Showing 61–80 of 244 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.
JH's views on relation of British Imperial measures to length of Earth's axis were misrepresented in 18 May article. Explains them in detail. Notes scientific basis of British system.
[Printed notice] Invitation to meetings of 'Royal Geographical Society.'
[Printed notice] Ask election support for A. J. Beresford-Hope, representing Cambridge University.
Addresses problems in metric bill introduced to Parliament by William Ewart. Argues for the retention of the British system of weights and measures. Shows that the inch can be defined as one five hundred millionth of the length of the earth's polar axis.
In Dec. 1867, JH offered small theodolite to Pierce Butler for survey of Sinai peninsula, and agreed to serve as co-trustee of Sinai Survey Fund with Henry James. Heard nothing until news of Butler's death and announcement that F. W. Holland and George Williams would take leadership and that RM was involved. Renews JH's offer, but health prevents JH from attending meetings.
JH is bound by promise to J. M. Cameron not to sit for portraits by other photographers. Will not sign photograph of JH sent by JS if this is intended for publication. Offers to write article on musical scale for Quarterly Journal of Science.
Recalls CS's promotion to senior clerk in Mint office in May or June 1854, with full approval by W. H. Barton. Attests to CS's merits then, but advises CS to seek recommendation now from current master of Mint.
Congratulations on success in observing solar spectrum and corona. JH's views on sun's corona [with diagram]. Agrees that communications in India are abominable.
Difficulty understanding notation used in [FJ]'s pamphlet on musical scales. JH's comments on [FJ]'s formulas and conclusions.
Thanks JH for calling AH's attention to 'mischievous & preposterous metric measure bill.' Will work to defeat it [in Parliament].
Working on rejection of metric bill [in Parliament]. Grateful for information provided by JH.
Problem of Irish church has forced postponement of Parliamentary discussion of metric bill until 13 May.
Thanks for JH's notes on metric system. Will study these before Parliamentary debate on 13 May. Calculates that 63 percent of exports go to British possessions, while only 18 percent go to Continent. Sees this as argument against introducing metric system.
Why did French chose arc from Dunkirk to Barcelona as basis for metric measurements? Explain meridian lines. Why are linear metric measurements founded on arc, rather than on straight line? Criticizes William Ewart for introducing metric bill.
Death of William H. Barton.
Hoped to succeed late William H. Barton as comptroller and deputy master of Mint, but learned that government plans to make this office a political appointment. Seeks testimonial from JH on CS's behalf.
Disappointed that Benjamin Disraeli's secretary, Charles Fremantle, was appointed to vacancy left at Mint by death of William H. Barton. Thanks for JH's efforts on CS's behalf.
Sends copy of FJ's new theory of musical scale. Asks JH's opinion.
Responds to JH's critique of FJ's theory of construction of musical scale.
Asks JH's approval for naming George Williams to take charge of Sinai survey fund following death of Pierce Butler. Will ask Secretary of State for War [J. S. Pakington] to place H. S. Palmer in charge and assign draftsmen and photographers to assist. Suggests survey goals. F. W. Holland agreed to join survey party. Estimated cost of survey is £1220.