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The Sir John Herschel Collection
The preparation of the print Calendar of the Correspondence of Sir John Herschel (Michael J. Crowe ed., David R. Dyck and James J. Kevin assoc. eds, Cambridge, England: Cambridge Univ. Press, 1998, viii + 828 pp) which was funded by the National Science Foundation, took ten years. It was accomplished by a team of seventeen professors, visiting scholars, graduate students, advanced undergraduates, and staff working at the University of Notre Dame.
The first online version of Calendar was created in 2009 by Dr Marvin Bolt and Steven Lucy, working at the Webster Institute of the Adler Planetarium, and it is that data that has now been reformatted for incorporation into Ɛpsilon.
Further information about Herschel, his correspondence, and the editorial method is available online here: http://historydb.adlerplanetarium.org/herschel/?p=intro
No texts of Herschel’s letters are currently available through Ɛpsilon.
R.S.L. Council will meet 17 Nov. to discuss awarding its Copley medal; hence JS's paper, to be presented to R.S.L. later that day, cannot be considered for the award. Other matters have prevented JH from preparing annotations of JS's latest paper on double stars.
Explains that he does not wish to be a member of the new Board of Longitude; wishes instead to devote his energies to his research. Is leaving to travel for some months [with his bride]; cannot attend committee meetings during this period.
Surprised at JS's response [see 1831-11-28] to his offer. Because the offer was well intentioned, repeats it and hopes that their mutual interests will lead to continued correspondence.
Commiserates with JS's problems in the construction of JS's new observatory. Seeks to smooth over a misunderstanding between them. Failing health of JH's mother.
Responds to JS's fear [see 1832-5-15] that JH has been preparing an attack on JS's double star observations by explaining in detail and providing extensive evidence that JH has no such intention.
A friend has requested JH to ask JS whether JS has a large Cauchoix objective lens that he would be willing to sell. JH has dismantled his 20-ft. telescope for voyage to Cape Town.
Assures JS that the person interested in purchasing JS's lens has worthy intentions for it, i.e., its use in a public institution. Regrets that JS distrusted JH's good intentions.
Has examined Edward Sabine's transit measurements; finds them unproblematic.
Thanks JS for materials sent. Laments the decline of science in England. Believes decline has deep roots.
Has represented JS's interests as best JH can regarding JS's proposal. Describes himself as unskillful in such representations.
Defends Edward Sabine's transit observations, noting that JH supports them on practical rather than theoretical grounds.
Is defending a change in notation for the angles of position system that JH introduced in a paper. [Postscript dated 1830-7-7 marked 'Private' and deals with business relating to the Athenaeum and a comment on Charles Babbage's book.]
Informs JH that in a letter to The Times signed by Richard Sheepshanks JH's name appears. JS wants to know if JH is aware of this fact.
Someone has written to The Times as JH's 'champion' and has impugned the conduct of JS towards the R.S.L. To clear his name, JS wants to make public JH's letter to JS of 1826-11-14, which JS quotes.
As JH will not allow the publication of the letter [see JH's 1838-11-24], JS will provide a plain narrative of the facts to justify his conduct.
Would like JH's permission to make public JH's letter of 1826-11-14 in defence of the conduct of the late Humphry Davy.
Received JH's letter of 1864-10-14 'with grief almost inexpressible.'
Sends three chronometers set to Blackman St. time. Confirm them by a transit of Arcturus tomorrow, then return them to JS at Blackman St. Gives times for next rocket firings.
Coordinates plans for firing rockets at Blackman St. and Slough. Problems with chronometer errors. [JH annotation: Longitudes of Slough, Greenwich, and Blackman St. Will fire rockets next on 10 July.]
Will see JH on Friday; hoping for clear weather.