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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.
Having been assured by ES that the government might receive a request for more money for magnetic observations, JH retreats from his earlier position [see JH's 1844-7-17], and is willing to accept the possibility of a magnetic conference, which JH does not want to lead in any way. JH believes his scientific life is almost over and he has much to do.
Informs HL of the intention of holding a magnetic congress at the meeting of the B.A.A.S. in 1845, and JH seeks HL's opinion.
Has not received Tables A and B of the endowment tables. Comments on the use of these tables and would welcome his views on a possible alteration in policy.
Comments on JH's disagreement with the nebular hypothesis of Auguste Comte, and points out to JM that JH disagrees with some of JM's writings on physical science as well.
Proceeds to show JM in detail that Comte's nebular hypothesis is arguing in a 'vicious circle' [see JH's 1845-7-10].
Is willing to have JM show Comte JH's letter of 1845-7-13, but not JH's 1845-7-16. The latter of these two was intended to show JM the nature of the argument from JH's perspective.
Returns with many thanks E. C. Hawtrey's translations from Homer and Kallinos. Both are beautifully done. Comments on these and the meters suitable for English ears.
Sorry for the delay in response; JH has been ill for some time. JM has objected to P. S. Laplace's theory of probabilities; JH strongly supports Laplace.
Continues JH's defense of Laplace's writings on probabilities [see JH's 1845-12-22].
A note to accompany a working out in convenient form an example of Laplace's probability ideas. [Enclosure not found.]
Talks about considerations to be taken into account when building telescope specula, especially large ones.
Questions related to JH's 1846-9-26 having been asked by RR, JH writes to answer these questions.
Expresses opinions about the medal fiasco at the R.A.S., and in so doing, also defends G. B. Airy. JH is very concerned about the mean attacks being made on various people over the Neptune discovery controversy. Makes especially strong statements in a PS written on Feb. 21.
Thanks JM for a copy of the Correspondence of the Late J. Watt. In commenting on it, JH discusses at some length the doctrine of phlogiston as it relates to the discovery of the composition of water.
Received his note this morning, the first tidings he had heard of the matter. Gives his own opinion of the matter. Would have liked to have conferred with him. His neighbors are away so has been unable to consult them.
Further about the map printing problem [see FB's 1841-4-6].
Invites FB and his sister for a visit to Collingwood, where FB and JH can most easily complete the work of charting the southern stars.
Describes his view of the Great Comet of 1843.
Was unable to visit FB; JH is suggesting some options for FB dealing with the star map, and whether it needs to go to the B.A.A.S. for approval.
Sends along Frederik Kaiser's observations of Halley's Comet; [Robert] Everest is upset with JH because JH had signed a letter of support for a grant for T. B. Jervis.