Answer to FB's queries regarding chronometers.
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.
Answer to FB's queries regarding chronometers.
Is pressed by work, but will come to London if needed; domestic matters brought up to date.
Intends to visit WS after attending Cambridge B.A.A.S. meeting.
Will be able to receive JH during Cambridge trip.
Inquires about the time when WP will paint JH's portrait and about the costs involved.
Outlines possible program for Wednesday.
Would like his opinion on the enclosed plan regarding chronometers.
His son Thomas has set out for France and he himself is in London to see the passage of a bill through Parliament. Would be grateful for letters of introduction to M.P.'s with which JH is acquainted.
Regarding Society matters. Small parcel has arrived for JH.
Has sent to Francis Baily a copy of his Sailing Directions and a roll of charts. Hopes JH will point out any errors he may note.
Introducing A. T. D'Abbadie, one of his scientific friends.
Sharing some good and some bad news.
As he leads a roving life he did not receive JH's letter until a few days ago. Answers JH's problem concerning some method of measurement in his surveying.
James's daughter has improved in health and there are hopes for her recovery. Bill passed through the House of Commons successfully. Would be glad to receive letters of introduction to any members of the House of Lords with which JH may be acquainted.
Meets Lord Bute at Oxford. Requests JH observe Gamma Virginis, Castor, and Polaris with WS's 10-ft. achromatic telescope.