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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.
JH's letter grieves him, but he will convey his decision to the Trustees. Has just heard of the death of the Archbishop [of Canterbury, William Howley].
Has been carrying out researches on the reflection of light. Would like JH to communicate his paper on this subject to the R.S.L.
Is grateful for JH's kind offer to look over his paper. Draws JH's attention to certain points. Thinks that the reasoning will please him.
Gives recent observations with the 46" achromatic. G. B. Airy has sent the elements of the recently discovered planets. Latest news of the Governor of the Cape and his diplomatic missions. Mrs. Maclear's sister has come out to visit them and her health and Mrs. Maclear's is improving. R. J. Jones has decided to keep Feldhausen in the family and not sell it.
Arrangements for a meeting with JH.
Has performed experiments measuring the deviation of spectra through an obliquely placed diffraction grating. Believes they strongly support the wave theory of light.
JH must write official letter to Admiralty stating completion of [Cape of Good Hope] telescope and explaining reason for additional £170.
Received yesterday JH's receipts for payment of Cape telescope. Forwarded these to accountant general of Navy.
Paid £5 into JH's account at Drummond's Bank today.
[P.S. on verso of cover. Rest of letter is missing.] Notified Mrs. Knipping of kind wishes sent by JH and wife. Will notify JH when personal effects of Caroline Lucretia Herschel have been inventoried and distributed according to JH's directions. Questions fate of [telescope] given to [J. F. L.] Hausmann by Caroline Herschel now that Hausmann is dead. Suggests donating it to observatory at Göttingen or to 'Archiv' in Hanover.
Financial matters are dealt with relating to the purchase of a telescope [for Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope].
Informing JH that J. C. Pritchard [Prichard] has been asked to send him material for chapter on Ethnology for 'Scientific Manual' for naval officers, which JH is preparing.
Regarding spots on the sun and [T. J.?] Hussey and [A.?] Dawson's observations.
Concerning P. A. Hansen's observations of Lunar irregularities.
Regarding the proposed eight-inch object glass. Supplementary estimate for the Admiralty. Extract of a letter from Otto Struve.
Regarding modifications for the actinometer. Has written to Georg Merz regarding the object-glass. Regarding the eight-inch object-glass. Name of the maker of his actinometer. [JH has written a rough draft of his reply to this letter on the same sheet.]
Georg Merz's practice regarding the sale of object-glasses. Is preparing a model of a transit circle.
Regarding the origins of the R.A.S. Will try and find a substitute trustee.
Informing him of the recent death of Mrs. Lestock Wilson.
Will be happy to abide by JH's judgement. Would like to know if the publication of the instructions in the manual would interfere with their separate publication. Will have to obtain financial assistance if his observations are to be continued.