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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.
Sends to HL a sheet of curves laid down by [Charles] Riddell, comparing Brussels declination observations with those made in Toronto. JH frequently refers to HL's work on the subject of terrestrial magnetism.
Thanks AD for a correction in one of JH's writings; tries to explain the partial echo that occurs when blowing across the end of an open pipe.
Believes that R.S.L.'s request for £3000 grant to establish permanent magnetic and meteorological observatory is too hasty. Urges caution. Points out potential problems.
Feels unable to become a member of the new society proposed by Halliwell, but wishes it well.
Recommends printing all three papers sent to JH—G. B. Airy's on spectral bands, [Robert] Hunt's on influence of iodine on photographic papers, and that by Lord Oxmantown [William Parsons] on large reflecting telescopes.
In light of minutes of R.S.L. Council meeting, outlines vision of permanent national physical observatory and, more importantly, an experimental institute or college. Hopes Edward Sabine will be interested.
Organizational matters relating to sending two vessels on an Antarctic expedition.
Is displeased by R.S.L. Council's seemingly rash resolution with regard to idea of permanent magnetic observatory.
Comments on a proposed request for a government grant to establish a magnetic and meteorological institute.
GA's correspondence with [R.S.L. president] Lord Northampton [S. J. A. Compton] will be read before Physical Committee. JH favors establishing national physical observatory and experimental institute, but wishes plan had been discussed more fully. Proposes sites, procedures, and instruments for magnetic and meteorological observations in Britain. Ideas for experimental institute.
The Physical [?] Committee is meeting the next day to deal with the question of establishing a magnetic and meteorological observatory. JH [Chair of the Physical Committee?] cannot attend the meeting and sends his supportive, but cautioning, comments.
Dissatisfied with R.S.L. procedures for establishing magnetic and meteorological observatory. Called meeting of Physical Committee tomorrow and invited G. B. Airy to attend. Busy reducing JH's observations from Cape of Good Hope.
Has called special meeting of Physical Committee to discuss SC's response to R.S.L.'s proposal to establish permanent observatory. Expresses JH's opinion and recommends temporary observatory instead. Keep this issue separate from funding for publication of present observations.
Apologizes for not having written, but has been 'harassed with desultory and importunate calls on [his] name.' Commends WS on accomplishments at Pulkowa and performance of Repsold instruments. Congratulates WS on his son Otto Struve. Received WS's figures on Halley's Comet. Comments on bright stars of variable nature. Estimates 35 or 36 magnetic observatories in the world.
L. A. J. Quetelet's observations follow centigrade thermometer and French meter. Latitude and longitude for five sites. Three sites are unknown to JH. Hopes WB completes [reduction of barometer observations] before B.A.A.S. meeting.
Advice on how to project barometric observations onto curves.
Responds to GA's circulated material for the Standards Commission; suggests time to digest the information.
Must report progress of meteorological reductions to B.A.A.S. Send specimen of 'Curves' before first week in September. Gives latitudes and longitudes for North American stations.
Reports that there is no bust of William Herschel at the R.S.L., as JH once believed.
Requests documents about the disagreement between George Napier and Andries Stockenström, which developed at the Cape. In the course of this request, JH expresses his feelings on the matter.