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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.
Sending some observations on a comet which appeared last month. Has had the pendulum up for some weeks but has been unable to carry out many observations owing to official duties. Has been working a good deal on occultations. Wishes some had been published as they are of great practical use.
Had no report he could offer the Astronomical Society. Outlines the situation in Chile. Hopes to arrange the material on his recent voyages in the form of a book.
Has requested his friend Thomas Henderson of Edinburgh University to call on JH. Would be pleased if JH can help him in any way.
Would like his opinion on the merits of the camera lucida of G. B. Amici and W. H. Wollaston. Half dead with idleness here at Paris, but hopes to return to London soon.
Giving information on his voyage, which he may use as he desires. In the course of 89 days he passed through the Pacific, rounded Cape Horn, and crossed the South Atlantic without seeing any land. Would be pleased to provide any further details.
Borrowed JH's book (Prelim. Discourse) but is so valuable that he intends to purchase a copy. Comments on various passages.
Has just contacted Henderson who will be very pleased to call on JH any time that suits him. Awaits his reply.
Regrets a hasty opinion should have evoked so long a letter. Regarding the status of cholera. Would be grateful for a specimen of W. Herschel's handwriting. Sun has been showing symptoms of decay and several have been trying to observe it with limited success.
Describes a new form of sketch book, which may interest him. Encloses a paper from a friend, which can be answered by means of algebra, of which he himself is ignorant. JH's affairs were mentioned by Sir James Graham, who suggested that the Admiralty may be able to assist JH with a passage to the Cape.
Sent JH's last letter to Sir James Graham to show him JH's feelings in the matter of transport to the Cape. Sir James replied to the effect that he would be very pleased to arrange a passage for JH. Hall feels in an awkward situation and thinks that JH should visit the Admiralty and have conversation with Sir James.
Congratulations on his addition to the family; hopes all are well. Would like JH to meet T. T. Grant, who has a new invention, which may prove of great utility.
Sending his sextant and instructions for its use, which he will doubtless find useful. Also a copy of James Horsburgh's Directions. Has not heard from Captain Hardy regarding the rope. Advises boxes covered in mackintosh. Plans to publish his book on Saturday.
Is glad Mrs. Hall has written to Lady Herschel. Would like a private yacht so that he could travel round the world making scientific observations. Is pleased JH had a good voyage to the Cape and hopes things are progressing.
Forwarding two letters via Francis Beaufort. Has no political or scientific news as they are at present residing in a remote Austrian castle which they find very refreshing after the noise of Vienna. Longs to hear of JH's labors with the constellations.
Found his recent stay at the remote German castle very restful. Gives details of a large flight of crows and compares it to nebulae. Cure for sore throats. Hopes the South Easters do not disturb him. Intends spending the winter in Paris. Hopes that JH is preparing a two volume work on his scientific experiences.
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.