Sends some new theorems concerning undisturbed parabolic motion; believes that much remains to be discovered in this field.
Showing 41–57 of 57 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.
Sends some new theorems concerning undisturbed parabolic motion; believes that much remains to be discovered in this field.
Seeks London bookselling agent through whom to direct copies of JH's Cape Results for Dublin scientific groups. Discusses pretty names for new planets. Thanks for WH's memoir on quaternions.
Wants WH's quaternion mathematics to be challenged; also worries that quaternions will become merely 'a private and personal skill' instead of a method that can be taught.
The equatorial on the Dublin Observatory dome needs improvement. In the last fifty-two months, WH has seen three new planets: Neptune, Iris, and Flora.
Thanks WH for 'plan' of [asteroid] Iris. Family is happy to have WH's son (JH's son William's friend) with them for holidays. Recounts their playful and adventurous activities.
WH notes that quaternions derive some interesting results in problems with three moving bodies.
Describes the funeral of James MacCullagh; mystified why he committed suicide.
Wonderingly admires WH's quaternions. Lady Herschel has not yet thanked Eliza Hamilton (WH's sister) for the poetry because of serious illness. Except for influenza, would wish WH's son to visit for Easter. Mentions 'political extravaganzas.'
Asks WH to forward Dr. [Mortimer] O'Sullivan thanks for two sermons on preparation of the world for the reception of Christianity.
Is glad that WH is trying in his Lectures on Quaternions to clarify principles of quaternions. Suggests that WH define highly abstract terms.
A Mr. Patton has applied for a position as astronomer. Is he 'conversant with practical observing'?
Expresses deep sorrow upon hearing of death of WH's sister [Eliza Hamilton]. Is anxious to see WH's finished work on quaternions. Hopes WH has made it clear and simple.
Eloquently, metaphorically congratulates WH on finally publishing Lectures on Quaternions.
Again admires WH's quaternions but begs that WH make them more accessible. Suggests book with rules clearly stated and examples relating them to ordinary problems.
Reports favorably on sections of WH's book [Elements of Quaternions] that JH read. Predicts its importance and wide circulation. Is too busy to read more now.
Sends back manuscript of WH's [Elements of Quaternions] with comments. Says it's excellent but somewhat distracting to a beginner.
Apologizes for not returning sheets of Elements of Quaternions sooner, but was ill. Again cautions WH that method might be too advanced for elementary readers.