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.
Regrets the trouble JH has been caused, but it was due to the non-arrival of his letter. Cannot claim fellowship of the R.S.L. as he did not attend any of the meetings following his election. Gives a list of his planetary discoveries.
Points out deviations from policies recommended in 1848 by Mint Commission. Supports consolidation of supervisory positions. Protests C. E. Trevelyan's idea that JH's scientific pursuits in spare time as Master of Mint must be directed to public projects.
JH made clear on 13 Mar. that HF's position in reorganized Mint would be that of newly entering junior clerk and that F. R. Brande's position warranted more seniority.
W. H. Barton concurs with JH on value of promoting F. R. Brande.
Crisis averted. W. T. Brande [Senior] withdrew letter of resignation submitted by his son F. R. Brande, who went away to country to calm down.
Encloses note from W. H. B. Hamilton. Request for extension of leave for J. F. L. P. Maclear should go to captain of Meander, but JH does not know where it is, so JH wrote to captain of Victory. If Maclear receives no word by tomorrow, tell him to report to commanding officer to whom he thinks he is assigned. Problems arranging instructions in assaying for Mr. Wooley. JH and assay master H. W. Field are not on good terms. More likely that Thomas Graham and [W. A.] Miller will permit a visitor, but neither has time to train apprentices.
Sons John and Alexander visited JH yesterday. Forwards son William's letter describing voyage. News from Cape of Good Hope about [Eighth Frontier War]. Silver panic at Bank of England. Trouble dislodging 'remoras' (old officers) who retard changes at Mint.
Draws attention to expenses for WH's education at Haileybury College. Urges use of regular system of accounts. JH sent request for extension of J. F. L. P. Maclear's leave from ship Castor. Assumes that W. H. B. Hamilton is still secretary to Admiralty. Hopes WH, Maclear, and [William] Waterfield will avoid mischief. How is WH's 'broken back'?
Major fire in Refinery last night. Forwarded letter from Miss Meyer to MH. Used Mr. Love's help for unpleasant task. Glad that J. F. L. P. Maclear enjoys his naval profession. How is son William's back?
[Cambridge University Commission] Board will meet tomorrow. Will print JH's papers and send proof to JH.
Cambridge University Commissioners will meet 4 Aug.
Describes second edition of AE's phonetic Latinis alphabet, referred to by JH in Admiralty Manual. Sent copy to C. K. J. Bunsen. This will be discussed at Society of Arts's Education Exhibition on 31 July. Encloses printed circular. Hopes JH will attend.
Encloses letter from W. G. Anderson regarding coins to be reserved for deputy paymaster general. Asks about JH's letter to W. T. Brande, who wrote to HH for advice about salary for son F. R. Brande. Returns signed receipt from Charles Elouis.
Encourages JH to seek uniform system for hiring personnel and regulating rates for wages in Mint, but to carry out changes gradually. Describes in detail transition to new Mint system. Additional funds for Waterloo Medal. Ideas for improving air pump.
Problems with wages among workers in Melting house. More ideas for improving air pump.
Note from Hunt & Roskell. HH gave instructions for sale of proof coins before HH left London. W. T. Brande does not agree with wage system at Mint.
Surprised over the uproar caused by 'malcontents' at Mint. Advises JH not to concede anything. Ask Treasury for verbal authority for each step JH takes in hiring, dismissing, or paying employees. If JH needs help, HH will return immediately. P.S.: Learned that F. R. Brande is on salary now.
Forwards note from Mr. [Greund?] referring to correspondence with which HH is not acquainted.
Happy to hear that JH settled difficulties with [W. T.] Brande. Talents of W. H. Barton and Charles Elouis. Reward for R. F. Suft. Advises exchanging Mr. Cumberland for more useful clerk from some other public office.
Introduces Deputy Assistant Commissary General Bower, who wishes to learn minting processes before leaving for Australia.