Thanks for the diploma of the R.A.S. and for JH's Cape Results.
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.
Thanks for the diploma of the R.A.S. and for JH's Cape Results.
Sending notices of several variable stars he has observed recently. Observed Encke's comet twice. Newly discovered variable stars will be discussed in his forthcoming notes to the Ecliptic charts. Sends a small pamphlet on the expected comet.
Sends JH a mathematical theorem.
Louisa and Johnny [Herschel] are well. Called at India House to see Mr. Hooper. Gives requirements of the various examinations and thinks Willy [Herschel] would do well to stay with [Charles] Pritchard, while Johnny can remain and study at home.
Concerned about the sending and receiving of some of Caroline Herschel's bequests to JH. AK also talks about arrangements for some other people following Caroline Herschel's death.
Can expect a visit from Jacques Babinet. Regarding the planet Neptune and its discovery.
Is pleased to hear of the discovery of further satellites of Neptune.
Pleased to receive JH's letter of 12 June. Has to visit Agulhas to view the erection of the lighthouse. Gives details of the history of this new lighthouse. Pity François Arago does not continue his experiments with gas. Governor is in the North of the Country visiting the emigrant Boers.
Delayed replying to JH's letter until he had more leisure. Will be pleased to nominate JH's son for a cadetship at Addiscombe.
Explains how the money from the Admiralty came to be awarded as it was [see JH's 1848-9-24].
Questions about PR's proposals regarding gold currency. Proposal 6, if unlimited, means that government will always buy [Consale?] at 90.5 and sell at 91.5, regardless of commercial market price.
Discusses state of affairs in France. Hopes celestial objects in Southern Hemisphere will continue to be studied. Praises astronomical work done in U.S.
[Charles?] Brooke received £500 for his photographic apparatus. Thinks [Francis] Ronalds should receive similar compensation for his device. Discusses apparatus and award.
Wants more information about a Venus parallax expedition.
Forwards a letter about the Venus parallax expedition [see GA's 1848-9-21], and adds some comments.
Comments about the proposed Venus parallax expedition and their method of measurement [see JH's 1848-9-24].
Reports that William Lassell has written to say he has discovered the 8th satellite of Saturn.
Uneasy at no confirmation of arrival of sent Cape Results. Lists observatories to have received copies. Is preparing new edition of Treatise Astr., now titled Outlines Astr.
JH has revised his account of the moon's motions given in JH's Treatise Astr. in preparation for JH's Outlines Astr.
Sends comments on the pages of JH's account of the moon's motions [see JH's 1848-9-25].