Search: Herschel, John in author 
1840-1849::1846 in date 
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Herschel3705

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[3 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.48 (C: RS:HS 25.9.25)
Summary:

Agrees reluctantly to serve as Foreign Secretary of R.A.S., but will be unable to attend most meetings. JH's [Cape Results] is nearing publication; needs to know where he can get the plate [of JH's portrait]. Urges that if J. C. Adams 'is medallized, it should be most cautiously worded so as not to bear the least allusion to that ugly word "priority."'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3706

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[17 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.49 (C: RS:HS 25.9.26)
Summary:

Does not want the R.A.S. to make any assertions with respect to priority regarding the discovery of Neptune: '...though Neptune ought to have been born an Englishman and a Cambridge man every inch of him,' you will never make 'an English Discovery of it do what you will.' States that [J. C.] Adams is owed much. If The R.A.S. throws down the gauntlet, this will do much 'mischief' and demoralize Adams.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3707

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[17 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.50 (C: RS:HS 25.9.27)
Summary:

Would not object if the [R.A.S.] council resolved to give J. C. Adams a medal, but the wording must be carefully considered, especially regarding the word 'discovery.' Presents a 'string of resolutions,' on how to deal with Adams and other contenders in the discovery of Neptune. Leave the question of priority for posterity. If the council sets up Adams as a competitor to U. J. J. Leverrier, JH will reserve to himself 'the privilege of protest.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3708

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[22 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.51 (C: RS:HS 25.9.28)
Summary:

Clarifies his position regarding the resolutions on the R.A.S. medals relating to the discovery of Neptune. Is unwilling to urge that they be accepted by the R.A.S, but can live with them because they contain the truth and nothing 'improper or offensive.' Suggests that if the R.A.S. does adopt these, it may 'prove a more fatal apple of discord than any that has been thrown down among us for years.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3709

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[25 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.52 (C: RS:HS 25.9.29)
Summary:

Has received the list of six persons proposed by the R.A.S. for its medal, along with who nominated each. Has harsh words for the RAS's actions [regarding the discovery of Neptune] and says it has been badly mismanaged in England. Urges RS to exert his influence with G. B. Airy to get some names removed. At end writes 'Burn this.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3710

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[25 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.53 (C: RS:HS 25.9.30)
Summary:

Clarifies some details in his letter to RS of 1846-12-25 on the R.A.S. deliberations regarding giving medals for the discovery of Neptune.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3712

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Richard Sheepshanks
Date:
[26 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 16.54 (C: RS:HS 25.9.31)
Summary:

Did not understand the steps necessary by the R.A.S. rules and that an appeal to a general meeting was necessary [regarding awarding medals, e.g., for the discovery of Neptune]. Assures him that W. H. Smyth did not write anything of which RS could disapprove. Believes the council has the discretion to deal with anything that comes before it.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3779

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Caroline Lucretia Herschel
Date:
[8 April 1846]
Source of text:
TxU:H/L-0591.4; Reel 1058
Summary:

Reports that Biela's Comet split into two comets; JH has observed it several times. 30-40 pages of JH's Cape Results have been printed.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3780

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Caroline Lucretia Herschel
Date:
[8 December 1846]
Source of text:
TxU:H/L-0591.10; Reel 1058
Summary:

JH is working hard on his Cape Results.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel386

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
George Biddell Airy
Date:
[4 December 1846]
Source of text:
RGO 6.9.79
Summary:

Asks a number of questions that need answers before considering the purchase of a large new telescope for the Royal Observatory.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel3960

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Henry Smyth
Date:
[20 April 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.271
Summary:

Suggests method to check the effectiveness of James Dunlop's work at Paramatta Obsrvatory..

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel4001

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Caroline Lucretia Herschel
Date:
1846-[4]
Source of text:
TxU:H/L-0591.3; Reel 1058
Summary:

[Written as a family letter.] JH has corrected the first proof sheet of his Cape Results. Reports that Biela's Comet has been found to be a double comet.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel403

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
George Biddell Airy
Date:
[15 July 1846]
Source of text:
RGO 6.193.239
Summary:

About family health; JH's star counting has led him to believe that all stars are part of one sidereal system [the Milky Way].

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel412

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
George Biddell Airy
Date:
[31 July 1846]
Source of text:
RGO 6.193.130 (drafts RS:HS 1.167 & 22.277)
Summary:

Has still not received F. W. Bessel's original letter [see GA's 1844-11-16].

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel4295

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
John T. Towson
Date:
[24 August 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 17.358 (C: RS:HS 22.279)
Summary:

Discusses JT's method for Great Circle sailing.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel4320

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Henry Smyth
Date:
1846-1
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.266
Summary:

Discusses the purchase price of Mme. Witte's lunar model.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel4533

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Henry Smyth
Date:
[16 April 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.269
Summary:

Believes Beta Ursae Minoris to be a slow variable star. Remarks on diminution of the star's brightness between 1840 and 1841.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel4563

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Henry Smyth
Date:
[20 February 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.268
Summary:

Suggests trustees of British Museum make an offer for Mme. Witte's lunar model. Cape Results at press. Observed double comet.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel4576

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
William Henry Smyth
Date:
[22 December 1846]
Source of text:
RS:HS 22.291
Summary:

Believes council should decide the handling of the medal over the discovery of Neptune. Thinks that if J. C. Adams receives a medal, U. J. J. Leverrier should receive 'the more prominent distinction.'

Contributor:
John Herschel Project

Herschel4583

From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Thomas Maclear
Date:
1846-[4-22 or later]
Source of text:
Cape Archives/Maclear Papers File 100
Summary:

Describes controversy over his father's discovery of two satellites of Saturn in detail. Hopes to publish Cape Results before end of year.

Contributor:
John Herschel Project
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