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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.
Regarding his own method of calculating the perturbations of the comets. Expense of computation is high for an individual and a mention by JH would bring support for his scheme. Would like to explain his method at an ordinary meeting in January. Every branch of science is facilitated by tables and those he suggests seem most desirable.
Seeks opinions on discontinuing use of 25-foot zenith tube and altering form of printed observations for transit instrument and mural circle.
[Received JH's 12 Nov. letter.] Send bill for Munich telescope to Admiralty. Order parts for dome construction, which [Thomas] Maclear cannot procure at Cape [of Good Hope].
[Reply to JH's 19 Nov. note.] FB may be able to get Admiralty to have roof [for telescope at Cape of Good Hope] built at Cranbrook under JH's direction. Submit plan or estimate of time and expenses. Just saw [Thomas] Maclear's letter telling of adventures in 'northern expedition.'
Withdrew £25 from Drummonds [Bank] for Caroline L. Herschel. Describes Caroline's deteriorating condition. JH's [Cape Results] arrived three months ago. Despite efforts by friends to convince her that it was hers, [Caroline] presented it to king of Hanover, who already had copy. Received manuscript from JH's daughter Louisa.
Measurements and diagrams of WD's 8.5-foot telescope, dome, and other structures at Camden Lodge [to be duplicated for shipment to Cape of Good Hope observatory]. Laments deaths of Julia Cornwallis and J. L. Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy.
Suggests to GA that his observations [see GA's 1847-11-1] might rather support than destroy the theory of the thermo-electric origin of terrestrial magnetism.
Offers his suggestions for any trimming of the catalogue distribution list that may be necessary [see JH's 1847-11-17].
In flowery prose thanks JH for 'feeling with me in what I have felt deeply myself,' perhaps referring to one of JH's poems. Is delighted to have learned through W. R. Hamilton that JH is a poet.
Is still working on the distribution list for star catalogues [see GA's 1846-11-19].
Has received a letter from [W. C.] Bond stating that Maria Mitchell observed the comet on 1 Oct., several days before it was seen by [Francesco] DeVico (3 Oct.) and by W. R. Dawes (7 Oct.). Proposes calling it 'Miss M. Mitchell's comet' and asks if JH has any objections. Knows DeVico will 'growl.'
The comet should bear Maria Mitchell's name. If [Francesco] DeVico 'grumbles,' RS could note that Madame Rümker also discovered the comet on [Oct] 3rd. 'What was there in it to attract the eyes of the female part of the creation so especially?'
Maria Mitchell 'shall have her due honor,' despite [Francesco] DeVico. Discusses problems with the R.A.S. awarding medals and honors, the loss to the R.A.S. of Francis Baily, and the issue of proposing foreign associates. Proposes a list of such to JH. Objects to DeVico, but is the head of a publishing observatory and has found comets. Urges caution in appointing Americans. On publishing R.A.S.M.N.
Likes RS's R.A.S. associate list. Must give the Americans a year or two more before it can be adequately ascertained who their top astronomers are. Sends a letter JH received from John Lubbock, who wants the opportunity in January to present new methods in perturbation theory. Responds to RS on the means of the R.A.S. recognizing significant contributions to astronomy.
Advises that the catalogs [J. J. L. Lalande's Catalogue of Those Stars in the Histoire céleste française... and N. L. Lacaille's Catalogue of 9766 Stars in the Southern Hemisphere] not be bound for another five or six months because some proof-sheets are still quite wet.
Discusses persons who deserve copies of J. J. L. Lalande's Catalogue of Those Stars in the Histoire céleste française... and N. L. Lacaille's Catalogue of 9766 Stars in the Southern Hemisphere (?).
Believes that Thomas Galloway's paper on solar motion deserves a medal.
Complains of lack of time for correspondence. Equatorial for Cape Observatory completed. Advises TM to take relaxed observatory schedule to recover health. Cape Results published. Works on Outlines Astr. New governor arrives in Cape Town.
Believes that if R.S.L. gives medals that year, J. R. Hind should receive one. John Lubbock is another possible candidate for his work on perturbation theory.
Accepting JH's invitation to spend a few days with him. Remarks on planets in general. Information on academic success of Hugh Percy (3rd Duke of Northumberland).