Frank R. Fisher's notes contain observations, drawings, and photographs relating to scientific studies, particularly astronomical observations made while Fisher was a resident in Charleston, S.C., during the 1880s. Fisher, a cashier at the South Carolina Railroad Company in Charleston, was an amateur scientist and inventor who occasionally worked in consultation with longtime College of Charleston professor Lewis R. Gibbes. Fisher's astronomical observations begin in Charleston in 1882 with the sighting of a comet. He also records his observations of the transit of Venus (1883), an aurora and sun spots (1892), and discusses new theories concerning Jupiter (1894) and the nature of the sun's corona (1892). He includes charts, drawings, and diagrams. Of particular interest are observations made during the Charleston earthquake in Aug. 1886 (pages 41-73). Other notes include inscriptions from buildings in Nineveh, Hebrew alphabets, the "hieroglyphic alphabet" and discussions on the Rosetta Stone and the statue of Memnon at Thebes. 123p. Full text.
Carrie writes for news of Alex's trip and complains how little information had been received about him while he was away. Includes a passing reference to the Charleston earthquake
Caption: 'Cook's Earthquake Views of Charleston and Vicinity. Taken after the 31st of August, 1886. No.116, wreck in George Street.' Written on front, at bottom: 'Charleston Earthquake view - Ruins in George St.'
Caption: 'Charleston Earthquake. Photographs by Dr. E.P. Howland, taken on his visit to Charleston and the earthquake region of Ten Mile Hill and Summerville. Over 150 photographs were taken. Orphans and tents in which they lived.' Written on front, at bottom: 'Charleston Earthquake scene - orphans, standing the yard of the Orphan House.'
Written on reverse: 'House in which young Mr. Robson was killed. Two young ladies were buried in the ruins were rescued. Coming near Cannon.' Possibly from Cook's Earthquake Views, No.132, residence of J.N. Robson, from west. Written on front, at bottom: 'Charleston Earthquake view. Residence of Mr. J.N. Robson, whose eldest son was killed.' Charleston city directory for 1886 shows James N. Robson at 200 Coming Street.
Caption: 'Cook's Earthquake Views of Charleston and Vicinity. Taken after the 31st of August, 1886. No.149, Robb's Lot.' Handwritten on reverse: ' Robb's Lot E. side [of] King bet[ween] Market & Horlbeck.'