Identity area
Reference code
Hoyle/Box 23/3/25
Unique identifier
GB 275 Hoyle/Box 23/3/25
Title
Typescript letter, signed, from Francis Birch (Hoffman Laboratory, Harvard University) to FH
Date(s)
- 29 Oct 1973 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1p paper
Context area
Name of creator
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Thanks FH for his 'generous citation' of his work in the August issue of the Observatory. Regrets that it was not possible for him to come to London while FH was still in the chair of the Society. When he was able to go, in May, was 'most hospitably treated', and was presented with a 'beautiful medal' which he prizes 'highly'. Offers a correction to FH's item; 'the idea of a phase change as explanation of a seismic discontinuity can be traced back to Fermor'. Bernal later proposed 'the olivine-spinel transformation to account for a seismic continuity at about 400km'. Would like to send some comments on FH's Presidential Address.