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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.
Expands on GA's proposed letter writing scheme in place of holding a magnetic congress [see GA's 1844-7-30].
Sends JH a letter from Thomas Maclear, in line with Francis Beaufort's instructions.
Will send the information to Mary Somerville. Death of Francis Baily is most grievous. Hopes JH will write an obituary. Society has to elect a new president. Regarding his own algebraic papers.
Some comments and questions on mathematics.
Sends copy of ES's memorandum to George Peacock describing progress in publication of magnetic and meteorological observations. Encloses copies of observations from Antarctic survey and Ceylon. Reasons for H.E.I.C.'s hesitation to expand survey by C. M. Elliott. Praises C. J. B. Riddell's book, which described portable magnetic apparatus that is now requested by observers worldwide. Recent changes in other instruments. Reimbursement for instruments provided to observatory in Newfoundland. Recent results of surveys on Continent, in Canada, and by Capt. Blackwood in Torres Straits.
Has just examined the area between Dublin, Paris, and Heligoland for waves. Self registering barometers would be useful.
Left prints of Francis Baily for JH, and will send a pamphlet about a long standing controversy in which RS was involved.
About trying to convert some surveys to a base using RS's standard yard.
Having difficulty drawing the Great Nebula in Orion using both JH's and [Francesco] De Vico's observations; prints of Francis Baily are almost ready.
Doubtless JH has heard of the death of the writer's cousin Francis Baily. There is a legacy of £1,000 due from Baily's estate.
Forwarded to George Peacock JH's letter of 11 Sept. Karl Kreil will send self-registering instruments that ES ordered for Kew observatory. Influence of vapor pressure on barometer readings. Introduction of hygrometers.
Has been unable to return the papers as he has been so busy. Proposes making working drawings as he suggests. Will take the papers to the Dover Railway to ensure their safety.
George Peacock returned JH's papers, with letter by Peacock. ES forwards these to JH.
Thanks JH for papers on light and photography. Enjoyed her visit to Collingwood. Feels privileged to be godmother to JH's daughter.
Comments and questions about a 'cone of the second order' in mathematics.
Has just returned from London where he has taken his son, ready to go to Christ's Hospital. Would have called on JH but believed he was not at Collingwood. Hopes to meet him at York. Comment on his recent photographic work. Would like to obtain a position in London.
Attempts to determine light curve of Eta Argus; describes methods for determining magnitude. C. P. Smyth uses R.A.S. theodolite telescope. TM will triangulate Bushman Flat. Parallax work at Cape Observatory continues. Reports progress of new government Secretary, [John] Montague.
Magnitude changes in Eta Argus. Compares methods for measuring brightness. Difficulties completing 'sector observations.' C. P. Smyth's problems with theodolite at Cape Agulhas. Mrs. [Mary] Maclear recovering after serious illness. New roads and bridges in colony.
His answer to the queries has not reached him; sends duplicate. Will receive Trans. of the Silesian Soc. Forthcoming map of stars and revision by JH. Does he require the observations of the meteorological terms be fixed?
Offering hospitality to JH should he attend the B.A.A.S. meeting at York. Has been studying the theory of the manufacture of achromatic telescopes. Comments on the quality of glass available. Swiss seems to be best, though expensive. Deplores the loss of Francis Baily.