Sets out JH's preferences with regard to developing a system of reductions of astronomical observations that could then be easily applied.
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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.
Sets out JH's preferences with regard to developing a system of reductions of astronomical observations that could then be easily applied.
About the prices of telescope mirrors, and specifically the one of T. J. Hussey; recommends use of certain stars to test the optical quality of the mirror.
Thanks GA for the second volume of his observations; wishes the publications of the Astronomer Royal were as good; adds some comments on polarization of light by liquids, and then talks about observing Georgium Sidum [Uranus], and deals with the orbits of satellites of planets generally.
Comments on GA's and Edward Sabine's work on the figure of the earth; describes some results JH obtained from using quartz for polarizing light, and is unhappy with the proposed recipient of the R.A.S. medal, M. C. T. Damoiseau, whose lunar theory JH cannot understand.
An extensive discussion of the best way of presenting the results produced from the observations made at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, together with comments about the duties and responsibilities of the Astronomer Royal.
Is trying to clean up JH's nebulae observations preparatory to leaving for the Cape; comments on communications from F. G. W. Struve about double stars.
Is grateful for GA's encouragement to prepare JH's nebulae observations for publication before leaving for the Cape; it now seems clear to JH that he cannot leave before 1833; JH has had further communications from F. G. W. Struve about double stars [see JH's 1832-5-4].
Encourages GA to consider favorably the offer of Hugh Percy [Duke of Northumberland] of donating a telescope to Cambridge Observatory.
A note along with letters from R. A. Cauchoix, the telescope maker, and [J. C. Spencer,] Lord Althorp, about the B.A.A.S.; JH is trying to clean up observation reports before leaving for the Cape.
Further about the telescope to be donated by Hugh Percy [see JH's 1833-8-15], along with a promise that JH will write to R. A. Cauchoix about the telescope.
More about arrangements with R. A. Cauchoix and the telescope for Cambridge Observatory; JH also comments on the state of his nebula work.
Hugh Percy has approved the arrangements, which JH had made with R. A. Cauchoix [see JH's 1833-9-29].
Describes the tests and adjustments JH has recommended to Thomas Maclear to try to remove anomalies from the functioning of the transit circle at the Royal Observatory, Cape of Good Hope; also comments on the beauty of some southern nebulae.
Congratulates GA on being honored by H. M. Government [GA was offered a knighthood, which he declined], and of being appointed Astronomer Royal, and further tells GA about some of JH's observations, and the instruments in use [letter finished 11 Oct.].
Has been asked to serve on a Standards Commission, to reestablish standards destroyed by the fire in the Houses of Parliament [1834]; is willing to serve.
About JH's visit to Carl Friedrich Gauss, and Gauss's well-devised magnetic measuring instruments.
Asks a number of questions about a projected South Polar magnetic expedition.
Details about proposals for magnetic expeditions, as they are to be presented to British government [see GA's 1838-11-12]. Also included is a copy of the resolutions passed at a B.A.A.S. meeting on 25 Aug. 1828.
Comments on the work of the Standards Commission, hoping that it will move quickly to a conclusion [see GA's 1838-11-14].
Replies to GA's request for meeting dates [see GA's 1838-11-14], and suggests ways to shorten the work of the commission [see JH's 1838-11-16].