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The Correspondence of John Stevens Henslow
John Stevens Henslow (1796–1861) spent his adult life attached to the University of Cambridge. He graduated in mathematics in 1818, then acted as a demonstrator for the Professor of Chemistry, carried out and published papers on field geology, and was a founder of the Cambridge Philosophical Society in 1821. He held two University Chairs: Mineralogy from 1823–27, and Botany from 1825 until his death in 1861.
Henslow was closely involved in University affairs and the introduction of science into the Cambridge Tripos. He was a gifted teacher and pedagogic innovator. His best-known student was Charles Darwin, with whom he maintained a life-long friendship and correspondence. Henslow also acted as the (unofficial) agent for Lord Palmerston, one of the University’s two MPs, in the election of 1826.
In 1823 Henslow was ordained and became curate of Little St Mary’s. He was awarded the living of Cholsey in 1835, and became Rector of Hitcham, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, in 1837. Henslow moved to Hitcham, but continued giving his botany course at Cambridge in May every year until his death. During this time, he attempted to introduce science into agriculture nationally and locally, whilst also taking steps to improve the lives of agricultural labourers. Universal education was a constant concern for him, through the University of London, the Department of Science and Art, regional museums, and his parish school.
Henslow had a network of correspondents across all levels of society, nearly 300 in these surviving letters. The letters he retained until his death are mostly held in the Cambridge University Library, but others have been dispersed around the world. Letters between Henslow and Darwin were published in 1967 (by Nora Barlow) and also in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (from 1985 onwards).
The Henslow letters have been collected and transcribed by M. E. Edmunds, K. H. Joice, A. L. Jones, D. Kohn, J. G. Murrell and J. S. Parker.
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Discusses a unique plant fossil, possibly a Calamites in fruit and the logistics of JSH viewing it. States that rather than the fossil being sent to JSH, in its fragile condition it would be better for a drawing to be made under the supervision of his son, William Bowman. Offers to send JSH a description of the fossil via his son, along with analysis by Robert Brown. Recommends Brown’s analysis of the fossil for inclusion in Fossil Flora and states that it would make a good opening plate.
Also states that he has recently seen several specimens of an unusual Stigmaria in Leeds and has arranged for drawings and description to be sent to JSH for Fossil Flora. Gives his own description of the specimens as well. Offers to find coal fossils for JSH.
Apologises that JSH has not been able to see fossil spike in London, potentially a large Lycopodium, because it cannot be transported due to fragility. Provides a description and drawing of it.
Discusses fossil trees found in his local area and specimens sent to the Geological Society and Robert Brown, together with a paper Bowman has written on them. States that he has found proof of the solid and subsequently hollowed state of the trees from corresponding bands of soft shale. Provides JSH with a brief description and says full details will be given when whole paper is published. States that they give decisive proof of growth where they were found, that they have overturned the scepticism of geologists including John Phillips and Louis Agassiz, and that a miniature model is being made of them.
Discusses illustrations of the internal structure of Sigillaria by Alexandre Brongniart and his wish to see them when published. Also discusses previous drawings of Sigillaria with leaves by Brongniart and W. Conway. Passes on message from Conway for Fossil Flora to send someone to do drawings of Bristol fossil collection.