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The Correspondence of John Stevens Henslow
John Stevens Henslow (1796–1861) spent his adult life attached to the University of Cambridge. He graduated in mathematics in 1818, then acted as a demonstrator for the Professor of Chemistry, carried out and published papers on field geology, and was a founder of the Cambridge Philosophical Society in 1821. He held two University Chairs: Mineralogy from 1823–27, and Botany from 1825 until his death in 1861.
Henslow was closely involved in University affairs and the introduction of science into the Cambridge Tripos. He was a gifted teacher and pedagogic innovator. His best-known student was Charles Darwin, with whom he maintained a life-long friendship and correspondence. Henslow also acted as the (unofficial) agent for Lord Palmerston, one of the University’s two MPs, in the election of 1826.
In 1823 Henslow was ordained and became curate of Little St Mary’s. He was awarded the living of Cholsey in 1835, and became Rector of Hitcham, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, in 1837. Henslow moved to Hitcham, but continued giving his botany course at Cambridge in May every year until his death. During this time, he attempted to introduce science into agriculture nationally and locally, whilst also taking steps to improve the lives of agricultural labourers. Universal education was a constant concern for him, through the University of London, the Department of Science and Art, regional museums, and his parish school.
Henslow had a network of correspondents across all levels of society, nearly 300 in these surviving letters. The letters he retained until his death are mostly held in the Cambridge University Library, but others have been dispersed around the world. Letters between Henslow and Darwin were published in 1967 (by Nora Barlow) and also in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (from 1985 onwards).
The Henslow letters have been collected and transcribed by M. E. Edmunds, K. H. Joice, A. L. Jones, D. Kohn, J. G. Murrell and J. S. Parker.
Makes arrangements for Linnean Society meeting. Discusses local politics and ‘Memoranda’ written by JSH.
Sends corrected list of Podophthalma. Discusses intended journey of ‘Lester’ to Egypt.
Regrets inability to find specimens for JSH as not in London and states that collection containing skeletons of a beaver and alpine hare are in Cambridge with William Clark. Discusses use of JSH’s name in lecture to be published in The Lancet.
Invites JSH to visit him in Derby area to investigate two sites of possible archaeological interest: potential Roman remains on the banks of the River Derwent opposite Little Chester; a barrow in Tugford that looks to be unopened.
Makes arrangements for a visit to see potential archaeological sites in Derby area discussed by Belper in previous letter: potential Roman remains on the banks of the River Derwent opposite Little Chester; a barrow in Tugford that looks to be unopened. Asks JSH to come early as barrow at Tugford is on a property up for auction.
Makes arrangements for a visit to see potential archaeological sites in Derby area discussed by Belper in previous letter: potential Roman remains on the banks of the River Derwent opposite Little Chester; a barrow in Tugford that looks to be unopened. Asks JSH to come early as barrow at Tugford is on a property up for auction and says preparations are being made for his arrival.
Sends thanks for receipt of papers and memoranda; praises JSH’s school sermon; regrets that archaeological digs during a recent visit to Derby area were unproductive.
Writes to assure JSH that all students taking the Cambridge medical examination should have already passed the botany examination.
No summary available.