Thanks JH for advice on the pursuit of astronomy, especially concerning the importance of mathematics. Desires to know astronomy not just as a 'pleasurable companion' but as a 'bosom friend.'
Showing 1–20 of 22 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.
Thanks JH for advice on the pursuit of astronomy, especially concerning the importance of mathematics. Desires to know astronomy not just as a 'pleasurable companion' but as a 'bosom friend.'
Requests that JH join many other scientists in signing a declaration in support of scripture.
Tried Kew and the Admiralty for actinometers but had to obtain one from Henry Barrow in the end, which was broken en route. Thinks these are too fragile for mountain climbing.
Wants to send JH's reply to the circular [see JH's 1864-9-6] to the author of the circular, and allow him to reply.
Regarding the antiquity of the + and - signs. Origin of quid vides.
Hears that JH sits in his study with a stove. This is unhealthy for anyone with bronchial tendencies.
Is grateful for JH's reply. Gives reasons why he was looking for smaller and more portable instruments to take with him to the Alps.
Regrets 'stupidity' of Italian post office, which lost note sent to JH suggesting reprinting of passage from Treatise Astr. of 1833 on operations of sun in second edition of JT's book. Also wants to publish JT's 'extremely philosophical views' on muscle contraction.
Acknowledgement of order from JH.
Asks for information on William Herschel.
JH expressed himself with great precision in the old Discourses. Concerning one of the publications of the B.A.A.S.
Thanking him for his letter to the Times [apparently on freedom of religious opinion].
Outlines disadvantages of establishing a gold currency in India.
Introducing two Russians, N. de Khanikoff and P. H. A. Moritz, who would like to visit JH. They are interested in making a magnetic survey of Georgia and RM has written a letter supporting their claims to the Grand Duke Michael. Meeting was marred by the death of J. H. Speke. Now on their way to Bristol.
Would like to visit JH, together with his friend Dr. P. H. A. Moritz, Director of the Observatory at Tiflis.
Is returning JH's paper on 'solar spots.' Comments on George Wilson of Glasgow and his suggestions on the use of telescopes. Encloses copy of a letter on the Moon's rotation. Was pleased to see JH's letter in the Times on the agreement between Scripture and Science.
Has just returned from a short tour of Russia. Visited Pulkowa and Nijny Novgorod. Had difficulties with couriers. JH's suggestion for a rotating disc with slit to reduce sunlight sounds feasible. Weather was unsuitable at Pulkowa for any observations.
Will be very glad to send his paper to the gentlemen concerned, but encloses their names and addresses in case JH wishes to send direct.
Sending a new edition of his own work on the Plurality of Worlds.
JH's statement regarding scientific inquiry and religion seems to him invaluable, and he agrees with it entirely.