Regarding the revision of the instructions for the magnetic observatories.
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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.
Regarding the revision of the instructions for the magnetic observatories.
Has just received JH's circular. Was not fully aware of the labor involved in drawing up the Report of the Council. Needs a new edition of the part concerning the fixed observatories. Outlines method for new edition. Sabine should be responsible for the material on Magnetic Surveys.
Did not realize his question would require so much of JH's valuable time to answer. Hopes to introduce some safe German Philosophy into the appropriate departments at Trinity College. Will look into the Lehrbuch.
Received his letter enclosing Edward Sabine's a few days ago on returning home. Busy at College; otherwise would have written. Could have attended a meeting of Committee of Physics had he known. Discovery of the new planet is a triumph. Has he heard of the attempt to destroy the telescope of William Parsons (3rd Earl of Rosse)?
Before he sends the 'Instructions' to the press would like to know if there is any objection to the use that he has made of JH's Admiralty Manual.
At the last meeting of the B.A.A.S. a resolution was adopted calling for the continuance of the Magnetical Observations. Would work through the joint R.S.L. and R.A.S. committees as before. Would JH agree to continue as chairman? Let him know at the Athenaeum where he returns in a few days.
Has not seen the paper in the Smithsonian Institution, but believes the author is in error. Has looked at A. L. Cauchy's Dispersion Memoir, but thinks Baden Powell's paper presents a more distinct formula. Hopes to send in a few weeks the first volume of HL's [Observations Made at the Magnetic and Meteorological Observatory at Trinity College, Dublin].
Comments that A. J. Fresnel's papers in the Annales de chimie are really incomplete sketches of theories, which he developed later. Theory clearly stated in [Felix] Billet's Traité d'optique physique. Friend of his at Trinity College has produced a peculiar liquid.
Pointing out one aspect of JH's report with which he does not agree, viz., the advantage of very small magnets in observations.
Some personal and some general astronomical news.
JH reiterates his support of a South Polar expedition.
Is anxious to hear from HL about his ideas for a major expedition for magnetic observations being considered by the B.A.A.S.
Further comments in preparation for discussion of major expedition [see JH's 1838-10-22] with representatives of the government.
Responds positively to HL's 1839-4-17, and adds some additional comments.
About times at which magnetic observations should be made at each observation station.
G. B. Airy needs HL to send him the information used to set up colonial magnetic observatories.
About the urgent need to prepare a report on the magnetic observations, and that HL is the most logical person to give direction to it.
Urges some revision in both the report and instructions for the magnetic observations.
Asks HL for comments about the question of continuing the magnetic observations.
Question of procedure about considering the magnetic observations for publication.