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.
If he will send him what notes he has on his father he will forward them to [Josiah?] Quincy. Can he let him have definite news as to the disposal of the History?
Has been occupied in London with Railway business and so has been unable to make a copy of his father's History. Will obtain the services of an amanuensis to speed things up.
Hopes to have the corrected copy of his father's History ready in about 10 days. If JH will give him the style and address of Dr. [Josiah?] Quincy he will send it direct.
Has sent a copy of his father's History by the Boston steamer to Dr. [Josiah] Quincy. Believes the latter was hurt by the delay in his reply. Has been engrossed with railway business. Intends sending the original manuscript to Quincy.
Has now succeeded in grinding his 20" speculum and it is ready for polishing. Would like to see the mounting of JH's telescope as it is not clear from the engraving.
Is grateful for JH's offer of assistance and proposes to visit him next Wednesday. Congratulations on the addition to his family.
Has been unable to return the papers as he has been so busy. Proposes making working drawings as he suggests. Will take the papers to the Dover Railway to ensure their safety.
Is hoping to establish a practical school of chemistry in London, and would like to add his name to the list of supporters.
Nine conditions under which JH will accept and test instruments constructed for Cape [of Good Hope] observatory, including the assistance of Mr. Davies in evaluating these.
Details regarding the Admiralty Manual of Instruction. Number of copies and compensation for JH.
Delayed thanking him for the testimonials until he could give news of the outcome of his application. Position is still undecided, but he cannot be made professor as he does not possess an M.D.
Has been appointed Curator of the Herbarium at Trinity College, and his friend Dr. G. J. Allman professor. Is very pleased, and the use of library and society makes up for the loss in salary compared with the Cape. JH's testimonial had great weight with the authorities.
When he was staying with Headlam he arranged to show him round a chemical works. Wonders if the sketch JH made at the time of a method for reducing chemical fumes is still extant. Would be glad to receive a copy of it, and the name of the works.
Remembers taking him round the chemical works of Losh, Wilson and Bell, but is unable to give any news of the manuscript as Mr. Losh is away on the continent. Hopes he will visit them again in the future.
Would like JH's advice on the setting up of a professorship in memory of John Dalton.
Comments on the pros and cons of a statue or professorship in memory of John Dalton. Would favor a professorship. Thinks the rules should be amended. Knows a good man for the position.
Is grateful for his letter concerning the proposed professorship. Outlines some of the alterations he proposes to submit to the Council. Hopes to raise a subscription of £5,000 to £6,000. Offer a salary of £200 per annum. Encloses the newspaper articles.
Sending a letter via Ca'colia Gibson raising various queries regarding nebulae.
Extensive letter answering the many queries about nebulae raised by AH in his 1844-4-18 [letter contains notes made by AH].
Thanks for his instructive letter. Comments on the terms suggested for the chemical change. Has now improved his chromatype process. Unable to continue his researches on light owing to lack of finance.