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.
JH keeps his astronomy right up to date. Regarding the significance of the word 'month' in legal phraseology. Gives two riddles.
Received another notice from General Reversionary & Trust Society regarding H. J. Hollier. JH asks again to be replaced as trustee for Mary Anne Hollier trust.
Thanks JH for a copy of the new edition of Outlines Astr.
Has been trying to obtain information on JH's query, which accounts for the delay in replying to his letter. Would like to show him his own experiments with electricity in a vacuum should he come to town.
Humphrey Lloyd wants R.S.L. and B.A.A.S. committees on magnetism to meet together at B.A.A.S. meeting in Leeds. JH suggests inviting Edward Sabine.
Would like JH's presence at the distribution of prizes at the Oxford Middle Class Examination at Town Hall. His support of the scheme, which he thinks the most important event in his memory, will be very welcome.
Is unhappy with one aspect of Edward Sabine's report [see ES's 1858-6-26], specifically the number of days each year when simultaneous observations will be made at all stations.
Indicates GA's intention of being at the Leeds meeting [of the B.A.A.S.].
Has just dispatched to Hawkhurst station a positive copy in glass of a photograph of the moon. Has many photographs but this is the best one. Has constructed a reflecting stereoscope. Angelo Secchi visited him but the weather was not suitable for observations.
Complications with JH's trusteeship for CB's sister [Mary Anne Hollier]. Details of how other trusts are managed. Will consult Edward Ryan about JH's desire to resign from trust. CB's brother-in-law Wolryche Whitmore died.
Errors to be corrected in a new edition of one of JH's writings, including spelling AD's name in the French way.
Thanks for the lunar photographs; comments on other observations.
Finds mistake in JH publication [Outlines Astr.] that assigned discovery of Hyperion to W. R. Dawes and G. P. Bond without crediting William Lassell.
Does not intend writing a life of Isaac Newton or G. W. Leibniz. Comments on the apparent delusions of Newton regarding other men's inventions.
Acknowledges receipt of a communication about a comet/meteor from EC.
Mostly about arrangements which MH is making for JH's travel to, and accommodation in, Leeds for the B.A.A.S. meetings; JH wants extremely detailed instructions of just what to do. Goes on to comment on the health of the family and JH's own poor health.
Sends apologies to William Lassell for omission of discovery credit.
Is dismayed to find in the new edition of his own Outlines Astr. that he has attributed the discovery of Hyperion to W. R. Dawes without crediting WL; will have this corrected in a future edition.
Is trying to arrange a magnetic conference during the first few days of other meetings.
Is pleased the photograph arrived safely. Would be pleased to show him his collection of original negatives. Comments on the difficulties of using a telescope with a longer focus. Regarding improvements to the photoheliography at Kew. Encloses sketch of the comet.