Is in Berlin together with the astronomers J. F. Encke and F. W. Bessel. Relates their researches. The new Berlin Observatory is a magnificent affair. May have to travel home sooner than expected owing to the illness of his mother-in-law.
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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.
Is in Berlin together with the astronomers J. F. Encke and F. W. Bessel. Relates their researches. The new Berlin Observatory is a magnificent affair. May have to travel home sooner than expected owing to the illness of his mother-in-law.
Breakfasted today with G. G. Stokes, met Charles Lyell, [W. J.?] Broderip, and [Robert] Brown and had a fine time. Halley's Comet is visible to the naked eye.
Encloses a queer pamphlet, which may amuse him, but it has put D. F. J. Arago and others into a towering passion. The public tends to forget one's existence if too long away from London, so hopes that JH will bear this in mind.
Has been busy correcting proofs of a little book to be printed by Cadell in Edinburgh which has occasioned the delay. Observed the eclipse at the Observatory with D. F. J. Arago. Comments on the work of Arago. French science and literature at a low ebb.
Enclosing some letters of introduction for Rio. Advises him to be there in the winter. Makes a duplicate set of his observations in case the ship sinks.
Outlines the election of J. D. Forbes and attributes his success to JH's letter. Regarding the work of Thomas Henderson. Pity JH has to waste time doing his own reductions. Paris observations. Saw the comet in Valparaiso. Magnitude of stars compared to the moon. Hopes he liked his own recent book. Pleased the sextant is of use.
Sends a small dispatch from J. D. Forbes. The barometer seems to have no connection with the weather this winter. Had a snow shower but could see no clouds in the sky. Preparing for the occultation of Mars.
Encloses a dispatch from Thomas Henderson, who is very pleased with his work and a word from JH would spur him on. Is more out of touch with science at Edinburgh than JH is at the Cape. Young engineer, J. S. Russell, has idea for swift towing canal boats. Doubtless he has seen Francis Baily's supplement on John Flamsteed.
Further information about boats in canals. Sends proof sheets of the article in question.
Is pleased to hear the Herschels are contemplating their return but regrets it will not be via Rio. J. D. Forbes is progressing well, may be in danger of overwork. Thomas Henderson too is doing good work at the Observatory. Gives results of lunar eclipses of Oct. 1837.
Regarding the attitude of the Council of the R.S.L., particularly that of P. M. Roget, to the publication of his papers, and the award of medals to other persons who have done similar work to his own.
Sending a letter and some volumes for his perusal. No need to reply.
Some time ago he sent JH a parcel of books and letters. Wonders if they ever reached him. Now sends some letters that shows how his work is appreciated on the continent.
Regrets his letter should have given offense but wrote it with the intention of claiming his rights at the R.S.L.
Introducing Franklin Lushington who is going to New Holland on a surveying expedition. The ship carrying him will call at the Cape for instructions. Has written to the Governors here to induce them to adopt the Greek style, not the Gothic for the Houses of Parliament.
Received the enclosed in August from Teodoro Monticelli but did not know how to forward it to JH. Would he return the letter when finished with.
Would like JH's views on the proposed meeting at York of the Friends of Science (later the B.A.A.S.).
Has great hopes for the success of the [B.A.A.S.]. Would like JH's advice on the phenomenon of radiant matter to the laws of common matter, which he is preparing for a future meeting.
Pleased to hear of JH's success with his application to the Treasury. Would like a statement from him on the nature of his communication to the Cambridge meeting concerning the actinometer. Hopes he is not too busy preparing for his voyage.
Thanks JH for his recent writings on double stars, and comments on a number of observational issues related to the same topic.