From:
Caroline Lucretia Herschel
To:
Sir John Herschel
Date:
[1 December 1839]
Source of text:
unknown
Summary:
Details her daily routine.
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
Details her daily routine.
No summary available.
Is comparing 'points and measures' of new stations with [François] Arago. Also busy with daguerreotypes. Thanks for encouragements. Has necessary instruments for meteorological and magnetical observations. Mentions work done and astronomers met on Italy trip. Discusses Prince Albert.
Is sorry JH was unable to be with them at the Anniversary meeting. Has had a further letter from the Admiralty regarding a pendulum.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Still invalid. Offers to be godfather for JH's new child [Maria]. When does JH plan to move from Slough?
Discusses L. J. M. Daguerre's patent application, JH's experiments in making light sensitive paper, and JH's determination to give up photographic researches so as to return to preparation of JH's Cape Results.
Approves of the R.S.L. letter written to the Rajah of Travancore. Notes that the Court of Directors has approved the change in observatory locations from Bombay to Singapore and from Doon[?] to Simla. The site of the Canada observatory in Toronto has been chosen. Discusses a committee meeting time and expenses. Mentions Mr. Clark's work in atmospheric electricity.
Has had no further tidings of the pendulum so has drafted the enclosed letter.
Comments on many different processes in photography. Still has not tried the Daguerreotype, although WT has had the equipment for a considerable time.
Discusses a unique plant fossil, possibly a Calamites in fruit and the logistics of JSH viewing it. States that rather than the fossil being sent to JSH, in its fragile condition it would be better for a drawing to be made under the supervision of his son, William Bowman. Offers to send JSH a description of the fossil via his son, along with analysis by Robert Brown. Recommends Brown’s analysis of the fossil for inclusion in Fossil Flora and states that it would make a good opening plate.
Also states that he has recently seen several specimens of an unusual Stigmaria in Leeds and has arranged for drawings and description to be sent to JSH for Fossil Flora. Gives his own description of the specimens as well. Offers to find coal fossils for JSH.
Has been experimenting with photographic papers. Outlines some of his experiments. Has prepared some papers for sale.
Replies to JH's letter of 1839-12-10. States that George Napier has informed him that four positions are to be filled. Asks JH which candidates he would recommend.
Discusses JH's efforts to secure applications for teaching positions at the Government Free Schools at the Cape of Good Hope. Lists a number of candidates.
No summary available.
In a postscript, Basil Hall says that he plans to bring his camera when the Hall's come to visit so that he may photograph what remains of the great 40-foot reflector.
Is working towards having the government hire the school masters [see GN's 1839-9-30] that GN asked JH to find. JH has also spoken to Lord John Russell about Andries Stockenstrom's plight. [Letter finally completed on 1840-2-11.]
In response to KK's 1839-10-22, JH sends information on [A. F.] Osler's anemometer, and on magnetic measurements to be carried out.
Requests another copy of WH's paper on light, recently read at Royal Irish Academy, having sent JH's own copy to Prague's [Karl] Kreil for description of [Humphrey] Lloyd's vertical magnetometer contained therein. Has WH yet found the three axes of the universe? Comments on WH's sister's 'charming' poetry.