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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.
JH has been delayed in replying to AH's 1851-8-13 because of official duties at the Great Exhibition. Comments further on several astronomical matters.
Encourages his son Willie to show that he deserves the favors WH has received from W. H. Sykes.
Has discovered two new satellites of Uranus; gives observations. Would JH suggest names for them.
Giving his recent observations of the satellites of Uranus. Has not detected more than four satellites.
Suggests names for the satellites of Uranus, in response to a request from WL [see WL's 1851-11-3].
Congratulations to WL on his discovery [see WL's 1851-11-3]; naming should occur once the various satellites have been described and verified.
Has recommended [Andrew] Bain use JH's patronage to present the geological map of South Africa to the Geological Society. Comments on Bain's visit. Affairs have not improved in Kaffir Land.
Is thinking of erecting an observatory and would welcome JH's advice on telescopes and object-glasses, particularly those of William Simms.
Send names of persons who will provide bonds for RM's new office. JH will forward these to Treasury. Explains purpose of bond.
Needs names of banks that can verify credit of persons who will provide RM's bond. Clause that names master of Mint as sole judge is normal practice.
Analysis of copper alloy in sovereign coin.
Case of L. C. Wyon, promoted to chief engraver, is different from those of Henry Bingley, whose office [Queen's assay master] was abolished, and of Mr. Field, who succeeded J. M. Beckwith [as resident assayer].
Reports decision by governors of Bank [of England] concerning which coins are best for exportation. JH suggests alloy of copper and gold for Canadian circulation.
Asks for reconsideration of £2000 security required of melter Robert Mushet, whose wages are 'very moderate.' Now that all workmen are under jurisdiction of Mint Police, JH believes that dishonesty is less likely and that securities should be reduced.
Accepts responsibility for error in amount awarded to [G. F. G. Mathison]'s pension by JH and Henry Rich. Sum of £1200 should have read £1400.
JH's wife sent two pheasants [from Collingwood]. JH forwards one to 'Grandm'a.'
With death of William Wyon, chief engraver, JH wants to leave position of medalist vacant and eliminate Engraving department, turning to outside artists when needed. Proposes to deprive Benedetto Pistrucci, chief medalist, and L. C. Wyons, probationer engraver, of their residences at Mint and appoint them outside 'modellers and engravers' to Mint, retaining James Wyon, presently assistant to chief engraver, as probationary resident engraver under direction of Die department.
Treasury commissioners approved JH's plan to eliminate Engraving department [see JH's 1851-11-4]. Benedetto Pistrucci and L. C. Wyon will receive fixed salaries and housing allowances as nonresident modelers and engravers to Mint.
Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] wants to know value of alloy presently used in sovereign sterling.
Chancellor of Exchequer [Charles Wood] postponed tomorrow's meeting with governor and deputy governor of Bank of England.