Repeats yesterday's protests against W. S. Stratford's refusal to send revised proofs to RS. Hopes G. B. Airy will not blame JH for delay.
Showing 41–57 of 57 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.
Repeats yesterday's protests against W. S. Stratford's refusal to send revised proofs to RS. Hopes G. B. Airy will not blame JH for delay.
Responds to JH's request [1847-6-28] that RS inquire about Samuel B. Lamb. Has visited [W. R.] Dawes and his telescope; thinks he will be productive. Lefevre [George Shaw-Lefevre?] has started for the university, adding 'what chance he has of success I can't guess.' On JH's contacts with Cambridge University.
People do not consider JH vain. If JH wants to give his [portrait of JH; see JH's 1847-7-1] to people, this would not be considered vanity on his part. Gives impressions of U. J. J. Leverrier after meeting him at the Royal Observatory.
Congratulations for Cape Results. Excellent memorial to William Herschel. [Engravings of JH's] portrait were distributed to famous astronomers in northern Europe. Fragile nature precludes shipping it to Italy, India, and America. Believes J. R. Hind and George Bishop have right to discovery of new planet [Iris].
Hopes JH will attend the November R.A.S. meeting to stress the importance of recording solar observations [drawings of sunspots]. On J. R. Hind's work. Says Hind is not strong enough for the work he gets through. Cannot find G. Schwinck's address; suggests contacting H. C. Schumacher.
Suggests alteration in list of observatories that JH sent to W. S. Stratford. Advises JH to include private astronomers on list also. News of [Elizabeth] Baily. Needs to borrow Francis Baily's apparatus for measuring length.
Has received a letter from [W. C.] Bond stating that Maria Mitchell observed the comet on 1 Oct., several days before it was seen by [Francesco] DeVico (3 Oct.) and by W. R. Dawes (7 Oct.). Proposes calling it 'Miss M. Mitchell's comet' and asks if JH has any objections. Knows DeVico will 'growl.'
Maria Mitchell 'shall have her due honor,' despite [Francesco] DeVico. Discusses problems with the R.A.S. awarding medals and honors, the loss to the R.A.S. of Francis Baily, and the issue of proposing foreign associates. Proposes a list of such to JH. Objects to DeVico, but is the head of a publishing observatory and has found comets. Urges caution in appointing Americans. On publishing R.A.S.M.N.
John Lubbock entitled to bring his proposal before R.A.S., and to the best advice they can give, but the idea of explaining new views on physical astronomy strikes RS as 'objectionable' in principle. No one will understand his presentation. How to proceed with this. RS's work on the standard yard.
John Lubbock wishes only to explain his system, so there is no reason why the R.A.S. should not listen to him. Certain conditions must be met. Troubles with the R.A.S.M.N.
Informs JH that RS will present a case for more than one medal to be awarded.
RS's progress in establishing standards of measurement. Lists objections to earlier methods of measuring. Compares various materials for use in making bars for measurement standards.
H. C. Schumacher wants an application from the R.A.S. RS complied, giving reasons. 'Miss B.' [Elizabeth Baily] reluctant to write even the shortest formal note. Suggests JH announce her gift on taking the chair. Wants to 'jump' at [F. W. A.] Argelander's offer [to complete the British Catalogue]. Progress on his 'apparatus.' Has asked J. C. Adams to give the R.A.S. notice of the controversy about Neptune, in which U. J. J. Leverrier ('a very cantankerous fellow') has engaged. If Adams refuses, would JH respond?
R.A.S. voted to give its medal to William Lassell. Recounts the discussion of this among the members. G. B. Airy will be the next president. Applauds JH for the work he has done in this position. An 'olive branch' tendered to [W. S.] Stratford; he was made vice president.
RS, Vice President of R.A.S., writes to JH, President, about a series of Council and membership matters.
Shall send a catalogue of double stars observed by [W. S.] Jacob. Gives some information about several measurements to establish standards.
Suggests some means of improving a paper submitted by JH; more on standard measures of length [see RS's 1849-3-4], and other R.A.S. business.