16 Craigie St., Cambridge, Mass. Mar. 21

1895

My dear Prof. Marsden:-

I wish to say in confidence that I have reason to suppose that a danger is impending which is likely to menace the dignity of the Academy at its coming meeting. I have been asked by a member of it, not an astronomer, to introduce a certain outsider who is desirous to read a paper. I am convinced that he has nothing to say that is worth hearing: on the contrary the matter he wishes to discuss is worthy of discussion only in the daily newspapers, and sensational. I am sure that its introduction at the Academy meeting would be deplored by all thoughtful astronomers. It would indeed secure a large advertisement for its author, but it would also advertise the Academy in a very discreditable way. I have declined to have my name used as introducing this gentleman, and have also pointed out that it is a matter which requires the consent of the President, with the advice of the Council. I have reason to fear that the effort to bring this about will not stop here, with my refusal, but that possibly some other member may be found more complaisant and permit the use of his name. It is only necessary to tell you this, without mentioning names, to put you on your guard against committing yourself without first securing due consideration of the matter. I have also written Prof. Hall in reference to it.

I shall be on hand at the meeting.

Prof. O.C. March, New Haven. Yours very truly,

16 Craigie St., Cambridge Mass.

April 10, 1895

Prof. O. C. Marsa,
Yale College,
New Haven, Conn.

My dear Prof. Marsa:-

A week or two ago I had occasion to write you with regard to a possible application for an invitation to read a paper at the Academy meeting which would not have been creditable for the Academy to have presented.

I take pleasure now in writing about another in vestigation, by Prof. R. S. Woodward, of Columbia College, which is of the highest importance, and the reading of which would not only be creditable to the Academy to have presented before it, but which is of such epoch-making value, that I think we should all feel great regret in not having extended an opportunity to that gentleman to read it.

He has been engaged for many months upon the theoretical examination of the rotation of the earth, with especial reference to the known variations of latitude, whose cause is, as you may know, we are now entirely ignorant about. I have been in correspondence with him for some time on the subject, and on learning of his final conclusions a few days ago, became so interested, that to satisfy myself, I went on to New York Saturday night especially to see him and talk over the matter more in detail. There is not the slightest question in my mind that he has made a most splendid advance in this difficult subject in celestial mechanics, and has indeed probably got as far towards the complete solution as can be done for at least a great many years, although the subject is engaging the earnest attention of the profoundest living masters in mathematical astronomy, so far without definite or satisfactory result.

Dr. Gould, to whom I have communicated the general nature of Prof. Woodward's fine discovery, wishes me to say that he most cordially joins with me in the request that you extend an invitation to Prof. Woodward to read this paper at the coming meeting. I can guarantee that this request would have the indorsement of every astronomer in the Academy. If this is done, I am sure that it will constitute, astronomically, the most important feature of the meeting.

If, as I believe is usual, a name of a member introducing him is desired, I should not only be willing but proud to be that member. It would be especially gratifying to me for the reason that it would show that, although his work and mine had been on the same subject, there is no element of personal jealousy. I think you will appreciate the bearing of this.

Yours very sincerely,

Prof. Woodward's achievement is one for American astronomy to be proud of.