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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.
Supports the remeasurement of N. L. Lacaille's geodetic arc in South Africa, giving a number of reasons for his support.
Comments on the operational and organizational details of the magnetic and meteorological observatories, and on the supervisory committee's [the Physical Committee of the R.S.L.] responsibilities.
Is grateful for referring him to Capt. Ludlow. Has now moved himself to Falmouth. What does JH think of the chances of success of a popular book on photography? He is contemplating the idea. Hears that J. B. Biot considers the production of colored drawings impossible, but is not convinced himself. Encloses description and drawing of a very clever instrument.
Sending some papers he should have returned earlier. Anxiety regarding his brother is relieved by the acquittal of Captain Levick. Will possibly return to England now.
Enjoying a couple of days idleness. Regrets to hear about the proposed new road. Suggests ways of preventing it if on JH's land. Proposes a February visit.
MM has been selected by the King of Naples to be Director of the Central Board of Meteorological Observations for Naples. Would like any of the publications of the R.S.L. relative to the Fixed Observatories.
Requests permission to submit JH's name to the Lieutenants of the Counties of Kent and Sussex as a Magistrate for the two counties.
Giving reasons why he would not like his name put forward as a magistrate.
Thanks for his kind and flattering letter. Fully understands why JH cannot spare the time to be a Magistrate, so will not submit his name.
Has dispatched a military force to St. John's River. Outlines recent political events at the Cape. The educational scheme progresses well. Has had an acrimonious letter from Andries Stockenström.
About some aspects of the magnetic survey, and who shall pay for it.
JH is captivated by science of photography. Has blundered onto 'Calotype leaving out [W. H. F.] Talbot's principal ingredient!!' [Note added by daughter Isabella Herschel:] Papa is in hurry. Greetings to family.
Argues that John Hind is sick from too much observing, and should be given funds to take an extended vacation.
A notice of meeting of the Standards Commission.
Thanks JH for letter [RS:HS 14.304]. Discusses the list of principal fixed stars and its problems. Mentions several corrections that must be made.
Sends letter from [A. T.] Kupffer regarding magnetic observations. Discusses Great Toronto Disturbance of 18 November and observation of it at Greenwich, St. Helena, and St. Petersburg.
Discusses problem involving JH, George Peacock, Humphrey Lloyd, and Wilhelm Weber regarding the price of magnetometers. Also mentions reports of magnetic observations in Russia and at the Cape of Good Hope.
Asks JH's advice on the publication of various observations. Is also awaiting advice from Humphrey Lloyd.
Relates Humphrey Lloyd's complaint that JH sent Mr. Meyerstein's letter by mistake. Asks JH to forward [A. T.] Kupffer's letter along with those enclosed from Charles Riddell on the magnetism survey in America. Asks for JH's advice on the publication of the observations.
Insists on inclusion of all data and graphs in the publication of the accumulated magnetic observations, made as part of 'perhaps the very greatest scientific operation ... ever ... undertaken....' Urges that funding be sought from the government.