Captain [F. W.?] Grey has just been to the Observatory as he wished to ascertain the error of his chronometers. Outlines the signalling devices adopted. Fine definition last evening. Will call on Saturday if convenient.
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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.
Captain [F. W.?] Grey has just been to the Observatory as he wished to ascertain the error of his chronometers. Outlines the signalling devices adopted. Fine definition last evening. Will call on Saturday if convenient.
Much obliged for JH looking over the observations. Comments on these and the accuracy of the Cape circle and mural circle. Will send his observations on Crucis.
Last night was a splendid night for observing. Will be pleased to place the barometer at Captain Richard Wolfe's disposal. Eclipse was interesting. Will call if he goes to Simon's Bay.
Encloses the Brisbane observations. Appears to be a discrepancy in some of the stars.
Will long remember the triumphant meeting last night. Has heard nothing from England. Hopes C. P. Smyth may have come in the Romney, which arrived in Simon's Bay last evening. The traversing floor for the reflector will be finished tomorrow. Has been told that JH foretells that Halley's Comet will not be visible.
The figure is 7. Will see [F. W.?] Grey again. Hears from Miss Geard that a Mr. Beck has seen the comet with a long tail. Prepared the 14-feet reflector on Saturday but the evening was unfavorable.
Will retain JH's observations for a day to make a copy. Only knew of the arrival of the Governor [?] yesterday by the sound of the artillery. Intends to visit Cape Town, leave his card, and call back on JH. Expects new outburst of party spirit.
Urging JH to recommend the services of Lieut. James Bance to Gilbert Elliot (2nd Earl of Minto).
Is grateful for J. F. Encke's letter. JH's suggestion of the 14-ft. reflector was anticipated for Halley's Comet. Wishes that JH's aunt could visit the Cape.
Sending a copy of the memorandum he made of the first mirage he has ever seen. Describes various points. Much obliged for J. F. Encke's Ephemeris; his writing reminds TM of Isaac Newton.
Received a newspaper from England, which gave news of a comet. A ship entered Table Bay in the night; she may be from England.
Can JH spare a few minutes on Friday to be present when the errors of the transit instrument are being determined. Outlines the investigations necessary. The comet is a splendid fellow. Is busy measuring the diameter of the ring micrometer.
Sent the barometric readings with Mr. Curnan's paper. Comments on the tidal observations. Send the tide book. William Lamb (2nd Viscount Melbourne) is reinstated.
Has replied to Richard Sheepshanks in the Memoirs of the Astronomical Society. Is surprised how near he got to the general figure described by the Circle Centre. Comments on calculations he intends to carry out. Cannot say decidedly that Zeta Octantes is double; it is doubtful seen through the 8-ft. transit.
Only brought two portraits away on Sunday. Will lend JH his own portrait. No slates are available, but a shipload is expected daily.
Intended to call on Sunday but wind and other interruptions interfered. Saw the Comet, probably for the last time on Thursday. Sends the working sheet of the R.A.'s of the Brisbane catalogue. Comments on various aspects of this catalogue. Has written to Commercial Advertiser requesting information from anyone who experienced the recent earthquake shock.
The departure of two young missionaries for Africa provide the occasion for JM and WB to comment on the present status of work in preparing for printing the Mappa Selenographica, and they ask JH's opinion on some suggestions for printing. Have heard from F. W. Bessel of JH's sighting of the two inner moons of Saturn.
Writes of geological work on terrain of Sicily.
Understands from Francis Baily that JH has received the first 88 pages of the Parramatta Catalogue. The remainder has been sent and now encloses the final part.
Has placed £1000 at JH's disposal for whatever use JH and Lady Herschel see fit.