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.
Thanks for his frank statement on his pamphlet, but would like his opinion later when he has studied it more thoroughly.
Has had no further communication from JH and would be pleased to receive any further comments if JH has now read the pamphlet more thoroughly.
Does not agree with the conclusion of JG's pamphlet, nor does he think an expedition necessary. Suggests termination of correspondence.
Comments on JH's objections. Hopes to print some of the correspondence in his forthcoming book.
A note of thanks for copies of recent writings by JH and his son Alexander.
Intends going to Spain for the eclipse to make observations on solar radiation. Would like advice on the type of actinometer to use.
Hears that Herchell (sic) House is for sale and would like details of the terms.
Has not advertised Herschel House as yet and does not know whether to let or sell it, but would be prepared to discuss the matter with principals only.
JH's notes and version of the first canto of Dante's Inferno has made him attempt a version in the original rhyming meter. Would like his comments.
Has received her version of the first canto of Dante's Inferno. Did she know it has already been done in an almost perfect way by Mr. Ford, prebend of Exeter? Comments on various points of her translation.
Is very grateful for his comments on her translation of Dante's Inferno. Will obtain Mr. Ford's version. Intends to continue with her translation though she sees no prospect of it being printed.
Sending a descriptive pamphlet of an optical invention of his own for simple experiments with color.
Has been considering the subject of standard weights and measures and thinks a Royal Commission is the best idea. Regrets that JH's health prevents him from being a member.
His note and the maps have arrived safely. Has made the necessary arrangements for the night of the 10th.
Has been urged to apply for the Headmastership of Sir Joseph Williamson's School at Rochester and would like JH's opinion on his suitability. Encloses a note from Edward Cooper.
Is grateful for his prompt reply; it is just what he required. Has not heard the result of his application yet.
Sending the dimensions of the Great Stone in the quarry near Baalbek. Has sent his paper to the Consul in Egypt. Greatly enjoyed his stay at the Herschels'.
Would like some contributions from JH for the Churchman's Family Magazine.
The missing parts will be sent in the Spring. The Academy would be pleased to receive any of JH's publications. Thanks for the pamphlet 'On Atoms.'
Is grateful for the testimonial and for the favorable way in which he is regarded.