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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.
Owing to ill health has had to quit H.M. service at the Cape and has been residing with his brother. Intends applying for the position of curator of the herbarium at Trinity College, Dublin, and would welcome a testimonial from JH. Sending this letter c/o W. J. Hooker as he does not know JH's address.
Believes the enclosed letter from W. H. Harvey refers to his candidature for a position in Dublin College. Thinks him a worthy candidate. Would like to show the Herschels round Kew anytime.
Regarding the habits and flowering of Cape bulbs. Has just had a good collection from the Cape. The Dublin post is still vacant.
Would like his views on a name for the combination of hydrogen and chlorine. Comments on the various theories. Has replied to [L. F.] Moser.
A letter of even greater urgency about the very serious state of health of Madame Gerlach, the aunt of NS [see JH's 1843-10-20]. Madame Gerlach is living with the Herschels [as tutor? or governess?].
As JH has not heard from NS, he has arranged for Madame Gerlach to stay with Mrs. Mason, now living in part of JH's former residence at Slough. But under no circumstances can Madame Gerlach return to her duties with JH's family.
May he submit JH's name as a candidate for the Honorary membership of the Literary Society; gives list of the other candidates.
Gives his own ideas concerning the origin of diamonds and would like JH's comments. Would also like JH's views regarding the phosphorescent light that plays at night over the magnesite excavations.
More on confused systems of star magnitudes used by Thomas Henderson.
Is glad to have been put in touch with WH again. Supports WH for the Professorship of Botany in Dublin. Reminisces about the good times at the Cape.
Sends copy of announcement from [Hervé] Faye at Paris observatory of a new comet in Orion. Requests use of JH's letter about double tail on [Halley's] comet in Astronomische Nachrichten. Note from Faye has a gross error in location of comet.
Highly recommends a [William H.] Harvey (formerly Government Treasurer at the Cape) for the professorship of botany at Dublin.
Has been delayed in congratulating WH on pension by a delightful visit from Maria Edgeworth. Praises highly verses sent by WH's sister to Lady Herschel.
Assures CH that he has preserved everything that she ever wrote to JH or that he found in William Herschel's library.
Jokes about WH's recent 'astronomical insignificance.'
Thomas Henderson discovered a comet on 2 December. Thanks JH for diagram of JH's comet-sweeping telescope.
Regarding glass for the telescope for the Cape Town Observatory?
Has had visitors which accounts for the delay in answering letter. Thanks for memoir additions. Is sending paper dealing with use of CB's work. Somervilles are still in Rome. Is glad to hear good news of his mother.
Sending him papers on his machine. Would like to see him when in town to discuss various matters. His youngest son has arrived in Calcutta.
Requests advice on the setting up of a sick benefit society. Remarks on some of CB's queries.