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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 prompt reply. Does know something about blood and circulation, but may not have expressed himself clearly. Thinks Michael Faraday has made important discoveries in magnetism and electricity.
Is little conversant in physiology so is unable to discuss GH's theories. Suggests some alterations to the text of the article.
Agrees wholeheartedly with JH's recommendation for his paper. Will rewrite it if necessary. Hopes JH will produce a second edition of his work on finite differences.
Discovered a telescopic comet in Cepheus. Gives readings.
Expresses opinions about the medal fiasco at the R.A.S., and in so doing, also defends G. B. Airy. JH is very concerned about the mean attacks being made on various people over the Neptune discovery controversy. Makes especially strong statements in a PS written on Feb. 21.
About observations of the seventh satellite of Saturn, and using William Parsons' (3rd Earl of Rosse) 'machine'.
Regarding his Copley medal, has written a letter of thanks to the Society. Does not doubt that the new planet will be discovered.
Ask WL's permission to make reference to WL's sighting of the seventh satellite of Saturn in JH's observations of all the satellites of Saturn.
Has been preparing famine food, such as hay biscuits.
Wishes to use remarks JH made at Kew Observatory in 1846 for a Royal Society publication. Asks JH to read transcript for accuracy.
Encloses application for meteorological and magnetic observatories from governor of New Brunswick. May establish observations in all colonies for limited time. Puzzled over [John] Lefroy's results from Athabasca.
Has discovered a flaw in the theory of actinometer observations. Realizes that JH's actinometer observations at the Cape may be useless and that observations made at Government and East India observatories should be suspended.
Copies of 1847-2-20 letter will be sent to observatories utilizing actinometers. Earlier series will be replaced with accurate figures. Suggests method to measure temperature in actinometers.
Concerned about W. S. Stratford, who has not responded to letters; GA has a problem with the German notation of star positions used by Thomas Henderson.
Comments, after delays due to busyness, on JH's queries on the calibration of actinometers and gives results of experiments.
Has heard that the R.A.S. council's 'no-medal resolution' has produced much dissatisfaction, which will not disappear by a general vote supporting the acts of the council. Thinks that the course adopted is wrong. If the council will not reconsider in favor of a positive conclusion, JH suggests that the issue be raised in a general meeting of the R.A.S. and that its decision be accepted with 'alacrity.' Holds himself free, as President, from any obligation to uphold 'in speaking or writing' whatever decision results.
Has learned of more dissatisfaction with the R.A.S. council's decision regarding awarding its medal. Because the council rejected the proposal to give more than one medal, the decision to medalize no one was a logical consequence. Expects the matter will be raised in the general meeting. Wants some positive conclusion, not a negative one. Restates his original position that medals ought go to both, with care taken in the wording so as to avoid national rivalry.
Has written G. B. Airy stating his approval of having JH's statement favoring awarding two R.A.S. medals read. Wants to be fair to U. J. J. Leverrier, and does not want to 'stultify' the existing council. Is enclosing a copy of his note to Airy.
Proposes that R.A.S. award medals regarding the discovery of Neptune to both U. J. J. Leverrier and J. C. Adams, giving first honors to Leverrier, and specifying distinctly the grounds for awarding the second. Hopes his resolution will not be seen as blaming anyone and that it will have a 'healing and a friendly effect.'
Has written to G. B. Airy requesting that at the R.A.S. meeting, Airy show RS the note JH wrote to him. Announces 'LV's' [U. J. J. Leverrier's] election as an associate of the R.A.S.