Showing 1–20 of 47 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.
Regarding a possible error by JH in one of his equations [see CB's 1816-10-10]. Proposes a plan for a new work on analysis.
Regrets his blunder. Send him Wilson Lowry's address and he will write. His own recent experiments with platinum.
Much philosophizing about life, work, and happiness.
Is glad JH is coming to town. Another son born. They must revive the Analytical. Explains a problem in functional analysis.
The state of the country and friends, and please push JG's book.
Has sent letters in a parcel. Regarding functional equations of the first order.
Note to the effect that Dr. William Clarke of Trinity is a candidate for the Professorship of Anatomy. Hopes JH will support the Dr. [This letter is an appendix to CB's 1817-2-17]
About JG's book on population and a pamphlet on the usury laws [letter completed 1817-2-26].
Will send part of JH's manuscript and Hirsh's book. Has introduced E. F. Bromhead to the R.S.L.'s club and Sir Joseph Banks. Is about to draw up a sketch of the history of functions.
Outlines the events at Cambridge and the defeat of the reform GP hoped to introduce in the mathematical examinations.
Discusses university politics. Misses JH. Impressed by [Edward] Bromhead's mathematical abilities. Is considering translating a book by S. F. Lacroix. George Peacock's Tripos examination questions have caused controversy. Believes Peacock should have stressed applied over pure mathematics.
When his lectures have finished he will attend to JH's request regarding the inscription of Dr. G. H. Noehden. Hopes he will attend one of Sir Joseph Banks' Sunday evening gatherings and show the specimens he has given JH; also show them to W. H. Wollaston.
Thanks for the two letters and the interesting matter they contain. Hopes JH will come when [William?] Clark[e]'s election takes place. Has put JH's name on the Syndics. Will not cease to exert himself in the cause of [mathematical] reform. Vice-Chancellor is against change.
Discusses inscriptions presented to Cambridge University by [Claudius] Bucharman. They are only facsimiles of those given to the Jews at Cochin, written in Hebrew, Arabic and Malabar.
Encloses one of E. F. Bromhead's papers. Has collected all his letters relating to functions. Has he a copy of his paper 'Solutions...'? Regarding the properties of curves. His scheme for symmetrizing all functions.
On JG's ignorance of mathematics.
Reports problem publishing JW's music. Relates adventures of churchmen and students at Cambridge.
Of poetry, usury laws, and the assizes [letter completed 1817-5-24].
Has been to Cambridge. Regarding JH's paper dealing with notation. Has been working on his history of functions.
Schedules time in London next week to cast two mirrors for 20-foot telescope. Details of mixture to be used for mirrors. Questions about casting process. Tells JH to consult 'Messr. Devey' for answers. Plans to visit Greenwich soon. Hand tremor makes writing difficult. Received letter from [Ragreneau?] inviting Herschel family to breakfast tomorrow.