Is very pleased with the results of WD's double star observations of Zeta Cancri, which William Stratford forwarded to JH.
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.
Is very pleased with the results of WD's double star observations of Zeta Cancri, which William Stratford forwarded to JH.
Has just returned from the Chapter, which has been considering the case of [W. G.?] Hayter. Will now decide on Thursday as new fires have taken place.
Believes that JH's candidate will get full support when the Chapter decides on the position of organist. Hopes all are well. Sends this to Slough.
JH's friend Dr. J. C. Whitfield was elected organist this morning. He himself is suffering with the jaundice. Anxious to hear of Sir William's health. Does not know anyone near Lichfield.
Is in difficult circumstances and would welcome any assistance from JH in obtaining employment.
Was away from home when JH's letter came, which accounts for his belated reply. Would welcome a situation as clerk at the Bank of England should JH have any influence there.
Is grateful for JH's assistance with his request. Would he lend him £5 until his first payment falls due.
Has only just had the opportunity of studying JH's paper. Comments on JH's theories regarding the musical scales and includes some of his own.
Is grateful for his comments on his own theories regarding the flat 7th as a harmonic. Enlarges on this theme.
Amuses himself in his spare time with astronomy. Would like advice on the composition of the metal for the speculum. Hears that Miss Caroline Herschel is in good health.
Thanks for letter and advice. Has been able to get copies of William Parsons' (3rd Earl of Rosse) papers. Would like advice on the size of the grinding tool. Hopes to avail himself of JH's invitation to visit Collingwood.
Suggests an improvement in measuring techniques for astronomical observations, by making the angular measurement by direct and then reflected vision. JH wonders whether this idea might be appended to a paper currently under consideration by the R.A.S.
Has now succeeded in grinding his 20" speculum and it is ready for polishing. Would like to see the mounting of JH's telescope as it is not clear from the engraving.
Is grateful for JH's offer of assistance and proposes to visit him next Wednesday. Congratulations on the addition to his family.
Has been unable to return the papers as he has been so busy. Proposes making working drawings as he suggests. Will take the papers to the Dover Railway to ensure their safety.
Encloses the tickets for the Philharmonic concerts and gives details of the program. Is going to cast another 20" speculum in a few days.
Did not realize that JH would leave town so quickly. Cast a 10" speculum successfully after William Parsons' (3rd Earl of Rosse) plan. Is having difficulty with his grinding and polishing and would welcome JH's advice.
Has been unable to carry on his astronomical pursuits for the past three years. Would like to visit JH to see the construction of his telescope.
Sorry to hear he has been laid up, but his recovery has been quicker than his own. Unable to help him as his own lands have to be sold, but encloses a check for £20, which please acknowledge with a promissory note.
Regarding a musical phenomenon pointed out to him by F. A. Gore-Ouseley.