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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.
Has been given every facility to erect his telescope in Malta. Atmosphere has been excellent for observations. Has studied the satellites of Uranus and the ring of Saturn; the latter is puzzling. Has been astonished with the views of Orion.
If the Herschels intend visiting the B.A.A.S. meeting at Liverpool he will be pleased to accommodate them.
Was indebted to JH for the names of the satellites of Uranus. Will find details of his observations in the R.A.S.M.N. Gives volumes. Is thinking of returning to Malta and erect a larger telescope.
Thanks for his suggestions respecting the mode of observation by collimator; will give it careful consideration. Sends two photographs of the method of mounting his observation tower.
Do not let the error in Outlines Astr. disturb him; he quite understands. The 4-foot telescope proceeds. The speculum has been polished and awaits trial. If JH is attending the B.A.A.S. meeting hopes he will visit Lassell.
Discusses installation of a 4-ft. aperture equatorial telescope. Describes plans for a glass polishing machine in great detail.
Sends a lithograph of the 4-ft. aperture equatorial. Has made no observations with it yet. Had difficulty with the surface of the speculum. Comments on the drawing and on the use of the instrument. Cannot recollect seeing any of the irregularities pointed out by JH in his letter.
Pointing out the reasons for some apparent discrepancies in the drawing of his telescope. The drawing was hurriedly done by his daughter.
Was grateful for the copy of JH's article on the telescope. Sends parcels containing two specimens of 4-ft. specula; comments on these. Weather has been unsuitable for observations.
Is on the point of departure for Malta and would welcome letters of introduction from JH.
Thanks JH for his efforts in having Sir Benjamin Brodie provide letters of introduction for WL's time in Malta.
Details about WL's preparation for departure for Malta.
About WL's activity in setting up his observatory.
Recently observed nebulae. Changes in island climate reduce observation time. Happy that JH plans to publish all nebulae in one catalogue. Has no new ones to offer. Observations of Saturn's rings. WL's telescope.
Delighted with performance of WL's telescopes in Maltese climate. Invites JH to visit. Awaiting JH's catalogue of nebulae. Seeking assistant.
Describes galaxy-like gaseous nebula with interior elliptical ring.
Received JH's list of nebulae. Will observe and confirm as many as possible. Honored by Alexander Herschel's offer to be WL's assistant. Defines WL's expectations of assistant.
Best candidate for WL's assistant seems to be [Albert] Marth of Durham. Describes new planetary nebula.
About the procedures WL uses when observing, and the responsibilities of an assistant.
After receiving testimonials of the highest order he has appointed [Albert?] Marth to be his assistant. Encloses some observations of nebulae. If JH's sons are visiting Malta he would be pleased to see them.