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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.
Discussion on JH's geological specimens took place at the Geological Society on Wednesday. Gives some of the points raised at the meeting. Regarding the length of time that separates the extremes of eccentricity of the earth's orbit. Has raised the matter with G. B. Airy.
Has just received the accompanying letter from James Croll so that JH can save himself the trouble of answering CL's query.
Sending the results of his comparison of JH's drawing and the actual earth pillars of Ritten and Stalden.
Hopes to send a copy of his new edition [of Principles of Geology] in a few weeks. Hopes he will be satisfied with the manner in which he used JH's drawings. Comments about variations in the obliquity of the ecliptic. Quotes correspondence he has had with E. J. Stone of Greenwich Observatory. Would like JH's opinion on the matter.
Did not intend to trouble him with his proofs, but as he has cited JH in the chapter dealing with the astronomical effect on climate he sends proofs for this chapter. Would like to quote JH's two letters on the subject. The whole book is set up and hopes to send the volume in November.
Much obliged for calling his attention to M. C. E. Du Four's paper, though he cannot reconcile the general reasoning. Comments on the effect of the Sirocco on the Föhn of the Alps.
Sends Captain [P. F.] Shortland's account of his recent soundings and temperatures of the sea. Comments on these readings in the light of theory. What does JH think of the matter.
Was pleased to get his twelve pages of slips returned this morning. In one he proposes an alteration of 3% instead of 1003 to 1000. Which is correct?
Scrope does not mention the depth to which the current has cut the granite in his memoir. In CL's revision can he quote JH on the pebbles?
Is sorry JH did not inform him of the paper he was to read on the astronomical influence on climate. Would like an abstract when published. Would also like a copy of the verses on the great telescope. Encloses a paper of his own.
Sends today the remainder of his astronomical chapter. JH's comments or corrections will be welcome.
Comments on the relationship between the plane of the earth's orbit and the obliquity of the ecliptic.
'Confidential' Insists that CL honor JH's decision regarding R.S.L. office and drop subject.
Begs CL and Edward Sabine to cancel their plan to interview JH for office [Presidency] in R.S.L. To continue will cause JH 'inexpressible pain.'
Talks about British Museum business, including the purchase of fossils and the hiring of George R. Waterhouse.
Carlo Gemmellaro measured elevation of Benedictine monastery on Mount Etna at 294 canne [6,688 feet].
JH should speak privately to Archbishop [J. B. Sumner] on behalf of G. R. Waterhouse. Richard Owen's supporters are strong, but as governor of British Museum, [Sumner] is obliged to speak favorably for staff members who expect promotion. Will tell [Sumner] that Waterhouse is JH's relative.
Thanks CL for the gift of a new edition of CL's Principles of Geology. JH comments on a number of issues, in a very long letter, including the replacement of extinct species by other species, CL's solution of the problem of the variation of climate, and the evolution of language. JH speculates at length on the isothermal activity under the earth's crust that may result in volcanoes or the formation of new land masses, and describes a considerable number of geological examples that JH sees as supporting CL's ideas.
Ideas expressed by JH in his previous letter to CL (see JH's 1836-2-20) about secular variations of isothermal surfaces of the interior of the earth were similar to ideas expressed by Charles Babbage in a paper to the Geological Society. This was drawn to JH's attention by CL and by R. I. Murchison. JH argues that he did not know of Charles Babbage's paper, and goes on to point out how JH's ideas differ. Concludes with mention of having re-discovered the sixth satellite of Saturn, not seen since its discovery by JH's father, William.
Inquires of CL about the suitability of George Robert Waterhouse for a natural history post in the British Museum. Congratulates CL on his successful trip to the United States.