Sorting out some business with printing, and has done the calculations on his chronometrical observations made in 1838.
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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.
Sorting out some business with printing, and has done the calculations on his chronometrical observations made in 1838.
About several items of R.A.S. business, especially the R.A.S.M.N.
Sends a letter to JH (related to Altona Observatory business?); is working on another Notice.
Has widely distributed prints (of whom?).
Asks JH to burn letter.
Responds to JH's request for RS's opinion on [H. C.] Schumacher's contributions to astronomy. Praises Schumacher extensively.
Asks JH to review a publication RS was preparing. Comments on James South's claim concerning supposed defects in the telescope made for him by Edward Troughton. Suggests JH intercede with the government to get it to support G. B. Airy's reduction of the Greenwich planetary observations.
On JH's portrait, which RS is trying to send to JH at the Cape. Asks JH to forgive the 'liberty' he has taken with JH's 'physiognomy,' but RS wants to show off JH as an 'ornament' of Cambridge. Updates JH on Francis Baily's progress and the status of the St. Helena Observatory.
Suggests that JH publish JH's portrait along with his book [Cape Results]. Wants JH to approach the Duke of Northumberland with this idea, and if he has no objections, RS will put the touched up plate at the Duke's disposal. Does not like the idea of selling prints of it.
Suggests that JH print the portrait of JH with but not in JH's [Cape Results]. Has been working on Lt. Murphy's observations in Syria. Is pleased with M. J. Johnson's appointment to the Radcliffe Observatory. Asks JH for suggestions on projects for Johnson.
Sends JH the name and address of the printer who has an engraving arranged for by RS of JH's portrait. Requests that JH give thirty copies to Lady Herschel for her own use.
Assures JH that engravers typically take for themselves a few copies of any print they have made. If a large number of these appear for sale, then it is fraud. Suggests JH not act because the engraver is 'insane' and the exposure would hurt his family.
Needs the name of the print seller from whom JH's cousin bought the copy of the print of JH's portrait, so RS can learn how many copies are available. RS will then know whether to 'treat with [the printer] as an honest man or a rogue.'
Argues that John Hind is sick from too much observing, and should be given funds to take an extended vacation.
Reports on Francis Baily's accident and his progress. JH's 'stars' were brought to the R.A.S. and examined by Baily. Mrs. G. B. Airy's health improving. Notes William Whewell's planned marriage.
Updates Francis Baily's medical condition, noting that it is more serious than RS had thought. Thinks [James] Basire missed JH's meaning. Suggests how to improve the engraving, perhaps using pewter. Explains that he wants the catalogue to serve the needs of expeditions.
About some unfortunate private business, and difficulty with [Francesco] De Vico's star catalogue.
Gives his opinion of [George] Merz, stating that he has not done anything to 'distinguish himself from a mere practical follower of [Josef] Fraunhofer.' Requests that JH send encouragement to James Challis.
F. W. A. Argelander has requested the R.A.S. to pledge itself to publish one of his writings. RS notes that it is a rule of the R.A.S. not to do this, but rules can be broken if there is 'sufficient advantage.' Suggests Argelander's request be granted and that JH write him.
Urges JH to plead to Lord Palmerston on behalf of [H. C.] Schumacher. Suggests arguments JH might use. States that JH as 'chief of British astronomy by inheritance, by age & by service' is the ideal person to make this plea.