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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.
Thanks for his letter. His barometer is not intended as a mountain one. Though a slight error does appear now and then it is no worse than other barometers, excepting that at the R.S.L. Would like JH to communicate the drawing and description to the R.S.L.
Is applying for the position of Radcliffe Observer in the place of S. J. Rigaud and would like to use JH's opinion of MJ's star catalogue he used at the Cape.
The belladonna JH gave him is throwing up vigorous leaves. Has a scheme for making it leaf and flower in the same season. Has some ingenious machines to show JH when he calls, which may be useful to JH.
Has opened the box of dried specimens, but they are unsuitable for his purpose as they are not flat. Suggests that King's College or University College may be a more suitable home for them.
Was pleased to hear of the success of JH's exertions. Comments on the instruments required. Thanks for his communication on the copper ring; will try it with the bifilar. W. H. F. Talbot talks of applying the photographic method to meteorological and magnetical instruments. Encloses a paper.
Passes on the suggestion, from G. B. Airy, of the use of copper rings for damping the movements of measuring instruments in measuring terrestrial magnetism.
Will send observations to JH. Granite column will be constructed at Feldhausen as a memorial [to JH]; will forward plans.
Is working on a memoir concerning animal electricity. Would like to present it to the R.S.L. and wonders if it would qualify for a prize.
The Bishop of London favors the idea of JH becoming Savilian Professor of Astronomy. What are JH's views on the subject? William Buckland would rejoice.
JH's letter settles the case of the Savilian chair. Gives news of suitable houses for the Herschels that are likely to come up for sale.
Thanks for the letter delivered by Mrs. Freeman. Has now had authority from Charles Grant (Baron Glenelg) to put JH's educational scheme into practice. Professor J. R. Innes has been put in charge of the educational system. News of the Andries Stockenström investigation will please JH. Comments on the political scene at the Cape. Hopes to assist [Alexander?] Hutchinson.
Enclosing letter just received from Mr. Stanley regarding [James Duff?] Watt's son. WP's wife and children are at Tunbridge Wells.
About arrangements for the publication and distribution of JH's Cape observations.
[Richard] Jones's view is correct. Will wait to hear what Mr. [Meade?] has to say, before JH writes to Mr. Hodges.
Sent WT's specimens to J. B. Biot and F. J. D. Arago in Paris. Developed paper sensitive to heat rays of sun 'beyond the spectrum.' Diagram of three spectra: 'luminous, chemical, and thermic.'
Commends JW's application for Savilian professor of astronomy at Oxford [see JW's 1839-3-22]. But it is improper for JH to propose JW unless asked to do so by R.A.S. council.
Enlarges upon his method of using salt as photographic fixer; then asks JH to explain the chemistry thereof. Has tried Louis Daguerre's fixing process without success.
Further chemicals used for fixing, including bromide potash.
Comments on Louis Daguerre's use of muriatic ether, and encloses a photograph of hand writing.
Comments on a number of chemicals used in photography, as well as referring to JH's process of making 'enlargements.'