the wonders of the “star depths,” clusters, and nebulæ, notably 57 Messier, the Ring nebula, in Lyra, the great Orion nebula, and the marvellous Whirlpool nebula, the chief outlines of which were well shown.
Hitherto the instrument has been chiefly employed on the Moon, the details of which come out hard and sharp in a beautiful manner, with all powers up to 515, the highest I have.
The 5-1/4 in. pleased me very much, but the 9-1/2 in. delights me.
Yours faithfully, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ G. W. ROYSTON PIGOTT, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., F.R.A.S., &c.
EASTBOURNE, _July, 1880_.
DEAR SIR,—There has been but little weather for testing. Mr. Slack has been staying with me; we are delighted with the 8-1/2″, and think it a great beauty. I can hardly imagine any mirror much better, and I expect great precision from it. I find its focus to be 65 inches, not quite so much as my fine Dollond glass, of 3-3/4 in. aperture.
Yours truly, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ A. WILLIAMS, Esq.
CLARENCE LODGE, GRAFTON STREET, BRIGHTON, _August, 1880_.
DEAR SIR,—I had intended writing to you to express my pleasure in my 5-1/4 in. telescope nearly a month ago, but thought I would have another look first, and the more I look the more I am pleased with it. I cannot now imagine anyone preferring a 3-1/4 in. refractor to one of these. I have had no trouble at all with the adjustments, and if was to get out of adjustment, it could be rectified in about five minutes. Notwithstanding the unsettled weather (giving on an average only about one fine night in eight), I have examined nearly two hundred double stars in the last three months, some of them very difficult. I enclose a list of a few, which will show very well the capabilities of the instrument.
Yours truly, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
LIST OF OBJECTS SEEN WITH A 5-1/4 INCH REFLECTOR.
ξ Scorpii (5, 5·2 : 1″·3) clearly divided, 186 power.
ε Lyræ. Debilissima quite easy; 186, 380 powers, though nearly half Moon.
μ^1 Herculis (9·4, 10 : 1″·04). Just divided, 380. Very difficult, owing to its faintness.
Vega. 11 mag., comes quite plain, only 47 minutes before sunrise; powers 110, 186.
φ Virginis (5, 13 : 4″·27). Comes plain, 110, 186.
ν Scorpii, the close pair (4, 5 : 0″·8), well elongated, power 380; small star (7, 8 : 1″·68) divided, 110.
ζ Boötis (4, 5 : 0″·88) elongated 186, notched 380, and with field lens removed, all but divided.
δ Cygni (3, 9 : 1″·63), 9 plain, 380 on several occasions.
Antares is chiefly an atmospheric test, but the companion was quite plain on one occasion out of the three I looked for it.
μ^2 Boötis (7·5, 8 : 0″·63), considerably elongated, 380.
η Coronæ (5·5, 6 : 0″·62), slightly elongated, 380; but not nearly so much as μ^2 Boötis.
56 Herculis (6·5, 13 : 15″), 13 easy, all powers.
π Aquilæ (6, 7 : 1″·5). Just separated, 110; 14 mag. (Webb), just visible, 186.
ε Equulei. Just divided, 186 (5·7, 6·2 : 1″·0).
* * * * *
_From_ D. TRAILL, Esq.
BALHAM, _March 5th, 1880_.
MY DEAR SIR,—I have at present to use the telescope, an 8-1/2 in. Alt Azimuth, out of a window, and so at a great disadvantage,—in fact cannot give it a fair trial till I have the house ready for it, meanwhile I use it as occasions offer, and have been highly pleased with it. The views of the nebular in Orion resemble those of BOND’S drawings, and shows immeasurably above my 3-1/4, of course. I think the mirror is _perfect_ from its performance on large stars whose disks are small and round, without rays of any kind. I am _thoroughly_ satisfied.
Yours truly, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ HUGH AULD, Esq.
GROSVENOR CRESCENT, EDINBURGH, 1879.
DEAR SIR,—I have not been able to do much with the telescope, a 5-1/4″ Angle-block, through the unfavourable weather for the last four months, but with the opportunities I have had its performance is satisfactory; it performs well on stars with high powers, and I am sure it will bear a good deal higher. I am very well pleased with the instrument.
Yours truly, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ THE REV. THOS. H. BROWNE, F.R.M.S., &c.
THE CEDARS, HIGH WYCOMBE, _February 26th, 1880_.
DEAR SIR,—I am exceedingly pleased with the action of your mirror (an 8-1/2 in. equatorial); what I have seen of sun, moon, planets, and stars is splendid. I have had a good many telescopes, but never liked one so well as the one you have sent me. For the first day or two I could do nothing but admire it.
Yours truly, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ THE REV. CONYBEARE W. BRUCE, M.A., F.R.A.S.
ST. NICHOLAS’ RECTORY, CARDIFF, _July 17th, 1880_.
