Would like JH's views on the proposed meeting at York of the Friends of Science (later the B.A.A.S.).
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.
Would like JH's views on the proposed meeting at York of the Friends of Science (later the B.A.A.S.).
Asks that in JD's lectures at King's College, London, he remove an unfair and incorrect reference to JH.
Has great hopes for the success of the [B.A.A.S.]. Would like JH's advice on the phenomenon of radiant matter to the laws of common matter, which he is preparing for a future meeting.
Pleased to hear of JH's success with his application to the Treasury. Would like a statement from him on the nature of his communication to the Cambridge meeting concerning the actinometer. Hopes he is not too busy preparing for his voyage.
Wants to ensure that a letter of JH's on the decline of science controversy is to be published in Brewster's journal.
Thanks JH for his recent writings on double stars, and comments on a number of observational issues related to the same topic.
Thanks JD for his letter [see JD's 1831-11-26].
Many thanks for the beautiful specimen of Satyrium, which he has named in honor of Lady Herschel. Discusses various plants and the effect of climate. Is sorry to hear the Herschels are contemplating leaving the Cape.
Found ten species of orchids on Table Mountain yesterday. Gives details of some and discusses their distribution.
Returns the specimens with the names. Sends a magnificent specimen of Orobanche, which may be a new species. Comments on the scent of plants. Will be glad to hear the results of his experiments on the temperature of bulbs. Comments on changes due to removal. Sleep in plants.
Sending a copy of a little work on Cape botany for local circulation. Intends to attempt a larger Flora later. Starts on a three months' excursion next month. Sees that JH has arrived in England.
Sending some bulbs of Daubenya in which he believes JH was interested.
Must have received a long rambling letter written in February; hopes he will ignore it as he was suffering from a fever at the time. Returned on leave of absence for 12 months. Has introduced J. A. Wahlberg to Col. John Bell. P. H. Polemann died in April.
Having now learned that the offensive article in the Edinburgh Review was by DB [see DB's 1831-12-1], JH writes in surprise that DB could have written what he did, and requests that JH's letter [see JH's 1831-11-25] be returned unpublished. JH will decide how to proceed.
Since his arrival he has explored the suburbs and found some pretty parts. Thinks it would appeal to JH. Houses are rather expensive but could find one to his liking. Will inquire about the landing of his instruments.
Has secured a passage home for JH on the Windsor. Thinks he will be pleased with the accommodation. Will call on him shortly.
Pleased to hear he had a good voyage home and met with a great reception on his arrival. Sends some casks of sweet wine. Has paid the installment due on the shipping shares.
R. J. Jones will be ready to receive transfer on Friday next.
Explains at some length the behavior of colored light, tying this to several articles that JH has written on the subject.
Not convenient for R. J. Jones to take transfer of the property until Friday week. Sends a parcel which has just arrived.