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.
Has forwarded some of the late Professor Thomas Henderson's manuscripts to JH. An application may be made to the Government for a pension for the daughter. The books are to be sold and he will send a catalogue.
Finds the surplus is about to be divided among the members of the Strand Friendly Institution. Comments on this and gives reasons for the surplus.
Returns the documents with many thanks. Augustus De Morgan's letter seems very satisfactory. Regarding the expenses of management. Will call on him later.
Asks RM to forward letter [see JH's 1844-7-22] immediately to G. B. Airy.
Very upset at an attack launched against JH in a manner that denigrates JH's father, William Herschel, in the process.
Is not certain whether Mrs. Jones has written, but wishes to let her know his health is much better. Has heard good reports of JH's memoir of Francis Baily. Frightful tragedy for the Youngs. Is James well again? Hopes JH's family members are well.
Hoping to publish a register of examples of curves based on his own Septenary system of generating lines. Would JH be interested?
Cannot explain why GA's letter did not reach JH.
Changing a date of meeting for the magnetic committee of the B.A.A.S., and inviting GA to be there.
Regarding the disposal of Andrew Bain's fossil remains from the Cape.
Sending his Magnetic and Meteorological Annual for 1842. Any publications in exchange should be addressed to the Institute of Mines, St. Petersburg.
Would like CL to use his influence to obtain a place in Christ's Hospital for one of Robert Hunt's sons.
Will act as JH suggests and call to see the Prince Consort's secretary. Has no power himself to secure a place at Christ's hospital.
Encloses a copy of a letter received from Prince Albert's secretary; has sent the original to Robert Hunt. Encloses a note received from Hunt this morning.
Thanks GA for offer of accommodation [see GA's 1844-11-2], but JH says he must stay with Miss [Elizabeth] Baily at Tavistock Place.
Wonders if JH could be persuaded to write a series of articles on meteorology for the Gardeners' Chronicle. If unable, could he suggest a suitable substitute?
Magnetic questions have been sent to foreign observers but not the British. Why?
Is publishing a work on rare atmospheric phenomena. Lists names of persons who have assisted with observations. Would like to inscribe the book to JH.
J. F. Daniell informs JL that the table was calculated by William Galbraith. James Apjohn states everyone is in agreement that the absolute heat of steam is constant, but JL disagrees. Intends raising the matter of John Southern's experiments at the next meeting of the B.A.A.S.
Obliged by JH's letter. Would he let him know what he thinks of raising the matter of repeating John Southern's experiments. His own eldest son has gone to Langley; he shows little aptitude for figures but a decided turn for Natural History.