MY DEAR Mr. CALVER,—You will have been looking for some news of me and the 12″. I have purposely delayed writing until I was _really_ in a position to say something definite, and you had already heard my high opinion of the mirror. Let me at once say that that opinion has been _more_ than justified. The mirror is a _beauty_. Canon Beechey and I got Jupiter and Saturn at 2.30 a.m. yesterday morning—and they were _superb_. The Canon declared enthusiastically, that he “had _never_ seen Saturn anything like that,” and the last thing he said to me on the subject as I parted with him to-day was, “You have got a very fine instrument indeed.”
If I _could_ add anything more in its praise it would be this, that I am really going to build a _new observatory_ for it—my present one is too small and cramped.
Sincerely yours, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
(_Another Letter from the same Gentleman._)
ST. NICHOLAS’ RECTORY, NEAR CARDIFF, _August 28th, 1880_.
DEAR Mr. CALVER,—The 12 inch surpasses all my expectations. It has the perfection in figure of the incomparable 10 inch of yours, which was its immediate predecessor, and, in grasp of light, the difference in favour of the 12 inch over the 10 inch, a most brilliant mirror, is simply astounding.
You may equal the 12 inch—I am sure you will, whenever you make one—but you will not easily beat it. Mr. SADLER, the well-known and most accurate observer, has himself worked with it, and writes of it to me as follows:—“The 12 in. is considerably superior in light grasping power to H2’s 20 ft. reflector, and the figure is a much finer one.”
Your skill and kindness has placed me in the front rank among amateur observers, as far as the possession of optical means is concerned.
I was afraid that the German Stand would not prove so convenient as the “Berthon Equestrian Stand,” but I find it is and far more so. The German Stand is, for anything above 6 in., decidedly more solid and dependable, and far simpler in any case. The merit of the “Berthon Equestrian” form is that it requires a smaller observatory.
Very sincerely yours, (_Signed_.)
* * * * *
_From_ W. S. FRANKS, Esq., F.R.A.S.
LEICESTER, _August 19th, 1880_.
MY DEAR SIR,—As the 11-1/4 in. speculum has now been in constant use for two years, I may be allowed to express my opinion, with all due deliberation, as to its performance. It has been tried upon almost every conceivable object during that period with uniformly good results. Having also a 5 in. achromatic of the finest quality, I have been enabled to make a great number of comparisons between the two instruments, mounted side by side: and for fine definition, smallness of star discs, and freedom from chromatism, the reflector always came out victorious. Upon first mag. stars, nothing could surpass the purity of the image in the reflector; but on immediately turning to the achromatic, the outstanding violet rays were painfully obtrusive. For red stars, which are generally small, the reflector seems especially adapted. I used to be rather sceptical about the tints of red stars, but must confess, after seeing the magnificent tints of scarlet and crimson which are shown by a large aperture, that my doubts have vanished. Definition upon the planets, in good air, is simply perfect. The detail on Jupiter and Saturn reminds one of an exquisite engraving. The far distant Neptune is perfectly defined as a tiny disc, and his moon steadily visible with the 11-1/4 in. The faculæ and other Solar detail are brought out with wonderful distinctness. As for the Moon, the crispness of definition, absence of colour, and immense number of minute objects shown by the reflector, leave nothing to be desired. The gorgeous views of clusters and nebulæ: the brilliantly crowded fields in the galaxy: and the endless variety of star colours and groups are almost beyond description, and must be seen to be appreciated. I could fill pages about objects seen with the 11-1/4 in. mirror, but will not occupy more space, save to thank you for having placed such perfect instruments within the reach of amateurs.
Yours faithfully, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ W. S. FRANKS, Esq., F.R.A.S.
LEICESTER, _September, 1878_.
MY DEAR SIR,—Mr. BURNHAM is undoubtedly “facile princeps,” as an observer of double stars. Few men could have discovered such difficult objects as he has done with a 6″ O.G. Perhaps, it ought to be conceded that the usual formula for separating power, requires modification in his case, as Pogson’s formula for “minima visible” did with Mr. J. W. WARD, of Belfast. Apropos of this topic: do you recollect Mr. WARD’S discovery of several additional comites to Pxx 452 Cygni? One of them Mr. BURNHAM only succeeded in seeing with the greatest difficulty with the 6″ O.G. when the large star was hidden by a bar. I can see this easily enough with the 11-1/4 in. mirror, in presence of the brighter star.
When you have any intending customers halting between two opinions, or in any way dubious about reflectors—if you will refer them to me, I shall have great pleasure in giving my testimony. Reflectors have been very badly used, and in justice to them I shall not hesitate to express my honest conviction whenever it is asked.
Yours sincerely, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ PHILIP VALLANCE, Esq.
COBB COURT, _August 24th, 1880_.
