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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.
Entirely approves of his choice of Thomas Phillips for his portrait. Has already painted Hugh Percy (3rd Duke of Northumberland).
Has probably already received a letter from the Lord Provost inviting JH to become a candidate for the chair of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh. Outlines the duties. Hopes he will also accept the presidency of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Obliged for the present of his papers. Will keep them until the catalogue arrives. The improvements in his 20' telescope are interesting; comments on this. Will obtain the troy pound as soon as Parliament meets.
Has been induced to become a candidate to represent the University of Cambridge in Parliament and encloses his address. Would like JH's support.
Writes a letter of introduction for a friend [Dr. Robinson] of a friend to MF. Comments favorably on MF's electromagnetic research.
Inviting JH to become a candidate for the Professorship of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh University.
Reports the elements of a comet's orbit [Biela's ?] based on the observations of F. B. G. Nicolai of Mannheim. Based on these observations together with some made by F. W. Bessel, WO gives the locations for the comet during the coming month. Also comments on astronomical observations made elsewhere.
Sends set of experimental spectacles for CM to use in testing persons for color-blindness, or 'Dichromic Vision.' Proposes several tests to be conducted with these.
Seems to be writing about the awarding of the R.S.L.'s Copley Medal. [Letter almost totally illegible.]
J. J. Lister also made set of experimental glasses similar to JH's [see TxU:H/L-0255]. Lister's experiments on color-blind persons. Will forward Lister's glasses to [John] Dalton. CM plans similar experiments with JH's glasses; will forward results to JH at Cape of Good Hope. Wishes to see JH's grinding and polishing machinery.
As no one seemed to be finding Biela's Comet, JH sat up several nights looking for it and now has located it.
Will offer himself as candidate for Professor of Natural Philosophy at University at Edinburgh. Asks JH for recommendation.
Supports WR's pursuit of Edinburgh professorship. Will not, however, write to the Lord Provost for WR. Feels public steps should be taken to fill position [see WR's 1832-11-8].
Will not publicly recommend JSF's brother, James Forbes, for Chair of Natural Philosophy (at Edinburgh), but praises him, his enthusiasm, and his brother's determination that he obtain the position.
Praises JH's work on double star orbits. Translated 'Fisica Celeste' [JH's Physical Astronomy?] for use of University of Padua. Receives fourth volume of R.S.P.T. of R.S.L. R.A.S. awards GS for astronomical work. Wants to purchase a Barlow telescope for Padua Observatory. Observes Biela's Comet at Rome Observatory. Makes study of perturbations in the orbit of Jupiter.
Requests JH consider taking Chair of Natural Philosophy at University of Edinburgh due to John Leslie's illness.
Expresses shock at death of John Leslie. Declines with thanks offer to be considered for professorship of natural philosophy at University of Edinburgh.
Regarding his request for JH's support for his candidature for the chair of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh University. Reasons why he thinks JH should give him a testimonial.
Regarding DB's views on support for JH in the presidency of the R.S.L.
Hopes that JH will reconsider his decision regarding the professorship at Edinburgh University.