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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.
Is grateful for the loan of the book. Comments on some of [Alexander?] Stewart's works, especially his Gaelic ones. Queries regarding light in William Buckland's Bridgewater treatise; would like to borrow the volume if possible.
Recommends some changes in committee report being prepared that deals with the use to be made of the Royal Observatory's observational data.
Is advising Mr. R about a number of considerations to be taken into account while considering an invitation to apply for the position of Professor of Mathematics at the College of William and Mary in the United States.
Introducing a friend, Lieut. R. J. Nelson of the Royal Engineers, who is a lover of science. Trusts JH is enjoying good health.
Is very pleased with the results of WD's double star observations of Zeta Cancri, which William Stratford forwarded to JH.
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.
Discusses a variety of observations related to double stars, and asks FS to make some specific observations to compare with JH's work. Reveals JH's dream of going to the Southern Hemisphere for a number of years, but asks FS to keep it quiet, as 'many ties' stand in the way.
Comments with great satisfaction on WD's observations, and their close agreement with JH's for many of the same double stars.
A stiff and formal letter telling WF very clearly that JH fully agrees with the Newtonian system [as WF clearly does not], and that JH would not consider trying to apply pressure to the editors of philosophical magazines to publish WF's writings, in spite of threats from WF.
WF's manuscript, which JH returned with his letter of 1831-6-16, has not been received by WF. JH suggests some possibilities as to what might have happened, and deplores the tone of WF's letters, indicating that this tone causes JH to decline further correspondence on the subject.
Is grateful for the paper that JH has sent; he is sure it will promote scientific knowledge in New South Wales.
Is grateful for his gift of flower roots; she will take great care of them on her arrival at Sydney.
Responds to TH's complaint that the government and the R.A.S. are not liberal enough with grants for science. JH rejects both complaints and explains why.
Explains to WM that in the present chaotic state of scientific responsibilities [the Board of Longitude has been abolished and the Royal Observatory at Greenwich's sphere of activity has been severely restricted], the Cape observations have not been published, but JH hopes that will soon occur. JH then asks WM to write when he arrives at the Cape, telling JH about the possibilities for an 'Amateur Observer' to live and observe at the Cape.
TH has been hurt by the tone of JH's letter [see JH's 1831-8-2] and felt he was writing to JH in confidence. JH assures TH that he has spoken to no one about any private details in TH's letter.
As JH has taken so much interest in education at the Cape, he would like some converse with him before drafting the final instructions to Sir G. Napier.
In reply to FB [see FB's 1831-8-25], JH believes that [Henry] Taylor, the person who had done all the reductions of the observations [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue, should be asked to write the preface, both by reason of his familiarity with the material, as well as having earned the right to do so.
Favors concept of organization [B.A.A.S.] to guide scientific research and disseminate discoveries, but doubts that one is possible. Particular societies promoting special subjects are more likely to succeed. Anyone devoted to promoting such societies will have little time for research. Prefers to follow JH's own pursuits. Does not know James South's opinion.
Grieved to hear of Fearon Fallows broken state of health; in response to FB's request, JH reviews a number of possible candidates to succeed Fallows.
Still relating to the manuscript of WF's not yet returned to him [see JH's 1831-7-28], JH explains very carefully how it was sent back and where WF should look for it. [Correspondence books contain a shorter version, partly torn out.]