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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.
The 'psychical epidemic' that is pervading Europe has invaded HS's country, and reason flies to the detriment of science.
Responds to a letter received long ago concerning sounds. Is convinced that a 'new printed and written character' is needed. Suggests consulting Pitman's phonotype system. Believes joint use of Roman, italic, and Greek characters would create a more complete system. Stresses that he is willing to correspond, but is unable to meet in person.
Acknowledges receipt of JH's Cape Results.
Hopes JH has received letter thanking JH for Cape Results. Sends meteorological work. Hopes to quit barometric wave observations of atmospheric waves. Has worked with aides on meteorological variations. AQ's mother died.
Wonderingly admires WH's quaternions. Lady Herschel has not yet thanked Eliza Hamilton (WH's sister) for the poetry because of serious illness. Except for influenza, would wish WH's son to visit for Easter. Mentions 'political extravaganzas.'
Regrets to hear of retirement of Spencer Compton (Marquis of Northampton) from R.S.L. presidency. Is grateful that ES and others wish him to hold office temporarily, but regards it as 'impossible.'
A note accompanying some manuscript pages of instructions for ship's officers [see JH's 1847-12-23].
Has received GA's manuscript instructions for ship's officers [see GA's 1848-1-9]; there is no hurry on the remaining pages.
Comments on all of GA's instructions for ship's officers [see JH's 1848-1-10], mostly suggesting some additions about meteor showers.
Supports proposed course of action to procure for [Francis] Ronalds half of the grant and recognition given to [Charles] Brooke alone for similar photographic invention.
Requests letter ascertaining William Mann's competence, assuring his hiring as astronomer at Madras.
JH writes to the best of his knowledge about William Mann's competence in various areas.
Responds to suggestions by JH [see JH's 1848-1-22]; is worried about giving too much information.
Agrees that some of JH's suggestions about meteor showers were probably unnecessary [see GA's 1848-1-29].
Received proof pages of Admiralty Manual [see JH's 1848-2-2], and wants to add a paragraph on the zodiacal light [which GA attaches].
Declines to review C. R. Weld's book on Royal Society [A History of the Royal Society, 2 vols., London, 1848]. Fears will be unable to review Alexander von Humboldt's Kosmos to own satisfaction.
Agrees that no requests for additional observations should be made of Thomas Maclear; Admiralty Manual is about to be printed [see GA's 1848-7-15].
A note accompanying JH's copy of Admiralty Manual [see JH's 1848-7-15 or later].
Believes B.A.A.S. should continue to maintain Kew Observatory, but worries about finances. Encloses letter from William R. Birt, whose aid will maintain it for a while.
Forwarding some misdirected proofs of ship's officers instructions to JH [see GA's 1848-7-17].