A note of thanks for copies of recent writings by JH and his son Alexander.
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.
A note of thanks for copies of recent writings by JH and his son Alexander.
Was grateful for his kind letter. Doubtless he has received further of his papers by now, including the one on the meteor of Oct. 1863. Sends a note on two lines of the Iliad. Has heard interesting news of Alexander Herschel's labors.
Regarding the comet seen at Melbourne (Australia), may be the 1843 comet discussed by JH in his Outlines Astr. Comments on this.
Further regarding the southern comet; does not think it can be the 1843 one until he receives further observations.
Sending the elements of 79, 81 and 82; is not certain if N. R. Pogson has sent the orbit for No. 80. It is reckoned in the same way as in the last edition of JH's Outlines Astr.
Has now applied to the R.S.L. for a Government Grant and would like JH's support for his application. Wishes sunfall as well as rainfall was recorded.
Found it impossible to answer JH's letter before his departure. Delighted with JH's contrivance. Hopes to make some observations on Mont Blanc.
Has been voted a grant of £30 from the R.S.L. Committee. Results of his recent observations in the Alps. Comments on these and gives indexes for instruments.
Her mother is suffering from inflammation of the eyes so is unable to reply to his kind letter. Her father had a warm regard for his old friends.
Regarding the assaying at the Mint. Hopes JH will use his influence to assist W. H. Barton's son.
Sending a curve of mean temperature [of the moon]. Comments on this. Is to be printed in the proceedings of the R.S.L.
Replies to JH's 1865-5-16, expressing thanks for materials sent. Comments on temperature.
Introduces WH to JH, explains where WH fits into the Herschel family, and tells a little about WH's life.
The Directors of the Andersonian University (Glasgow) have made a mistake in not appointing JH's son [Alexander]. What is his son doing now as they would like him to lecture.
Regrets delay in acknowledging his Notes on the Great Pyramid; it was due to a temporary loss of the work. Finds HJ's theory on the inclination of the passages very practical. Comments on the accuracy of the pyramid builders.
JH's letter has taken a long time to reach him, which accounts for his delay in replying. Is pleased that JH likes his pamphlet on the coal question. Has been puzzled by the character of Francis Bacon.
Encloses a note he has received from Macmillan (publishers). Would be grateful if JH could spare the time to write a short notice of the work as he feels an obligation towards Macmillan for publishing his work.
Regrets that illness prevented JH's attendance at the Finance Committee. Gives the reasons why a change of uniform is necessary for the Rifle Volunteers.
JH's translation of Frederick Schiller's poem has given great pleasure to many of his German friends. Quotes extract from the comments of Ferdinand Freiligrath.
Requests that JH write a few lines to an old friend of HK's in Germany.