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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.
About MH's continuing illness [see JH's 1853-2-21] and the illness of Mrs. Knowles; some of their children are spending the weekend with JH.
[Marked 'Confidential.'] JH's reaction to paper was precisely what CT felt. Plans to communicate it to no one else.
Has not yet shown to H. D. Harness the paper referred to in JH's note to CT yesterday.
Recommendations for design and construction of new telescope proposed by R.S.L. for Southern Hemisphere. Need to coordinate observations in both hemispheres.
Custom House authorities want return of two clerks loaned to Mint. W. T. Brande chose Mr. Harding as replacement clerk. JH does not believe that Harding will work out. John Beckwith claims new record this week for number of assays.
Sends photographs of Great Dragon and the Ice Cavern in Teneriffe. Notes that images are finer when glass plates are used.
Arranges visit to Royal Mint for Prince Albert Edward and Prince Alfred.
Of the general ignorance of meteorological matters, especially among sailors; wider distribution of HP's works would help, but HP is too poor to do that.
Does not believe that the technical weights of the Bank of England should be given the same legal status as primary, and official, weights, measures, and coinage [see GA's 1853-2-11].
Prince Albert has postponed visit to Royal Mint for two princes until after Easter.
Instructions for collecting 'Gold and Silver sweep' from coining and melting rooms and arranging annual sale of 'sweep and old stores' at end of March.
Wages for Henry Finch's temporary services.
Wants to visit the Royal Mint; the coinage/weight question is more complex than GA imagined [see GA's 1853-3-15]; seeks JH's opinion on part of a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Details of how coins are tested and stamped for weight. Procedures are not regulated, and variances are common. Encloses Mr. Miller's letter on decimal coinage. [JH annotation: 'Substance sent to Airy March 21 / 53 but altogether diff in form and wording.']
Responds with return of letter part and an invitation to the Royal Mint [see GA's 1853-3-21]; expands further on the coinage/weight problem.
Regrets will be unable to be steward at a 'Public dinner.'
Talks about JH's continuing cough, refers to some bills that need to be settled, and tells MH that JH is committed to going out on Sunday, much against his will.
The book on the coinage of England in the 1670s is by one William Jeake. Comments on the diversity of coins available at that date and how their values changed by proclamation. Should the present coinage be decimalized he hopes the half crown will be withdrawn.
Winter scenes at Collingwood. Legal information about civil days beginning at midnight, while astronomical days begin at noon. Daughters Francisca, Mathilda Rose, and Amelia are well and active. Enjoying quiet pace in country.
Supports the report, but JH believes as an employee of the Treasury, he cannot sign the report on coinage to the Chancellor of the Exchequer; does not anticipate swift action on the report.