Excerpts from a letter to the R.S.L. that accompanied copies of GP's work on lunar theory.
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.
Excerpts from a letter to the R.S.L. that accompanied copies of GP's work on lunar theory.
Congratulations on the birth of a son. J. W. Lubbock had no chance at Cambridge. Is pleased he did not have to make the journey. Mr. Lacy, a curate at Tring, would like an introduction to JH as he has several interesting communications to make.
Must see him on an important matter.
Rev. Humphrey Lloyd's paper on conical refraction agreed with WH's conclusions.
Unsatisfied with H. W. Pickersgill as the person to paint JH's portrait. JH wants to consider further what to do.
Sending JH various publications. Reports that Richard Jones is giving his introductory letter. Congratulates JH on birth of an 'experimental philosopher' [JH's son William James].
Sending a copy of his testimonials and one of his reports on meteorology. Was elected to the chair of Natural Philosophy by a majority of 21 to 9. His cousin Leslie Melville hopes to be able to provide JH with letters before JH's departure for the Cape.
Sends copy of [Hudson Gurney, Memoir of Thomas Young, M.D. (1831)]. Plans larger work. Does JH have any letters fit for publication?
Sends paper for Philosophical Magazine with reference to JH's communication in the last issue. JH may annex comments, unless he will cut SR 'to pieces.'
Inviting JH to his house if he attends the meeting of the B.A.A.S. Proposes to visit JH in London.
Further comments on the painting of H. W. Pickersgill. Hopes that JH will sit for Pickersgill. Also hopes that JH will attend the Geological Society Anniversary on the fifteenth.
Of health and reminiscences of the past [letter completed 1833-2-22].
Has sought, and is agreeing with, advice given about JH's involvement with several trusts [?] during JH's time in South Africa.
Best wishes to JH on his voyage to the Cape, and comments on what wonders JH may observe there. [Letter largely illegible.]
Congratulates JF on obtaining, after some difficulty, the Chair of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh. Accepts offer to discuss meteorology with JF's relation Leslie Melville[?], and hopes to mention his actinometer.
Is grateful for his letter and offer to show her any G. C. L. D. Cuvier letters. Was pleased to see his letter as she heard he was at the Cape in pursuit of constellations. What shall she do with the forthcoming copies of her book on fishes he ordered?
Shocked to read in paper of HK's loss. Offers condolences.
JS is most welcome to visit Slough to see new baby [William James]. [Margaret Herschel note: Invites JS to christening.]
Hears that JH is contemplating a rotatory roof for his telescope at the Cape. Sends details of a method he has devised for his own observatory. Will send a drawing of it next week. Will be pleased to show it to JH if he is that way.
Exhibits on Wednesday at 2 o'clock. Sends tickets. Hopes to dine at the Athenaeum.