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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.
Intends applying for the chair of Practical Astronomy at Glasgow University. Outlines the work he has already done in astronomy. Would like a testimonial from JH.
Is grateful for the testimonial JH has sent, and will be pleased to use it in support of his application to Sir G. C. Lewis.
Has received a letter from Sir George Lewis stating that he has been appointed to the chair of Practical Astronomy at Glasgow University. Is grateful for his support.
Circular letter informing him that the third volume of his Cathedra Petri will be published shortly.
Sending the prospectus for the third volume of his Cathedra Petri. Would like his friends to talk about it, and a competent person to review it. Has just had a friendly letter from William Whewell, the only one of his friends now resident at College.
The B.A.A.S. meeting is to be held at Aberdeen and would be pleased to accommodate JH should he be attending the meeting. Will not be going himself.
Is pleased that JH has been appointed to succeed Elizabeth Baily at Tavistock Place. Regarding a situation for Miss Baily's servant.
Is thinking of publishing a biographical dictionary and encloses an article on JH, which they would like him to revise if necessary.
Had a card to visit Greenwich Observatory the same day as he received JH's letter so was unable to visit him.
Intends to stand for the University of Cambridge and would be pleased to receive his vote and interest. [Note on JH's reply: Shall have his vote; in any case will not vote against him.]
Would be grateful if JH would allow his name to be added to AH's Committee.
Charles Lyell has given her JH's translation of J. W. Goethe's poem. Comments on it.
His letter and accompanying packet arrived for which accept his best thanks for the valuable contribution to the literature of physical geography. Is gratified by JH's commendation of his own Physical Atlas.
Has no objection to his letter being communicated to the R.A.S. Comments on his observations. Thanks for his paper on musical pitch. Sees that new copper coinage is to be introduced and hopes that JH will use his influence to introduce the decimal system.
Royal Society of Edinburgh would like JH to referee a paper on the mean temperature of the earth by J. D. Forbes. Would JH be willing? Sends a little biography of the late Professor Thomas Henderson, who is now nearly forgotten in his native city.
Relates his experiences while visiting the Paris Observatory with G. B. Airy. Later travelled to Brussels to meet L. A. J. Quetelet. Is now preparing for a visit to Ireland and Mrs. Maclear will go to Bedfordshire. The meteorological observations [of the Cape] are to be printed in England under the direction of Robert FitzRoy.
Relates experiences while on a 10 day visit to Ireland. Now waiting for a train to Aberdeen. Professor [Philip?] Kelland injured in rail accident at Hitchin. Comments on the carelessness of railway workers. Agitation again at the Cape over the recall of Sir George Grey. Jack [TM's son?] has received orders for service, perhaps China.
Is a candidate for the position of Radcliffe Observer and would be pleased if JH would send a testimonial to the Radcliffe Trustees.
Thanks for JH's article on Physical Geography from the new edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Comments on this and gives details of some of his own researches into the causes of ocean currents.
Sends a small fragment chipped from the second great bell. Comments on the metal of the bell and the causes of the cracks. Unable to attend the R.S.L. dinner tomorrow.