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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 the orbit of 70 Ophiuchi. Is progressing with the reductions of his sweeps. Justifies the method of printing adopted for [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue.
Is returning the proof of [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue. Comments on the expense of printing it. Is pleased that Thomas Henderson has been appointed Cape Astronomer.
Comments on the instructions for the Cape Astronomer and adds some of his own.
Responds to FB's request for advice regarding instructions for Thomas Henderson upon taking the position at the Cape Observatory. Suggests Henderson supervise tidal observations, but not get involved in measurement of arc of meridian. Hopes to see Henderson before his departure, but JH's mother now gravely ill.
Announces the birth of JH's second daughter, Isabella, of whom JH draws a picture; all are well.
Margaret Herschel's health is good, and baby Isabella is blooming; JH draws another sketch of Isabella.
Surprised that HG misinterpreted JH's comments to suggest disrespect for Thomas Young. Will not defend them. If HG does not want to include these in Young's biography, then return manuscript to JH and destroy all copies of it.
Received HG's memoir of Thomas Young. JH's manuscript must be destroyed and all printer type taken down. Any deeper critique of Young's writings would be improper and would only become stronger, further hurting Mrs. Young's feelings.
Agrees to let HG keep one copy of JH's manuscript, but it must not circulate. Justifies strong terms in JH's description of Thomas Young.
Remarks by JH on proof sheet of Henry Taylor's catalog of circumpolar stars observed by Stephen Groombridge. Why is Gerard Moll, a foreigner, engaged in purely English controversy? JH wants no part of Charles Babbage and James South in this matter. Regrets JH's earlier statements. Sends extract from [Richard] Copeland's letter.
Surprised at JS's response [see 1831-11-28] to his offer. Because the offer was well intentioned, repeats it and hopes that their mutual interests will lead to continued correspondence.
Commiserates with JS's problems in the construction of JS's new observatory. Seeks to smooth over a misunderstanding between them. Failing health of JH's mother.
Is sending sketches, etc., from his field book made while visiting the Isle of Wight. Disagrees with some of WF's representations.
Gives permission for publication of JH's paper ['On the Astronomical Causes Which May Influence Geological Phenomena'] in Geological Society's Transactions. Mentions report of a giant fossil found in United States.
Sends JH's observations and measurements made during JH's Sept. 1821 ascent of a peak near Mt. Rosa. Also sends JH's observations of Mt. Etna made in June 1824.
Has now studied James Bradley's observations of the Castor double star system and found them very valuable. Please send Bradley's observations regarding Gamma Virginis. What is best method of returning Bradley's observations to SR?
Has correlated James Bradley's observations of the Castor and the Gamma Virginis double stars systems, which observations SR sent to JH, with later observations. Agreement is excellent. JH lays out elements of orbits for each system.
Expresses thanks for extract on cholera. Sends a copy of a paper on double stars. Hopes soon to be able to send supplement on double star orbits.
Thanks WW for sending Richard Jones's new book and comments on it. Comments on WW's 'Science of the English Universities' and WW's review of Charles Lyell's Principles of Geology. Has heard that WW is reviewing JH's Prelim. Discourse.
Is sending WW a large collection of writings on optics and light.