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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.
Suggests an improvement in measuring techniques for astronomical observations, by making the angular measurement by direct and then reflected vision. JH wonders whether this idea might be appended to a paper currently under consideration by the R.A.S.
Is sending WW a large collection of writings on optics and light.
Discusses a variety of observations related to double stars, and asks FS to make some specific observations to compare with JH's work. Reveals JH's dream of going to the Southern Hemisphere for a number of years, but asks FS to keep it quiet, as 'many ties' stand in the way.
Vacant rooms at Somerset House and possibility of the R.A.S. being allocated some. Suggests a meeting with Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex) to press their cause.
Further remarks on the possibility of rooms for R.A.S. at Somerset House. Will be pleased to see him at the visitation. Is working on a paper on the proper motion of the stars.
Has determined the periods of four double stars. JH considers the determination of the elliptical orbits of double stars as 'one of the greatest [discoveries] ever made.'
When they last met, JH had promised to show him some of the wonders of his 20-ft. reflector. Is in town for a few days and would welcome the chance of visiting him.
Of JG's travels in the south of France, fighting in France, and family news.
Sends preliminary observations that will be prefixed to her book [Mechanism of the Heavens]. Wants JH to make any criticisms of it before it is published.
Comments with great satisfaction on WD's observations, and their close agreement with JH's for many of the same double stars.
Would like to see him when in town and introduce him to J. J. Lister and his uncle Luke Howard. Thanks for JH's Prelim. Discourse. Baron Etten is dead.
Borrowed JH's book (Prelim. Discourse) but is so valuable that he intends to purchase a copy. Comments on various passages.
Returns the collection of optical writings that JH had sent. Comments on the controversy over the nature of light. Criticizes paper by Richard Potter attacking JH and other wave theorists of light.
Regrets that William Herschel could not see JH finish WH's catalogue of double stars; thrilled that JH has revived WH's name.
Must postpone visit with MPH until tomorrow. Need to say farewell to Guthries, who leave Balstrode soon. Both babies are fine. [JH note:] Regrets postponement.
Is in financial difficulties, about to quit the farm, and would be grateful for a loan of £300.
Announces the birth of JH's second daughter, Isabella, of whom JH draws a picture; all are well.
Sorry to hear of JL's financial misfortune. Must delay responding to JL's request until JH confers with JH's wife.
Prof. Barlow's paper on 'fluid refractor' leaves WS doubting JH's report of Beta Capricorni.
Is grateful for his help. Encloses note.