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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.
Sending mathematical papers of his friend for JH. Is on the point of going soldiering again. Would welcome position of tutor if she hears of one going vacant.
Offers consolation to Margaret Herschel on the death of her daughter Margaret Louisa.
Expresses happiness that JH's health has improved and comments on various family matters.
Sending a copy of a book he has found of great benefit. News of his household. Mrs. Gordon (JH's daughter Caroline) must have been shocked at the death of the Prince Consort.
Mostly family news, concluding with concerns about family finances.
Was pleased to receive her note when Willie [William James Herschel] visited him. Hopes Willie will be happy in his married life. Was unable to accompany Willie to Aylesbury. Sorry to hear she has been unwell.
About family finances, JH's health, and activities around the house.
Some friction has arisen between JH and MH over finances, and JH apologizes; JH is describing the newly-acquired horse, and reports on mail received and the activities of the children.
Is grateful for her letter of condolence on the death of his niece. Is thankful to hear of the safe arrival of her son. His own health is better.
Reports on accommodations and the activities of those family members with JH.
Tells MH about the contents of letters from sons John and William, and about daughter Isabella's illness.
[Samuel] Parlby papers are in the hands of [John] Steuart, who will hand them over to the new Attorney General when he arrives. Several epidemics have visited the Observatory and William Mann is now convalescing in Natal. [James] Adamson has caused unpleasantness with the reduction of the meteorological journals. Railroad building has stopped at the Cape. Difficulties with the electric telegraph.
Responds to MH's report on the health of [?]; JH and family went out nightingale hunting last night. [Also enclosed is a short letter from daughter Amelia to MH.]
Pleased to hear of the birth of a daughter to their daughter Maria [Hardcastle]; JH has been breathing carbolic acid fumes for the treatment of bronchitis.
News of the family servants, correspondence both JH and MH need to deal with, and prospects for son John.
Will be pleased to come on Friday and receive Sir John's counsel.
Outlining the chances and difficulties of bringing the [Samuel] Parlby case before the Cape Government. Alexander Herschel would have been delighted with the display of shooting stars and volcanic eruptions seen at the Cape last Thursday.
Reports a second failure over the [Samuel] Parlby affair. Buried Ellen last Thursday. Unemployment and lack of food at Cape owing to the financial difficulties of the government. Difficulties over the standards now.
Tells MH about the wedding plans of son John and Mary Power; comments on the health of daughter Constance, and sends a silly sketch by Emma Hardcastle. [Part of the letter is illegible.]
About traveling to Halton; JH is finding working on his double star catalogue fairly severe drudgery.