Showing 81–98 of 98 items
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.
Writing in confidence, informs JH of a conversation with Humphry Davy concerning the appointment of assistants for John Pond, Astronomer Royal. Situation complicated by Pond's precarious health and the widespread belief that JH would be the appropriate successor to Pond.
Responding to JS's letter of 1823-12-19, advises caution in countervening John Pond's preferences in the appointment of Royal Observatory assistants. Were the post of Astronomer Royal to become vacant, JH would be 'anything but disinclined to offer myself for it,' but will not make a 'premature declaration' of his willingness to accept it.
Will bring a transit instrument to Slough so that JH and JS can determine its longitude. Proposes joint observations of the satellites of Saturn. Has been observing 61 Cygni.
Has been ill. Should we publish our observations of 340 double stars or extend the number to 400?
Gives a formula related to a table published in the Nautical Almanac, which table listed various stellar observations made by John Pond.
Presents a system WW has devised for designating the faces of crystals. Asks JH whether it would be suitable for presentation to the R.S.L.
Comments favorably on a method developed by WW for designating the faces of crystals. Presents a method JH had worked out previously, but writes on the letter: 'Not sent—On rereading his letter I find it is his idea—strange!'
Praises and comments on some proposals made by WW for designating the faces of crystals. Urges him to present his method to the R.S.L.
Advises WW on how to submit WW's paper on crystallography to the R.S.L. Asks him to visit Henry White.
Strongly praises WW's completed paper on crystallography. Questions one point in it.
Was pleased to receive JH's letter. Regrets to hear of the death of Sir William Herschel. Grateful to the Board of Longitude for their assistance. Regarding the deficiencies of one of the clocks. Work carried out. Site has been approved for the new observatory.
Is applying for the position of actuary at the Law Life Assurance Society and would be glad of a letter of recommendation from JH; please direct a letter to Messrs. Peace as soon as possible.
Received the letter. Hopes he will be successful in his application for the position of Actuary to the Law Life Society. Has a high opinion of his mathematical papers and has used his system in his own works.
Has been very busy and has only now had a chance to work on the inscription. Suggests various forms. Would like his comments on these.
Queries regarding Sir William Herschel's telescopes, and requesting JH's advice on certain astronomical matters.
About meeting Walter Scott, lawsuits and family news.
About books JG has read including some poems by JH.
Is coming to London and wants to see JH.