Appears to be providing JH with the most recent news about JH's aunt Caroline.
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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.
Appears to be providing JH with the most recent news about JH's aunt Caroline.
Indicates that JH is unaware of any such constellation as that to which CM has referred.
Is very pleased about FA's biography of JH's father, William. JH comments on what pictures of William Herschel might be available to be included in this biography.
Discusses possible meteorological and magnetic research possibilities in the colonies, particularly at Bermuda.
Thanks WS for the description of the Pulkowa Observatory. Remarks on the discovery of the new planet [Neptune], 'a most spirit stirring event.' Questions whether a small distant satellite of Jupiter could have escaped detection.
Seeking information to help JH prepare an obituary notice, for the R.A.S., of F. W. Bessel.
Sends some books in response to JH's request for information about F. W. Bessel [see JH's 1846-12-20]; GA's daughter Hilda is very ill.
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."'
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.
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.'
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.'
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.'
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.
Responds in detail to JH's concerns expressed in his letters of 1846-12-25. Explains that in awarding R.A.S. medals regarding the discovery of Neptune, the Council wished to avoid slighting either U. J. J. Leverrier of J. C. Adams. Gives views of G. B. Airy, James Challis, and Augustus De Morgan.
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.
JH is working hard on his Cape Results.
Asks a number of questions that need answers before considering the purchase of a large new telescope for the Royal Observatory.
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.'
Regarding appointment of staff at South African College and remarks on educational facilities. Last part of letter missing.
Lists the contents of a parcel being sent.