Showing 1–20 of 31 items
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.
Sends his paper for communication to the R.S.L. Will send some more examples later as his camera has developed a defect.
Returns the photographic drawings of W. H. Fox Talbot with many thanks. Fears for their permanence. Has produced similar pictures himself acting on bromide of silver with hydrocholoric acid. Has had trouble with his periscope lens.
Was gratified to receive his memoir and to find many of his doubts corrected by JH's experiments. Hoped to enclose some sulphuretted papers but the chemicals went astray in the post. Intends to follow JH's example and precipitate a glass.
Is puzzled by JH's use of a word in his volume on astronomy; can he explain its meaning. Points out further misprints. Hopes JH will edit the works of his father [Sir William Herschel].
Father has died and he has taken over the business. Would like references as to where he can find information on instruments.
R.S.L. business about an observatory at the North Cape in Sweden.
Thanks for his long letter regarding education at the Cape. The five teachers have now arrived at the Cape. Comments on education at the Cape. Further regarding the Andries Stockenström affair.
Gives new instructions about receiving medal; asks about the timing of the award.
Thanks for series of portraits of members of Ipswich Museum.
Considers paper by [Baden] Powell to be worthless. Sent it to JH today care of Mrs. Stewart.
[John] Lefroy should replace [Charles] Riddell in Canada. Discusses proposed Norwegian observatory and proposals for various instruments. Navy officers may be helpful observers in colonies.
R.S.L. Council approved publication of ES's paper on magnetic observation at sea. Discussions for North American magnetic observatories continue.
Hopes to meet with JH to discuss some data. Announces that at the Newcastle B.A.A.S. meeting, JH, Humphrey Lloyd, and ES were appointed to a subcommittee. Discusses what James Ross will do on his return from the Cape. Announces the possibility of ten new observatories in Russia.
Relays communications from [Charles] Riddell in Toronto, who is making progress on the observatory there and has selected an officer of the artillery for an assistant. Suggests the meeting of the Physical Committee be moved. Discusses other matters of various observatories.
Encloses a letter from Boston, which may host an observatory. Has sent Boston information.
Encloses a letter from [John] Lefroy about an 'outbreak of [solar] spots' observed at a certain time. Speaks of purchasing instruments and of writing to the secretary of the Amer[ican Philosophical?] Society.
Rejoices at welcome JH received on returning to England from the Cape. Excellent resources at his disposal at Pulkowa. Mentions coin, commemorating opening of the observatory, sent to JH by means of [H. C.] Schumacher. Refers to [Otto] Struve's work on double stars. Lauds capacity of large refractor at Pulkowa Observatory.
Formally reports on paper by Baden Powell on theory of dark bands found in solar spectrum. G. B. Airy agrees with JH's report.
Will be unable to attend Council meeting, but comments on issue to be discussed of whether R.S.L. should do anything respecting observatory at Hammerfest (North Cape).
Has a problem with the explanation of interference bands produced by mica being placed between the eye and prism-produced dispersion; the explanation is Baden Powell's.