After returning to Britain, please deliver the annexed letter to her brother-in-law, Roderick I. Murchison.
Showing 41–60 of 187 items
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.
After returning to Britain, please deliver the annexed letter to her brother-in-law, Roderick I. Murchison.
Describes various geological aspects of the Cape area and mentions JH's astronomical work. Regrets that RM's brother is leaving the Cape.
Reports on location of a planetary nebula. Expresses thanks for book by [Robert] Woodhouse.
This letter is being delivered by a Capt. William Edie of the 98th, recently returned from Andrew Smith's expedition up the Caledon River, in the Orange Free State.
Sent as a letter of introduction for Captain [William] Edie, who was hurt on an expedition in southeastern Africa, and who knows much about the region.
Comments on importance of 'geographical observatories' like JL's as complementary to astronomical observatories, and outlines their chief objects of enquiry. Suggests that JL have observational results examined and published, and recommends taking many hourly observations.
Sends papers of astronomical observations by a Capt. J. A. Lloyd of Mauritius. G. T. Napier's projected plan for an observatory at Canton.
Some comments about constant error in TM's observations.
Sends the thermometers he made at sea. Made them as accurately as he could. Introduces Lady William Bentinck.
Much obliged for JH looking over the observations. Comments on these and the accuracy of the Cape circle and mural circle. Will send his observations on Crucis.
Congratulations on the birth of an infant. Niccolo Cacciatore is still working with the meridian. There has been no fall of aereolites in Sicily in spite of reports in the papers.
Encloses the Brisbane observations. Appears to be a discrepancy in some of the stars.
Thanks him for his letter of sympathy. Gives news of financial awards made, and forthcoming to Mary Somerville, W. S. Stratford, and Michael Faraday.
Asks WE to take charge of a packet of JH's astronomical papers to be given to Francis Baily in England. Wishes WE restored health.
Has arranged with Lady Herschel for Sir John to spend a night at the Observatory. Come early; then he can reverse the transit instrument. Is not satisfied with the performance of the transit clock. Intends to clean it. Is ready to adopt JH's suggestions for measuring the tides. Curious that JH and [T. G.?] Taylor should suggest similar plans for measuring the divisions of a mural circle.
About the difficulty of measuring high and low tide with the instruments available to TM; offers the design of an instrument that would measure the mid-point between high and low tides.
Sending his observations of the recent comet. JH's journey has aroused great interest in Germany. Taking over the Observatory and expecting a visit from F. W. Bessel. Wilhelm Struve has planned a new observatory for St. Petersburg. Has met astronomer Manuel Johnson from St. Helena. C. F. Gauss has produced a method of observing the magnetic needle.
Prospects good for crossing Kalahari Desert and visiting Musalacatzie [Moselekatse], 'dreaded tyrant of the interior.' Heard reports of extraordinary animals and great inland lake. Describes planned itinerary and John Barrow's observations.
Found his recent stay at the remote German castle very restful. Gives details of a large flight of crows and compares it to nebulae. Cure for sore throats. Hopes the South Easters do not disturb him. Intends spending the winter in Paris. Hopes that JH is preparing a two volume work on his scientific experiences.
Reports on JH's meteorological observations at the Cape of Good Hope, including observations of barometric fluctuations and of the intensity of the sun's rays.