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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.
Sends copy of B.A.A.S. resolutions to fellows of Trinity College, Dublin, containing recommendation to continue magnetic and meteorological observatory there.
Alerts WW, who was coming to visit the Herschels, that scarlet fever has arrived at JH's household. Comments onWW's writings about glacial theory.
Seems clear that JH's 'falling star' [see JH's 1845-4-29] was the same one reported by a correspondent of GA's as having been seen in Nottingham; in a postscript JH is not so sure.
Approves GM's price for making 6.5-inch telescope. Proceed with work, which must be completed in five or six months. JH must consult others before approving mounting and clockwork [see GM's 1845-11-18].
About a letter of recommendation JH is preparing for Robert Hunt.
Thanks for the paper on the photographic effect of light on drugs. JH also comments on the photographic experiments of Mary Somerville.
Is pleased that a bill [JH's comments seem to hint at corporal punishment for offenders] is to be brought to Parliament [see JH's 1845-2-10].
Is horrified at the wanton destruction of the Portland Vase in the [British] Museum. JH suggests flogging as appropriate for such acts of vandalism [see JH's 1845-3-18].
JH comments on JL's 'memoir on the heat of vapours,' indicating JH's dissatisfaction with the experimental basis (the experimental work of J. L. Gay-Lussac) for the conclusions. JH offers improvements in the construction and operation of the ice calorimeter.
Promises to become more knowledgeable about [heat?] theory in order to be able to discuss it with JL. Cautions that the subject is an intricate one.
Received 50 copies of memoirs of James Grahame. Will delete one passage in the copies he will distribute. Congratulates JQ on his literary accomplishment.
Seeks GA's assistance in solving a puzzle in the mathematics of rotating bodies.
[Robert Chambers's] Vestiges of Creation is shallow and full of errors. Tells AS not to spare it when he reviews it. Discusses various topics including the nebular hypothesis, P. S. Laplace, central heat in gravitation, and the density of planets. Also, the 'nonsensical calculations' of Auguste Comte's astronomy.
Invites AS to Collingwood for Christmas. JH has been ill.
Discusses MS's light experiments. JH will present the results to Royal Society. Describes apparatus that may help her. Recently attended a meeting concerning continental magnetics and meteorology.
Augustus DeMorgan and [Henry Fox] Talbot are sending their papers to her. Family is well. Outlines a process of photography.
Includes copies of AQ's reply to circular sent previously [1844-12-5]. Requests additional information by 1845-6-15 and, if possible, AQ's presence at the meeting on 19 June.
Hopes extracts from Mary Somerville's letters on her experiments with 'Coloration of Light,' specifically, 'action of rays on vegetable juices,' can be read to R.S.L.
Believes JH expressed support for pension for surviving child of Thomas Henderson. Comments on this, stating his own view that she is already well provided for.
Discusses procedures that should be followed when the Committee on Physics is summoned to deal with a 'momentous' matter, i.e., the discontinuation of the magnetic observatories.