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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.
R.S.L. Council approved publication of ES's paper on magnetic observation at sea. Discussions for North American magnetic observatories continue.
Sends his paper for communication to the R.S.L. Will send some more examples later as his camera has developed a defect.
[John] Lefroy should replace [Charles] Riddell in Canada. Discusses proposed Norwegian observatory and proposals for various instruments. Navy officers may be helpful observers in colonies.
Returns the photographic drawings of W. H. Fox Talbot with many thanks. Fears for their permanence. Has produced similar pictures himself acting on bromide of silver with hydrocholoric acid. Has had trouble with his periscope lens.
Regarding Prof. Baden Powell's paper on dark bands. Is making catalogues of the moveables of the observatory.
Considers paper by [Baden] Powell to be worthless. Sent it to JH today care of Mrs. Stewart.
Responds to JH [see JH's 1840-5-16 or later] indicating to what address GA had sent his reply [see GA's 1840-5-17].
Hopes to meet with JH to discuss some data. Announces that at the Newcastle B.A.A.S. meeting, JH, Humphrey Lloyd, and ES were appointed to a subcommittee. Discusses what James Ross will do on his return from the Cape. Announces the possibility of ten new observatories in Russia.
Concerning prism refraction.
Father has died and he has taken over the business. Would like references as to where he can find information on instruments.
Was gratified to receive his memoir and to find many of his doubts corrected by JH's experiments. Hoped to enclose some sulphuretted papers but the chemicals went astray in the post. Intends to follow JH's example and precipitate a glass.
Gives new instructions about receiving medal; asks about the timing of the award.
Relays communications from [Charles] Riddell in Toronto, who is making progress on the observatory there and has selected an officer of the artillery for an assistant. Suggests the meeting of the Physical Committee be moved. Discusses other matters of various observatories.
Encloses a letter from Boston, which may host an observatory. Has sent Boston information.
Is puzzled by JH's use of a word in his volume on astronomy; can he explain its meaning. Points out further misprints. Hopes JH will edit the works of his father [Sir William Herschel].
Rejoices at welcome JH received on returning to England from the Cape. Excellent resources at his disposal at Pulkowa. Mentions coin, commemorating opening of the observatory, sent to JH by means of [H. C.] Schumacher. Refers to [Otto] Struve's work on double stars. Lauds capacity of large refractor at Pulkowa Observatory.
Encloses a letter from [John] Lefroy about an 'outbreak of [solar] spots' observed at a certain time. Speaks of purchasing instruments and of writing to the secretary of the Amer[ican Philosophical?] Society.
Thanks for his long letter regarding education at the Cape. The five teachers have now arrived at the Cape. Comments on education at the Cape. Further regarding the Andries Stockenström affair.