Add MS 88942/1/195

The notebook begins with remarks on the structure of the pollen of the Stone Pine, and later (p. 22) on the pollen of the Tulip, interspersed with various observations on crystallization.

The notebook includes fleeting astronomical remarks. For example, on the determination of the mass of double stars such as 61 Cygni by observations of their separation and rotations using a prismatic glass in the eyepiece (p. 32). Talbot also records observations he made at Mt Edgecumbe of the solar eclipse of 15 May 1836 (also p. 32). On 14 November 1836, he observed Mars and Jupiter in conjunction (p. 68). The notebook contains remarks on ways of viewing the solar spectrum through a telescope.

The mathematical notes include work on integrales, 'multiform functions' (p. 52), 'arcs of parabola', 'arcs of hyperbola', trigonometry and magic squares. Further notes deal with a polarizing microscope (p. 28), plane prisms, homogeneous light (p. 59), and various optical topics, analytic crystals, Fraunhofer lines (p. 66), hollow prisms (p. 68), and the optical spectroscopy of chemical solutions. Talbot considers how to obtain homogeneous light from a sunbeam using prisms and looks at chemical solutions under a microscope. Further entries include notes on rotating disks, on the electromagnet, notes on a 'telegraph with one wire' (pp. 90-92), notes on experiments with a 'Daniell’s battery' (p. 136), notes on various experiments with galvanic electricity, and an experiment demonstrating the 'remakable property of nitre' (p. 94). Talbot makes references to various sources. The notes are mainly from 1836 and 1837 with a remark from 1838. A few pages are cut out.

This notebook is followed by the two notebooks on photography ('P' and 'Q') held by the National Media Museum, Bradford.

Notebook started: 31 Mar 1836, Lacock. Designated 'O' on inside flyleaf.