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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.
Thanks for having been informed of the death of an acquaintance.
Regrets that JH's health does not allow him to visit his 'dear suffering friend' [Richard Jones], who JH hopes may yet rally.
Advises GS against spending £800 to verify the available drawings of Saturn; instead JH suggests alternative methods.
Deterioration of JH's health. Requests permission to retire as master of Mint. Recommends W. H. Barton to succeed JH.
Has been nominated Professor of Maths at the Native College and is in charge of the Observatory, now being erected. Would welcome suggestions from JH as to observations that would be useful.
Fears wounding feelings of Benjamin Wyon if JH is seen as ordering dies for Crimean medal from Wyon's relative and rival. Sends official letter that relieves JH of responsibility for choosing artist for medal.
In reply to WG's 8 Dec. 1854 note, JH analyzes all Mint operations and labor expenses, and reports favorable balance. Advises against Treasury's plan to have money minted by private contractors.
JH wishes to resign for health reasons. Has already informed Lord Aberdeen [George Hamilton-Gordon]. Recommends W. H. Barton to succeed JH as Master of Mint.
Dies for [?] medal will be ready next week. How many medals should be struck?
Directions for shipping copper coins to Bank of Ireland, in same quantities stated in JH's directive of 11 Dec. 1854 to RH.
Submits estimates of silver losses expected by Mint from Apr. 1855 to Mar. 1856.
Delivery of dies for Crimean medal to Master of Mint. JH ordered 60,000 ounces of silver for its production.
Any of JH's letters to CT may be shown to [Henry] Roberts.
[Marked 'Private.'] Did not wish to offend [Henry] Roberts, but JH is in awkward position regarding L. C. Wyon, who, as Mint employee, is competing with rival artist for design of Crimean medal. Silver supply is adequate for medal production, but machinery is limited. Expects three-month delay.
Sent JH's resignation proposal to both Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] and W. E. Gladstone yesterday. JH would have welcomed presidency of Board of Examiners one year earlier, but now desires only rest and recovery. Feels 'broken down.'
Recalls asking [Richard] Jones years ago if JH should seek public office. Jones was horrified, but suggested mastership of Mint as only suitable position. After four years in office, JH longs to escape it and return to family.
Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] must first refer JH's resignation to Queen Victoria. [?] encouraged Aberdeen to do it quickly, while Aberdeen is still in office.
[Marked 'Private.'] Encloses letter from Henry Roberts, assistant secretary to War Department. Will convey JH's reply to Roberts.
Arthur [Gordon?] visited to reveal that Lord John Russell just resigned, expected others will follow, and urged JH to follow their example and 'give up the Mint.' Lord Aberdeen [G. Hamilton-Gordon] wants to give newly created position of 'President of the Board of Examiners' to JH as a 'parting gift.' Arthur assured CH that JH could perform all its duties from Collingwood. Relates 'abuse' CH overheard in House of Commons yesterday.
Delcines invitation to chair Society of Arts meeting because of poor health; may attend as visitor.