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.
Sends a new edition of his own work on electricity. Has been studying the manuscripts of Henry Cavendish and thinks they should be published. JH in one of his articles attributes an invention to C. F. Gauss, whereas WH suggested the idea seven years before Gauss.
Curiosity about quill-like 'pen' sent to JH's son John by MB. Glad that MB moved to Brighton for medical care.
Plans to obtain pension for G. F. G. Mathison. Mathison feels moral duty to [Richard] Lynn, Head Melter to Mathison, who has no legal claim to compensation.
Difficulties in pay system for moneyers.
Forwards, with JH's approval, G. F. G. Mathison's claim for compensation due to termination of office of Melter and Refiner at Mint.
Lists wages for assistant workers in Mint.
JH and H. D. Harness were deeply gratified by CT's note of [24 Oct.].
Death of William Wyon offers opportunity to reorganize engraving department.
Discontinuance of Gas department of Mint. Superintendent, Mr. [Lorde?], may claim compensation. Historic item discovered during sale of Henry Bingley's tools and machinery.
Gave [?]'s instructions to policeman at [Mint] gate. No silver bullion is available on market. Coinage may have to cease. Gives quantities of gold and silver delivered last week.
Encloses form completed by G. F. G. Mathison, together with second submission of Mathison's memorial to Treasury and letter regarding Mathison's compensation.
Mr. Hodges will arrive at Benenden tonight. JH is visiting Collingwood for weekend to conduct parish business. Explains efforts to get assignment of JH's son William changed to Bengal. Asks ER to help.
[Formal notice] Promulgation of regulations for coinage of gold bullion at Mint.
George Peacock was unable to attend meeting of Cambridge University Commissioners. Quorum needed to conclude 'Inquiry' before end of next session of Parliament.
All Moneyers have signed receipt for £3095. Where should EE pick up check?
Forwards letters from Robert Mushet and Mr. Hill. Suspended Mr. Fowler, lamplighter, for drunkenness; another gas man who neglected his duty was referred to Mr. [Louis?]. Gave JH's papers and gas company's report to W. T. Brande, who will report on future gas supplies for Mint. Reports accuracy of 27 melting pots. [JH annotation: Recommends getting rid of gas production facility. Response to report on melting pots.]
Bank of England wants more gold coined. If JH can obtain discretionary form requested in JH's 13 Oct. letter to Treasury, then coining can begin next week.
JH is needed for tomorrow's meeting with Mr. [Hooter] regarding wrought iron melting pots.
Fears Hearn's first letter (13 Sept. 1851) to JH was lost. Anxiously asks again for testimonial from JH to governor at Sandhurst on behalf of Hearn's son, who 'gets daily worse.'
Encloses GM's memorial to Treasury, with financial accounts included, for JH's approval.