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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.
Has been applying his mode of calculation for the barometrical heights for the years 1815-23 and sent the results to the R.S.L. As JH may not see them he sends a few comments on them. Would like a suitable colleague to share his labors.
Hears that JH is to be one of his parishioners. Outlines the local educational establishments. Should be grateful to know if JH would be subscribing towards their upkeep.
Much indebted for his kind letter, but is unable to interfere in the affairs of Sir Francis Knowles as he has no contact with him. Encloses a list of instruments belonging to the late W. C. Holford and would be pleased if JH would show it to his astronomical friends.
Sends a copy of the report, which he has looked over with P. M. Roget. S. H. Christie seems averse to altering it. Thinks it important to make observations of the temperature with barometric readings in balloon ascents. Only readings by J. L. Gay-Lussac at present.
Work will begin on obelisk at Feldhausen. Occultation of Gamma1 and Gamma2 Virginis observed. Triangulation survey will take TM away from Royal Observatory for extended time. Slave ship carries small pox and causes outbreak. Parallax observations show brightest stars, not nearest.
More on machine-made curves [see HP's 1840-1-28].
Concerned about the Daguerreotype patent in England, and questions at some length a paper on the origin of freemasonry.
Loading scientific instruments aboard ship [Anshimy?] tomorrow prevents JB from visiting JH before departure. Missed annual R.A.S. meeting. Book of 'Observations' is nearly finished. Told [J. C.] Melvill that instruments in India were not adequate for observations of astronomical refractions.
Acknowledges letter regarding Captain Andries Stockenström. Sorry Stockenström could not be reappointed to Cape. Offered to recommend him to the Queen for other positions. Agrees with JH's sentiments.
Will send information from observatories where aurora are visible. Discusses occurrences at various observatories and a letter from [C.] Kreil to [A. T.] Kupffer regarding his observations.
Believes Treasury will cover all expenses. The application for a Cairo observatory looks promising and H. C. Oersted is eager to set up a station in Copenhagen. Writes of the instrument requests of other stations.
Plans to order equipment needed for observatories. Asks JH to examine the bills. Announces that both Bavaria and Denmark are planning observatories.
Is of the opinion that plans for the Bavarian observatory station should continue. Announces that the report is finally being printed.
Asks JH to petition King Christian VIII of Denmark to support the Altona observatory.
Thanks JH for suggesting that the R.A.S. write to King Christian VIII, but requests that JH include his own name and mention Astronomische Nachrichten.
Sends publications from Royal Academy and Brussels Observatory. Asks 'particular indulgence' for one about vapors. Is now able to do observations required by R.S.L. A Gauss instrument has been mounted. Gives times of observations each day. Continues horary observations.
Assures JH that engravers typically take for themselves a few copies of any print they have made. If a large number of these appear for sale, then it is fraud. Suggests JH not act because the engraver is 'insane' and the exposure would hurt his family.
Asks JH to be a member of a parish committee.
Promises to help JH obtain materials for experiments including mercury and silver ore.
Has had a letter from H. C. Schumacher announcing his discovery of a new comet in Draco. There is to be a R.S.L. Council on Thursday.