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.
Asks JH to review R.S.L.'s reply to Prince Albert regarding extension of B.A.A.S. magnetic and meteorological observations. RO enjoyed photo[micro]graphs of aquatic animalcules; these give clear insight into 'the spontaneous production of the species....'
Government refuses to 'entertain the Magnetic Proposals' this year, claiming cost overruns. Probably a mistake, but Edward Sabine's illness precludes easy reply. Expect discussion at next R.S.L. Council meeting.
Sends Mathematical Monthly. Asks for a list of JH's publications. Would also like a photograph and biographical sketch.
Regrets he has kept his theory on harmony so long; returns it and comments on various aspects.
Hopes that JH will express opinion of BS's paper on radiant heat, as recommendation for BS's appointment to the Chair of Natural Philosophy at St. Andrews.
About biographical information on George Peacock.
Thanks for WW's views on capillary action. Asks for facts about George Peacock on whom JH was writing an obituary.
Regarding George Peacock and his mathematical work. Gives some of his own theories, which he intends publishing. Includes a riddle.
Asks GA to help in determining cost of one observation station in Peking [see Richard Owen's 1858-12-18].
[Marked 'Private.'] Treasury replied unfavorably to request for extension of magnetic observations. C. E. Trevelyan suggests that joint letter from JH and presidents of R.S.L. and B.A.A.S. proposing only one observer (no observatory) at Peking would be acceptable, if estimated cost is included. No other locations will be approved. This concession was made possible by influence of Prince Albert.
The Treasury has, with great reluctance, agreed to establish one magnetic observatory at Peking, rather than the extensive plans proposed [see Edward Sabine's 1858-6-26].
If only one observer is assigned to Peking, observations could not be conducted. Describes staff and expenses at other magnetic observatories. Edward Sabine's plan to adapt all instruments to photographic self-registering instruments.
Is grateful for his comments on his book on harmony. Explains one of his theories more fully.
Given the Treasury stance [see Richard Owen's 1858-12-18], GA sees little point in setting up one station [see JH's 1858-12-18].
Discusses proposal to establish magnetic and meteorological observatories at Peking, Newfoundland, Vancouver, and Falkland.
Sends RO a note from G. B. Airy on the inadvisability of having a meteorological observatory in Peking. JH agrees with Airy. When William Whewell arrives for a visit, JH will seek his advice.
Thanks JH for testimonial toward BS's appointment to Chair of Natural Philosophy at St. Andrews. Encloses other testimonials.
Would JH extract the dates from his memoir of George Peacock as AD must write something for the R.A.S. Encloses some meteorological queries.
Sending details of his astronomical theories.
Circular letter inviting comments on the proposal of the Council of the Society of Arts to hold another exhibition in 1861.