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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.
Details about proposals for magnetic expeditions, as they are to be presented to British government [see GA's 1838-11-12]. Also included is a copy of the resolutions passed at a B.A.A.S. meeting on 25 Aug. 1828.
Of family troubles, and Matilda's impending marriage.
As JH has taken so much interest in education at the Cape, he would like some converse with him before drafting the final instructions to Sir G. Napier.
Sending some bulbs of Daubenya in which he believes JH was interested.
Inquires about unusual weather at Cape of Good Hope in late 1836. Was there an epidemic of influenza at Cape early in 1837?
Miss Caroline Herschel has just been elected an honorary member of the Academy. How shall they forward the diploma?
Is interested in meteoric showers and shooting stars. Encloses a letter [Copy preserved at Yale University] to be sent to someone at the Cape for observations from the Southern Hemisphere.
Sends the silver Banksian medal for JH's exhibit of 16 Oct.
Has been considering with Edward Sabine that morning the requirements for the fixed observatories. Gives lists and also estimate of finances required for a three-year period.
Would like a statement from Edward Sabine and HL outlining the probable expense and materials required for the proposed expedition so that he can hand it to the government at the interview. Has written to G. B. Airy, who is not in favor of the proposed expedition, so will write again. Thinks it necessary for men of science to agree before presenting petitions to the government.
Illness forces him to make a quick return home. Agrees with JH that scientific men should act unanimously when approaching government. Thinks the R.S.L. should go along with the B.A.A.S. as well. Hoped to consult G. B. Airy. Will see Edward Sabine to draw up the memorial.
Further comments in preparation for discussion of major expedition [see JH's 1838-10-22] with representatives of the government.
Regrets the delay in his letters but has been occupied with various matters ever since he returned from the Cape. Visited his Aunt Caroline in Germany. Visited Charles Grant (Baron Glenelg) and gave him his own views on education. Later met Sir George Grey, who outlined the new plan for education at the Cape.
Has just returned from a German tour and has seen JH's letter to Dr. D. MacFarlan. Outlines the procedures that led to JH being proposed as the new Rector of the University. Comments on the illustrations of two of his own works. Resolution passed urging the free examination of foreign astronomical instruments in public institutions.
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.
JH has seen the letter in The Times [see JS's 1838-11-12]. As JS only asked if JH's name was there, JH responds to the question of fact and does not wish further communication on the matter.
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 is not aware that JS has been attacked because of the incident referred to in JH's 1826-11-14, JH is unwilling to give permission for the publication of that letter. It seems to JH that JS is being attacked for unsubstantiated attacks he made on the President and Council of the R.S.L.
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.
John Stewart's dilemma regarding marriage to James Grahame's daughter Matilda, and JH's letter to Grahame. Margaret Herschel is recovering from mumps.