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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.
Has had a letter from Wilhelm Struve regarding the Standard. Could HK bring it to the notice of the R.S.L., and advise JH?
Has never seen the fair copy of William Herschel's polishing book. Will be pleased to assist Wilhelm Struve regarding the Standards. Will ask George Everest to call on him and discuss the Indian operations. How did Herschel perfect the adjustment of his object glass? Has been experimenting with the Josef Fraunhofer spots.
Mrs. Somerville cannot decide what to call her book [Mechanism of the Heavens]. Please advise so publishing can commence.
Hopes to meet JH and [James] South in summer. Announces emperor's decision to support measurement of the 3.5° latitude meridian throughout the entire Russian empire. WS is responsible for directing work in the north. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining correct linear standards uniform with both France and England. Requests a copy of the English standard so as to compare it with the Russian measurements of degrees.
On behalf of [J. F.] Encke, asks that Greenwich observations be given to library of Berlin Observatory.
Reports circumstances surrounding death of a Mr. Beckwith, for whom JH serves as an executor.
Has received and comments on materials sent, including Nathaniel Bowditch's translation of P. S. Laplace's Mécanique céleste and a paper by J. W. Lubbock.
Informing JH that he and GA have just been appointed to a committee to consider the extension of the Astronomical Society's catalogue. Observations on this catalogue.
Latest news of his machine. His book is going to press in 10 days. Would like proofsheet of last sheet of JH's 'Sound.'
Regarding CB's attitude to the machine. Is sending rough proof of the page on 'Sound.'
Regarding his forthcoming pamphlet and his attitudes to scientific societies. Sent him the wrong page of 'Sound.' Has just returned from Leicestershire. David Brewster sent a problem.
Regarding his projected biography of Dr. Thomas Young. His own book on the decline of science is in the press. Regarding the life and manners of Dr. Young.
Is sorry to note the tone of CB's last letter concerning his projected biography of Dr. Thomas Young, but he means to carry out his project. Edward Sabine received £1000 from the Board of Longitude.
Further remarks on Dr. Thomas Young and JH's projected biography. Has had a copy of a letter from J. F. Encke about an Astronomical Ephemeris for the Society for Promoting Useful Knowledge.
Sets out JH's preferences with regard to developing a system of reductions of astronomical observations that could then be easily applied.
Plan for the comparison of the strengths of variously sized telescopes.
Outlining his scheme for the comparison of the strengths of various telescopes, which JH seems to have misunderstood.
Not interested in any contest of telescopes; will view objects desired by PB as they fit with JH's observational plans.
Would like JH's drawing of the lake [?] measuring operation.
Accepts JH's invitation to visit next Thursday. Expecting IG's brother today.