Very upset at an attack launched against JH in a manner that denigrates JH's father, William Herschel, in the process.
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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.
Very upset at an attack launched against JH in a manner that denigrates JH's father, William Herschel, in the process.
Asks RS to summarize T. G. Taylor's contributions to astronomy. Hopes to assist Taylor's widow and family.
Is insistent that JH cannot perform the functions of Foreign Secretary [of the R.A.S.] as he has too much to do already, and has had to give up much of his personal scientific correspondence.
JH replies to RS's 1849-1-15.
Says he will guardedly write in his Outlines Astr. what he has to say about Neptune and the controversy surrounding its discovery. States that he eschews formulae.
About an astronomer for the Madras observatory. Suggests ways to reduce glare and so improve measurements [see RS's 1849-3-4].
Appreciates additional time made available by RS to allow JH to finish paper properly.
Alerts RS to the fact that there is an 'underhand sale' of the prints of [H. W.] Pickersgill's portrait of JH going on, as JH's cousin bought one.
JH concerned not so much that a few copies of the print of JH's portrait may have been sold, but that the plate itself may have been stolen and sold. Seems relieved to know that the plate was left with the printer, not the engraver. Asks RS to make an inquiry with the printer.
Thanks RS for all the trouble he took with the problem of his portrait. Is anxious to see the specimens of the engraved nebulae of which RS spoke, but confesses little hope in photographic 'reverses' of pencil drawings. Has installed his family at Collingwood.
Thanks RS for the news of Francis Baily; requests an update on his condition. Criticizes 'reduced map' prepared by [James] Basire. Has drawn up a catalogue to go with his paper, as RS requested, arranged in regions. Praises William Whewell's choice of a bride.
Requests information from RS on the life of Francis Baily for a biographical sketch JH was asked to draw up for a special meeting of the R.A.S.]
Sent his letter of 2 Oct. to Woburn Place. Has since learned that RS moved to Reading. Requests again information on the life of Francis Baily, especially on Baily's pendulum experiments.
Thanks RS for his letter on Francis Baily. Wants a copy of the engraving of Baily's portrait that RS is preparing, and thinks RS ought to make arrangements for its distribution among R.A.S. members.
Does not think Francis Baily's relatives should take part in JH's presentation on Baily to the R.A.S., but if they have asked to do so, they should not be refused. Would like a copy of Caroline Herschel's silhouette. Is'facing the engraver's hands' with his nebula, and must get the plate of JH's portrait, which RS placed at the disposal of the Duke of Northumberland.
Adds remarks to his previous comments [JH 1344-11-17] on Francis Baily's relatives participating in the memorial to Baily.
Discusses controversy between [George] Bishop and [W. R.] Dawes. Recommends that the R.A.S. publish a paper by Dawes correcting errors in the published work. Wants to purchase some of Francis Baily's books. Mentions RS's work on the standard of length.
Has mislaid RS's letter and forgotten the question RS asked concerning Baily's print. Asks him to refresh his memory. Could not get to the sale [of Francis Baily's books]. Gives the works of Baily that he wants to purchase.
Requests RS to let him know how much JH owes him for the books by Francis Baily, which RS purchased for him. Has received RS's pamphlet [on the Liverpool Observatory].
Put no confidence in [Francesco] DeVico's drawing of the nebula of Orion. JH has a better one now at the engravers. Notes that DeVico has left out the 'real' 6th star in 'Trapezio.'