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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.
Thanks for the copy of JH's Physical Geography. Comments on some of the sections of this work, especially the Weald. Sends his own paper on the 'Permian.'
Outlining the requirements for the new Assistant Secretary at the Geographical Society. Gave Frank Buckland encouragement last week.
Attended the lectures given by JH's son at the [Royal Institution] and Michael Faraday and Bence Jones think he should not be considered for the post at the Geographical as he is cut for more scientific things. Would like JH's views.
Sends the appendix to the volume being printed and hopes he can quote the extract from JH's letter. Comments on James Croll's theories. Points out a mistake in the report from the Morning Post.
President of the R.S.L. has suggested that RM should propose Sir Henry Barkly as a fellow. Comments on Barkly's work in geography and geology.
Introducing two Russians, N. de Khanikoff and P. H. A. Moritz, who would like to visit JH. They are interested in making a magnetic survey of Georgia and RM has written a letter supporting their claims to the Grand Duke Michael. Meeting was marred by the death of J. H. Speke. Now on their way to Bristol.
Regarding the feasibility of a translation of Carl Ritter's geographical works. Will put the matter to the Council of the Royal Geographical Society and let JH know their views. The Russians were grateful for JH's help.
Sends a Memoir of W. E. Hickson for JH's views so that he can communicate the paper to the Royal Geographical Society. Regarding a maritime expedition to the North Pole. There never has been a North Pole Expedition.
Thanks for letter, but has not received W. E. Hickson's memoir. Regrets JH sees no use in a survey of the North Pole region. The scheme seems to be one that the President of the Geographical Society should encourage. The ribald buffoonery of the Times has done much good amongst the scientific world.
Regrets he was out when JH's son called, but has sent him a card for Saturday. Pleased to hear that JH supports RM over his David Livingstone appeal. Suspects that Livingstone will turn up after a year.
Is bewildered in his old age by the new theories of James Croll on the glacial epochs. What does JH think of these theories? Sees no proof of glacial action in Paleozoic times.
Is grateful for a copy of 'Spaziergang' in Latin verses. Envies JH's varied accomplishments. Fourth edition of his Siluria will be issued in October. Relates how James Croll was appointed a geological surveyor in Scotland.
Tyndall wishes to resign his lectureship at the Royal Institution. If Alexander [Herschel] would like this position, RM can recommend his appointment to the Governors.
Outlines the constitution of the Royal School of Mines. Now finds he has to consult other professors before he can recommend Alexander [Herschel] for a Lectureship.
Pleased that JH can come on the occasion of F. W. Bessel's visit, as W. R. Hamilton, G. B. Airy, and Francis Baily cannot come. Comments regarding Foreign Orders.
Charles Babbage believes that RM prevented Babbage from becoming president of B.A.A.S. Denies this. Hopes JH can keep Babbage 'from overloading the cup of misfortune.'
Attempts explanation of curious subterranean acoustic phenomenon at Nakoos. Explains other natural acoustic phenomena and eruptions of geysers in Iceland. P.S.: Do not nominate JH to council of Geological Society.
W. S. Stratford, G. B. Airy, and JH agree that B.A.A.S. should publish star catalogs of N. L. Lacaille and J. J. L. Lalande without using government money. Proposes distribution to observatories. [JH annotation: Committee added two more observatories to list.]
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.
[Marked 'Private & Confidential.'] Seeks help from JH and George Peacock in persuading 'His Eminence' to change date of meeting.