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.
Has examined the papers JH left with him and has no objections to the calculations; comments on these. Will forward an additional remark to Francis Baily.
Has received the Wellingtonia seeds safely and they seem all right. Glad to hear that the Paulownias have grown so well. Still has two camellias. Sorry to hear a poor account of his health. Hears reports of John Herschel [JH's son]. Own son has been called to the Bar.
Was gratified to hear that JH had agreed to devote Wednesday to the examination of the physical and mathematical classes. Is grateful for JH's help and sacrifices.
Proposes the distinguishing terms for types of navigation: 'geo-navigation' and 'celo-navigation.'
Regarding poetry and JH's gift of some of his own.
The Papers have arrived safely. The frontier is quiet.
Is grateful for the news. His own health is poor and is about to travel to Switzerland on doctor's advice.
Only on Friday was the paragraph concerning Alexander Herschel brought to the notice of JN. Comments on Alexander's work.
Uncle Duncan and his protégé were launched on their northern expedition this morning. Was unable to act on the kind suggestion owing to a visit to the dentist and the cold weather.
Much obliged for her thoughtfulness. Called and met Mrs. Gordon [JH's daughter?], who gave a good account of all at home. Has been in severe pain from a chill.
A year has passed since he sent news of local events and people. Hopes JH's work is progressing well. Gives news of local happenings at Slough.
The circumstance to which he alluded last week is thought to have taken place in 24 or 25 when the Slingsby family was at Farnham. Intends going to Paris for a few days at the end of this week.
Has not answered his letter as he was called to town. Has seen the solicitor who drew up the agreements for the letting of JH's property at Slough. The tenant can now be given notice. Would JH like JN to make it known that the property is now open to offer again?
The works JH directed to be sent to JN from the Board of Trade had arrived before Nelson returned to town. Hopes that JH will accept the contents of the enclosed packet. Can make any alteration to the size or power as desired.
Probably heard that JN has been over the channel for health reasons. Encloses a seed of a chestnut from Hougoumont. Hears good reports of JH's health.
Will be traveling abroad for health reasons, but will call at Collingwood on Wednesday.
Gives more details of F. Charsley, the future tenant of JH's property at Slough. Hopes that Alexander Herschel will not strive to scale the skyscrapers of Switzerland.
Regarding the late trial and the unsuitable tenant for JH's property.
Discusses experiment.
Discusses books loaned to JH.