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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.
Nine conditions under which JH will accept and test instruments constructed for Cape [of Good Hope] observatory, including the assistance of Mr. Davies in evaluating these.
Would like JH's advice on the setting up of a professorship in memory of John Dalton.
Comments on the pros and cons of a statue or professorship in memory of John Dalton. Would favor a professorship. Thinks the rules should be amended. Knows a good man for the position.
Is grateful for his letter concerning the proposed professorship. Outlines some of the alterations he proposes to submit to the Council. Hopes to raise a subscription of £5,000 to £6,000. Offer a salary of £200 per annum. Encloses the newspaper articles.
Returns his interesting specimens. Has read his communication in the Physical and Chemical sections. Regarding the use of certain terms. Had long discussion with W. H. Fox Talbot on matters of Light. Has been offered a position at the Birmingham Institution. Is there any chance of obtaining a position in London?
Sending his Magnetic and Meteorological Annual for 1842. Any publications in exchange should be addressed to the Institute of Mines, St. Petersburg.
Gives news of the death of JN's father.
Approves of proposal by A. T. Kupffer and Edward Sabine for international magnetic congress under JH's leadership. [Reply to JH's 1844-7-22 to HL.]
JH appointed to a committee with G. B. Airy and William Stratford on the reduction of the calculations of N. L. Lacaille's stars.
JH, William Whewell, George Peacock, Humphrey Lloyd, and Edward Sabine are appointed by the B.A.A.S. to study systems of simultaneous magnetical and meteorological observations. They will be granted £50.
J. H. Lefroy returned from McKenzie River [Canada] having established at least 350 magnetic stations between there and Red River, 'a fine pendant for [J. C.] Ross's survey' in southern hemisphere.' If expedition continues through winter, it will provide excellent survey of North American disturbances.
Francis Baily contracted with RT to print N. L. Lacaille's catalog of stars and J. J. L. Lalande's Histoire céleste. Account was suspended after Baily's death until B.A.A.S. meeting in York approved its continuation. Requests £300 from JH, chairman of grant committee.
Has sent on the draft report on magnetic observations to W. S. Stratford for completion [see JH's 1844-10-13].
Does not think that RH would be satisfied with the position of Assistant Secretary of the R.S.L., as it is largely clerical, and would not allow much time for chemical or photographical experiments. JH is not aware whether there is a position available at the Royal Institution, but would be willing to speak to Michael Faraday.
Received notes on omission of passage [1844-9-26] in good time. Asks JH to return proof of report. Regaining strength before going back to study Toronto volume.
Edinburgh [Review] named someone else as the person who found the true correction of the rate of pendulums on account of the atmospheric medium. ES actually discovered the correction first. Discusses [James] Ross's intensity ovals.
Sending proof copies of the report on the Toronto meteorological observations. Asks JH to make suggestions for corrections and improvements.
Obliged for JH's comments regarding pendulum apparatus. Discusses the article that wrongly attributes ES's discovery to [F. W.] Bessel and [Francis] Baily.
Thanks for letter regarding equinoxes and solstices. Intends to work on physical phenomena of globe. Resumes meteorological observations. Awaits Cape Results.
Lists supplies sent to JH. Reports on Miss Baily's need for quiet repose but generally good recovery after her brother's death. (She looks forward to JH's visit.) Outlines Francis Baily's biography and lineage.