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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.
Expresses his views to FB about the meeting of the Admiralty, Greenwich Observatory, [and members of the Astronomical Society?] held the previous day.
In reply to FB [see FB's 1831-8-25], JH believes that [Henry] Taylor, the person who had done all the reductions of the observations [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue, should be asked to write the preface, both by reason of his familiarity with the material, as well as having earned the right to do so.
Grieved to hear of Fearon Fallows broken state of health; in response to FB's request, JH reviews a number of possible candidates to succeed Fallows.
Expresses JH's preferences with respect to the appointment of the Cape Observatory astronomer in terms of the choices available [Follow-up letter to JH's 1831-9-13].
Concerned that JH has not received 'Cape papers' sent with FB's letter. Estimates not yet called for. FB will see that Cape [necessities?] are not forgotten. When will JH present R.S.L. recommendation of 'the Expedition'? That would be good opportunity to 'fire another shot' at Lord Minto [Gilbert Elliot] or Mr. Wood.
Forwarded JH's letter to Lord Minto [Gilbert Elliot]. John Russell sent Antarctic resolution of B.A.A.S. to Minto at Admiralty six weeks ago. Glad that JH finds Lord Melbourne [William Lamb] favorable to this enterprise.
Comments on the work of T. G. Taylor in reducing the observations for [Stephen] Groombridge's catalogue, and on an appropriate remuneration for the work. Enclosed are comments for the benefit of Taylor.
Offers opinions about the instructions to be furnished to the Cape astronomer, especially about tide and meteorological observations, and about surveying an arc. JH hopes to see Thomas Henderson before Henderson leaves for the Cape to assume the post of astronomer there.
Sent as a letter of introduction for Captain [William] Edie, who was hurt on an expedition in southeastern Africa, and who knows much about the region.
A note about procedures for forwarding JH's papers to the Admiralty.
A note accompanying a letter about meteorological and atmospheric investigations.
Admiralty not able to lend JH any further equipment to take on JH's expedition to the Cape.
Is forwarding a note about an instrument of [Louis] Daguerre's.
Agrees with FB and others about the need for adequately trained men to be sent out to remeasure N. L. Lacaille's arc.
Has prepared a room for him and Edward Sabine to discuss Australian affairs on Tuesday next.
Thanks for the congratulations. News of his daughter's marriage. Mrs. Beaufort would like to renew her acquaintance at some future date.
Is sending him the plans and report of Klip Fonteyn [?]. He will forward them later to the Astronomer Royal.
Has mentioned to Dr. T. R. Robinson their hopes of supplying the Cape Observatory with an equatorial telescope and theodolite. Encloses Robinson's comments. George Dollond would take two years to mount such a telescope. Curious paper in the Comptes rendus.
Has been requested in confidence to ascertain whether JH would be interested in accepting the Savilian professorship and the Radcliffe Observatory.
Encloses two meteorological reports of J. A. Lloyd (who has been ill with fever), and a paper of Dr. T. R. Robinson.