DEAR Mr. CALVER,—I write to thank you for the very excellent 12 in. mirror you have worked for me. You know that I have excellent opportunities of testing it by those of With, Bird, Grubb, Murrell, and others; and also for definition by a capital 6 in. refractor—and I can truly say it is surpassed by none, and equalled by few: it is quite my favourite instrument, and has been a source of much enjoyment ever since I have had it, and again I thank you for working me such a treasure.
I am, dear Mr. Calver, Yours very truly, (_Signed_.)
* * * * *
_From_ THE REV. N. S. GODFREY, F.R.A.S.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S VICARAGE, SOUTHSEA, _August 23rd, 1879_.
MY DEAR Mr. CALVER,—The 12 inch mirror which you worked and mounted for me gives me perfect satisfaction. I think I have had sufficient experience with telescopes to justify the expression of a confident opinion, as at one time or other I think I have had 13 achromatic telescopes by Tulley, Dollond, Simms, Jones, Cooke, and Murrell, of apertures varying from 2-1/4 to 7 inches, besides 5 graduated instruments. The one I had before yours was an 8-1/8 With-Browning, which With himself considered of as fine a figure as he could work, and it certainly was a beautiful mirror. Your 12 inch is quite as perfect in its definition. I have soon on particularly fine evenings Castor as two discs, without wing or ray. I have separated with ease ω Leonis, μ^2 Boötis, η Coronæ, γ^2 Andromedæ, and many others of that class. The planets Jupiter and Saturn on fine nights are magnificent. I could go into more detail, but I think the facts I have mentioned are sufficient to convey an idea of the performance of the mirror; and I am particular in expressing my opinion thus strongly, because great names, with no experience of reflectors, are committed to their condemnation. I am certain that under favourable circumstances they are _quite_ equal in their performances to refractors. I know my 8-1/8 With was in every way equal to my 7 inch Troughton and Simms, and in light superior, when newly silvered. And when the cost is taken into consideration, Cooke’s price of a 10 inch O.G. being £390, without mounting, and your price for a 10 inch mirror being only £25, I can only express my astonishment that there can exist any doubt in the scientific mind upon the subject.
May I say that I shall be pleased to answer any questions that any of your intending purchasers may wish to ask. I cannot speak too highly of your mirror. I may add that through the courtesy of its possessor, A. A. COMMON, Esq., I saw Jupiter magnificently last year in the 37″ mirror you worked for him.
I am, my dear Mr. Calver, Very truly yours, (_Signed_.)
* * * * *
_From_ THE REV. CANON ST. VINCENT BEECHEY, F.B.A.S., &c.
HILGAY RECTORY, DOWNHAM, NORFOLK, _June 22nd, 1880_.
MY DEAR CALVER,—I really do not know how to thank you enough for all the pleasure you have given me, and for the excellence of the work you have done for me. I like it more and more! It is really as near perfection as I could ever hope for. Even at my old age of nearly eighty, I divide 1 second stars like two dots, and I used a power of 700 on my 8 foot. What mirror but of great excellence would bear that power, and give you two _dots_! I would not part with it for anything. When I have been to Mr. Bruce he is coming to me, and we will try your 12″ against my 10″. He will have light, a great thing for me, but I do think he _cannot_ have _better_ definition. I hope nothing will prevent his getting the 12″ in time for us to adjust and try it. My telescope, now complete, is a gem, and has given me more pleasure than any other scientific thing.
Ever most sincerely yours, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ THE REV. J. GWYNNE HUGHES, F.M.S., &c.
MALDON, _August 30th, 1880_.
MY DEAR SIR,—All my friends are greatly pleased with the 10 in. reflector you have made me—with its general appearance and superior workmanship.
The wheel at the foot adds very much to its portability. Tho form of its stand is the best I have seen, giving a complete sweep without any fresh adjustment. The cell bearing the reflector drops into its place without any difficulty, even in the dark. The trials I have made of the instrument have revealed a clearness and sharpness of definition far superior to anything of the kind I had seen before.
I am indebted to you for a source of boundless scientific interest at very moderate expense. With best wishes,
I remain, dear Sir, Yours sincerely, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ WALTER GOODACRE, Esq.
SEVEN SISTERS ROAD, _May, 1879_.
DEAR SIR,—Respecting the 5-1/4 in., I am very much pleased with it; the definition is very good.
As a proof of the excellence of the mirror, I may mention that I have on several occasions seen the small crater on the floor of Helicon, given by WEBB as a test for a 9 in. mirror.
Yours truly, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
(_Another Letter from the same Gentleman._)
* * * * *
_From_ REV. N. S. GODFREY, F.R.A.S.
_October 4th, 1880_.
DEAR SIR,—I have been able to get to use my telescope again, and send you some of my seeings.
