JH, Charles Babbage, Richard Jones, and George Peacock arrived in France after difficult voyage.
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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.
JH, Charles Babbage, Richard Jones, and George Peacock arrived in France after difficult voyage.
Leaving Paris tomorrow for Geneva and Milan. Describes tour through France. Names scientific men whom JH, Charles Babbage, Richard Jones, and George Peacock met. Visited French Board of Longitude. Alexander von Humboldt was of great service.
Describes scenery at Mont Blanc. Trip by mules into mountains. Barometer measurements by Charles Babbage. [Letter continues 16 Aug.:] Plans today include visit to Mar de Glace glacier. [Letter continues 20 Aug.:] Found excellent guide, Coutet, with knowledge of geology. Describes expedition to Mar de Glace glacier and JH's sketches. More barometer observations. [Letter continued 22 Aug. in Geneva:] No mail arrived from Slough. Leave tomorrow for Chambéry and Turin. Planning to leave Italy by 2 Sept.
Describes Como [Lombardy]. Visit with Pietro Configliachi [professor of physics at University of Pavia]. Crossing of alpine passes and Lake Maggiore. Ascent of Monte Rosa. JH was first Englishman to reach summit. [Letter continued 17 Sept. in Berne:] News from Slough of death of JH's uncle [Alexander Herschel]. Expects to return home in three weeks.
Windy passage across Channel. Will arrive home in two days.
Death of Mrs. Beckwith's baby. Warns JH against one-legged swindler 'Mr. Davis,' who may ask JH for money. Still in search of a cook.
William Herschel met with Mr. Gwatkin to discuss JH's proposal of marriage to Miss Gwatkin. MPH sees no impediment. WH wants JH to return soon.
Dr. Pope examined William Herschel and reported that WH's only complaint was old age. Finances relating to JH's marriage settlement. Must decide whether to sell JH's horse. Compliments to Miss Gwatkin.
William Herschel is glad that JH declined offer for WH to become commissioner of longitude. Hopes JH enjoys visit with James South and family.
Sends John Flamsteed's Atlas and Catalogue. Discusses JH's intention to review all of William Herschel's double stars. Wants details of JH's appointment to committee.
When will JH arrive?
Concerned about JH in his travels on Continent. Relieved to receive news from JH. William Herschel is in good health. Thomas Baldwin continues as before.
Comments on JH's European adventures. Death of MH's brother Thomas Baldwin. Mr. Grover of Eaton expects death of Mr. Vince soon. Mr. Langton is stabling JH's horse.
Looks forward to JH's return. Visited [E. P. T.] Babbage and Mrs. Beckwith in London.
Inquires after JH's health. When will JH visit Slough? Efforts to find new footman to replace Mr. Brown, who leaves Thursday.
Asks JH to vouch for Richard Copeland, who expects navy promotion. Directed two footmen to call on JH for interviews.
Forwards ham from Susan White and letter from Richard Copeland. Tenant farmer Mr. Davenport refuses to pay rent to William Herschel. Ask Mr. Blagrave for legal advice. Hired new footman. JH is invited to Miss De Luc's party on Monday.
Tell Mr. Blagrave to decline Mr. Ramsbottom's offer to purchase Crown Inn at Slough from William Herschel and to proceed with repairs on house and offices. Problems finding another footman.