Tells JH that the Lucasian Professorship has become available. Believes most Cambridge people favor JH. Urges JH to write the electors, i.e., the heads of the Cambridge colleges.
Showing 81–100 of 111 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.
Tells JH that the Lucasian Professorship has become available. Believes most Cambridge people favor JH. Urges JH to write the electors, i.e., the heads of the Cambridge colleges.
Wanted [JH] to become Lucasian Professor of Mathematics, but electors favor one of Heads. This will also operate against Charles Babbage.
Still concerned about possible changes to GP's memoir [see GP's 1826-1-28] due to the work of P. S. Laplace. Comments on illness [?] of F. X. von Zach.
Shares some gossip, and asks advice about a dedication for JG's book.
Thanks JH for advice on a legal matter.
The first volume of Johann Pfaff's German translation of William Herschel's papers has been published; asks JH to inform her whether he wants a copy. Commenting on her boredom, CH laments that her 'sole employment consists in keeping myself in good humor and not be disagreeable to others.'
Worried about JH's love life.
Mentions a four month absence from Dorpat. Commends [James] South on his work on double stars yet states that South's distances for nearby stars are too large. Considers his measurements, previous to his [Josef] Fraunhofer telescope, significant, even if South refuses to accept them. Thanks JH for the difference in the longitudinal measurements between Paris and Greenwich.
About plans for the Christmas season, the weather, history writing, and book publishing.
Writing on behalf of her husband, Charles, who is away, GB expresses her thankfulness for JH's kindness, and believes Charles will agree to be nominated for secretary of the R.S.L.
Information on a Mr. Atkinson. Remarks on dispersion of rays in glass.
Giving further details and readings of the comet he has been observing.
FB has seen P. M. Roget and Stephen Groombridge, who both give their support to Charles Babbage's election. FB is very concerned about the lack of an R.S.L. Council meeting when most council members would attend.
Sending a copy of his letter he has sent to J. B. J. Fourier [see JG's 1826-11-22]. Comments on readings and observations of this comet.
Is anxious to talk to JH about the matter of Charles Babbage's election. Believes Babbage being out of town is best, thereby leaving matters in the hands of his friends.
Has heard a report that [Humphry] D[avy] is not prepared to nominate Charles Babbage and that D[avy] would be glad if J. G. Children would become Secretary of the R.S.L. Nonetheless, WF hopes that Davy will change his mind.
Has just returned from collecting information on machines. Regarding the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge. Has met a clockmaker who is able to work on his machine.
Informs JH of the need for a short R.S.L. Council meeting.
Restriction to reside constantly [at Cambridge] may deter Charles Babbage from position of Lucasian Professor.
Describes her role in William Herschel's work as 'a mere tool which he had the trouble of sharpening and to adapt for the purpose he wanted it.' Sending to JH the first volume of Johann Pfaff's translation of William Herschel's papers in three weeks; believes that JH will be unhappy with it.