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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.
The metrical system is decaying. Does not see any future for the standard yard. A universal language is a necessity.
Sends his fractional approximation of a sidereal revolution. Would like his opinion on its accuracy. Clock will not be finished for several years.
Sending a note from M. R. Gubbins of the Bengal Civil Service, which may be of interest to JH.
Names mentioned in his note probably refers to F. D. Barker and W. H. Smith. Persons bearing JH's name have recently graduated; will be pleased to make inquiries.
Henry Lawson has nominated EL for the R.S.L. and would be grateful if JH would add his name to the certificate. Has just received an 11' refracting telescope from Lawson. Has doubtless heard of the newly formed British Meteorological Society. S. C. Whitbread is president, and they already have one hundred members. Has had several gifts of books for the Midland Observatory.
Received JR's letter as JH was preparing to leave home. Will consult with George Peacock and reply to JR soon.
Sends on announcement of 'new planet Parthenope' from Annibal de Gasparis at Naples.
Acknowledges receipt of JH's 1850-5-28; GA will pass on the news to some others.
Invites JH to join Bishop of Chester [John Graham] and George Peacock as member of royal commission of enquiry into state and revenues of Cambridge University.
Continues opposed to application to government to support the 'Great Southern Reflector' [see JH's 1849-10-27]; responds to a number of specific queries about the construction of such a telescope.
Note to present JH with a copy of AS's work on 'Instinct and Reason.'
Thanks JC for the gift of her work The Virgin [Widow?], which both JH and his wife, Margaret, are anxious to read. JH also comments that he would like to discuss the Indian situation with JC's husband.
Astronomer Royal [G. B. Airy] has responded to RP's queries. JH was right about him being off one day in his calculation.
Discusses the possibility of a large reflecting telescope being constructed for observation of the southern heavens.
Members of B.A.A.S. doubt private funding for telescope will be forthcoming soon [see see TR's 1849-10-21, JH's 1849-10-27, & TR's 1849-11-1]. Will apply to government for funds. Asks JH's advice regarding telescope design.
Reports that [Annibal] de Gasparis has discovered a new asteroid, Parthenope. Gasparis credits JH with the discovery because JH had proposed the name Parthenope when AG had discovered Hygeia.
Mentions cirrus cloud formations foreshadowing aurora. Is unable to attend R.S.L. committee meetings and concerned that 'outlying' members be able to relay opinions through letters.
Proposes date for next and perhaps final R.S.L. government grant committee meeting. Wishes there were more funding. Predicts results of meeting. Updates on ES's health.
Requests JH's opinion on his calculation on 'solar and sidereal ratios.'
Thanks to the Royal Bavarian Academy of Science for electing JH a 'Foreign Member.' Trusts that the Academy received a copy of JH's Cape Results.