_June 17th._—α Herculis. Still night, 10 p.m., light haze. Discs beautifully small. Occasionally without any interference ring.
_July 18th._—ζ Herculis. Beautifully seen, power 496, Cooke.
_August 16th._—Well seen. 6.15 p.m., daylight.
_August 26th._—σ Cygni. Misty. Adjustment beautiful. Small star well seen. ψ Cassiopeæ. Double blue star well divided.
_August 27th._—ζ Herculis. Both stars occasionally without ray or ring. Two brilliant dots. Colour of companion, pale lilac. Full aperture. Power 207, Cooke. 6 p.m.
_August 30th._—Dumb bell nebula. Well seen. Not at all regular in outline, as given by H. Several glimpse stars.
_September 24th._—ζ Herculis. Very fine definition. The difficulty with this star is clearly atmospheric. I saw it well with 8 in. aperture, power 207: but the interference ring became thicker and continuous all round: probably owing to the larger size of my diagonal prism, nearly 2-1/2 in.
The planets are now again simply magnificent. All the usual details I see splendidly with full aperture of 12 in., and as sharp as if cut out with a penknife. The great red spot is a wonderful phenomenon. What is it?
The great nebula in Andromeda, seen through your fine nebula power is a mysterious sight. You seem to be looking at something which eludes your vision (except the nucleus); you see it, and yet, ghost-like, you see through it. I long for the great nebula in Orion. I did not see it last year on account of illness.
Believe me, My dear Mr. Calver, Very truly yours, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ T. HILDERSLEY, Esq.
33, BERWICK STREET, W., _September 9th, 1880_.
DEAR SIR,—I am very pleased to be able to tell you that I have got the 8-1/2 in. mirror into very fair adjustment—only a slight flare on one side, which I could correct if clouds had not come up, and I have not had a chance since, as my time is very limited.
As it was, comes to Wega came out fine; also debilissima, ε Boötis, μ^2 Boötis, was well seen. Stops made little improvement. Nebula in Andromeda very fine, both large and small. Clusters in Hercules well resolved, and Jupiter and Saturn, though low down, were grand; all is clear with any power or aperture.
Yours truly, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ REV. E. A. FISHBOURNE, M.A.
MINOR CANONRIES, LLANDAFF, _October 4th, 1880_.
MY DEAR SIR,—I send you my cheque, which I do with the greatest pleasure. I am delighted with, the telescope and with its capabilities.
Faithfully yours, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ WALTER GOODACRE, Esq.
LONDON, N., _September 6th, 1880_.
MY DEAR SIR,—The 8-1/2 in. mirror which you supplied me with during the early part of the year, I have recently mounted as a simple equatorial. And although I have had but few opportunities at present of using the same, they have been sufficiently numerous to prove, beyond doubt, the great excellence of the mirror.
On the evening of the 3rd September, I had some beautiful views of Jupiter and Saturn. In the former the deep coppery hue of the equatorial belts, and of the large spot, at present visible on his southern hemisphere, were strikingly conspicuous, as were many minute details of his surface. In the case of Saturn, the gradations of light on the rings, and the delicately tinted belts on the planet itself, also the sharply defined shadow of the planet on the rings were easily seen.
Its definition of the most minute portions of the moon’s surface, leaves nothing to be desired, whilst its performance on double stars is equally satisfactory.
Yours faithfully, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ G. W. ROYSTON PIGOTT, Esq., M.D., F.R.S., F.R.A.S., &c.
EASTBOURNE, _October 4th, 1880_.
DEAR SIR,—Your figuring of the 8-1/2 in. mirror has given me much satisfaction. I see ε^1 ε^2 Lyræ, and such stars, with 600, very sharp and clear.
I have counted six satellites of Saturn, and the equatorial belt is very distinct.
Last week I happened to observe Jupiter, when a black shadow of a satellite was beautifully notching the limb, at the same time a small pearl-like satellite was about to egress from the belts. I saw, also, six spherical cloudlets on the belts.
Yours faithfully, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
_From_ REV. S. MILLS, M.A.
DROYLSDEN, _September 4th, 1880_.
DEAR Mr. CALVER,—To-night was an exceptional fine night for the stars, the like of which I have not had since I got your 6-1/2 in. I had for a week or so been observing with my home-made 8 in., but to-night again recurred to _yours_, and its _superiority_ was all the more _conspicuous_ and _gratifying_. It quite _delighted me afresh_!
Looking at β Cygni, I picked up two, to me, new stars, which I think fully completes Mr. SADLER’S tests in this field. I mark the newly found ones in red. This only shows that one has only patiently to watch and wait for a suitable observing night to get one out of a certain aperture it is capable of showing.
The vast superiority of your 6-1/2 in. _has quite put my 8 inch out of court_!!
Yours faithfully, (_Signed_.) Mr. G. CALVER.
* * * * *
(_From the same Gentleman._)