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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.
Further regarding theorems recently discussed. Regarding the preface for JH's and CB's Memoirs of the Analytical Society.
Comments on decaying British domestic affairs. Deplores religion 'as established by law' in contrast with religion 'established by nature.' Has felt sombre lately. Comments on music as relief from mathematics.
Comments on unfortunately aristocratic world, JW's description of Hamlet, current investigations and perhaps too deep involvement in scientific pursuits. Is correcting friend's novel (The Victim of Villainy or Travelling Tetrahedrons). Asks JW to find mineralogical specimen.
Regarding his new researches into the theory of determining functions from given conditions. The printing of his memoir is proceeding slowly.
Urges to send copies of [S. F.] Lacroix's work and École polytechnique journal. James Grahame is successfully studying law. Grahame's father is staying with JH and his presence makes JH 'better and wiser.' Has been thinking much. Hopes JW will check on printing of Memoirs of the Analytical Society. [Letter completed 1813-8-3.]
Gives further instructions on sending books [see JH's 1813-8-2]. Comments on 'refractory' nature of religious thought. Is not in love, but teases JW about frequent visits to Thackerays. Recounts current heavy involvement in music, asking [Thomas?] Greenwood for help with harmonies.
Has been to London and procured the books mentioned by CB. Mentions differential equations of P. S. Laplace. Regarding some of CB's theorems. Problem of law of chance. Printing of his memoir.
Asks to JW to check on books apparently sent [see JH's 1813-8-2 & 1813-8-6], which have not yet arrived.
Sends a number of theorems and integrals.
Orders equipment from London through CB.
Would like to see him as soon as possible so they can prepare the preface of their memoir for the printer.
Obliquely, wishes luck and offers advice on exams. Asks for news of Cambridge scandals. Is entering law school. Encloses mathematical formula for which they had earlier searched.
Has had the bill for the printing of their memoir. Ways of raising money to pay for the printing. Comments on one of CB's equations. Will be entering Lincoln's Inn in a week's time.
Chemical news: decomposition of 'sulphuret of carbon' by J. J. Berzelius and Alexander Marcet. Analysis of 'azotane' and discovery of 'iode' by Humphry Davy. Congratulations on results of CB's examination.
Is sending chemicals. Regarding Humphry Davy's experiments with azotane. Davy's paper on iodine.
Working in law office of [F. W.?] Sanders. Attended R.S.L. last night. T. W. Hornbuckle offered JH position as subtutor at St. John's College, but JH declined. Describes paper on minerals that JH submitted through E. D. Clarke to Geological Society. Charles Babbage just made creative mathematical discovery.
Feigned reproach for CB's return to 'the Analytics.' Inquires about CB's 'Devonshire Ghost at Chudleigh.' Results of JH's chemistry experiments. Derides scientists who promote theory of 'akasch' as the one and only form of matter. Met Alexander Marcet in Greenwich.
Comments on the equation sent by CB. Has been experimenting with potassium.
Regarding CB's marriage. Possibility of a suitable situation for him.
Gratitude for CB's friendship. Chemical supplies and instruments. Describes synthesis of 'Sulphurane' [S2Cl2] and other experiments. Theories of combustion and acids. [Letter continued on 1813-9-21:] JH avidly studying law, against father's wishes.