Is obliged for his comments on the future of Kew Observatory. They differ from the others received, but they will be read out. Has he ever thought of publishing his reports to the R.S.L.? Thinks it would be a good idea if they could be published.
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.
Is obliged for his comments on the future of Kew Observatory. They differ from the others received, but they will be read out. Has he ever thought of publishing his reports to the R.S.L.? Thinks it would be a good idea if they could be published.
Reports on recent solar eclipse photographs of the solar corona which jeopardize JH's meteoric theory of the corona's origin. Concludes the corona must be 'after all a phenomenon of eruption!!'
Sends calculation of the Transits of Venus in 2004 and 2012. Cannot find any record of new double stars. Is in doubt about R. Leporis. Quotes an historical incident regarding an eclipse of the sun and the removal of Mahomet's pulpit. Did F. X. von Zach make his calculations himself?
Admits that recent heliographs of the corona favor the eruption theory over JH's meteoric theory. Notes that this raises question of the nature of the photosphere. Cites recent results showing link between sunspot formation and terrestrial magnetic disturbances.
Outlines the recent work in terrestrial magnetism by H. T. R. Petersen and himself. Comments on their results.
His object in suggesting that JH's reports should be purchased was to preserve them from oblivion.
Announces business meeting of Council on 11 Mar.
Suggests that meteors come sometimes from the sun, more typically from other stars.
Needs address of [H. J. R.] Petersen of Kiel, to whom JH must send grant of £50 from B.A.A.S. for reduction of Gaussian constant. Gives address of G. A. Erman. JH's poor health.
Sends a copy of his book on the science of color. Their theories regarding color seem to becoming more popular.
Will send B.A.A.S. grant for £40 directly to G. A. Erman for reduction of Gaussian constant unless WS hears differently from JH.
Thanks WS for volunteering to forward B.A.A.S. grant to G. A. Erman while JH is ill.
Is looking for an observer for a newly-mounted telescope in India for the December 1871 eclipse. Would JH's son John be available?
Regarding a reflector for observation of the forthcoming eclipse.
Is gratified and encouraged by JH's approval of JN's illustrations of the lunar surface. The improvement in printing processes makes it possible to use such photographic illustrations.
Does not know what commitment of John Herschel (JH's son) would be for December 1871, but encourages GA to communicate with him [see GA's 1871-3-13].
Outlining his work at the Royal Observatory since 1839 and requesting an addition to his income.
Announcing the death of her husband Augustus.
Offers JH the first exemplar of AQ's work [Physique sociale]. Realizes no one will ever appreciate years of work that it has taken.
Reiterates his congratulations to AQ for his work on statistics. Believes AQ will have many readers. Mentions that JH is now eighty years old.