Regarding the revision of the nomenclature of the constellations. Its effect on the printing of the star catalogues.
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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.
Regarding the revision of the nomenclature of the constellations. Its effect on the printing of the star catalogues.
Reports on a visit to Grandma [Emilia Stewart]; may go to Cambridge; sends MH a draft beginning of a review of Alexander von Humboldt's Kosmos.
Accepts with thanks J. Henry Griesbach's drawings of solar spots. Encourages others to observe the sun. Suggests the use of photography in recording solar spots. Pledges to give the R.A.S. all JH's drawings of solar spots.
Encloses post office order; not knowing WG's 'Christian' name; hopes that WG can sign 'William.' Apologizes for being unable to attend 'the Dinners.'
Agrees to inclusion of his initials in WW's Verse Translations and to vote for Prince Albert in some Cambridge election. Comments on the 'mess' in the R.A.S. over awarding its medal for 1848.
Thanks WW for the supplemental dedication to JH in the second edition of WW's Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences. Is making slow progress correcting JH's Cape Results.
Needs someone to translate German/Latin letters; about James Ross's polar expedition.
Congratulations on how the deliberations concerning awarding the R.A.S. medal came off 'well & quietly.' Recommends how JH's notice on F. W. Bessel should be distributed.
Thanks for the pains about a translator [see JH's 1847-1-8]; preparing biographical information about F. W. Bessel.
Seeks GA's opinion about including a specific passage in F. W. Bessel's obituary notice for the R.A.S. Also inquires about the printing of the star catalogues of N. L. Lacaille and J. J. L. Lalande.
Ask WL's permission to make reference to WL's sighting of the seventh satellite of Saturn in JH's observations of all the satellites of Saturn.
Is little conversant in physiology so is unable to discuss GH's theories. Suggests some alterations to the text of the article.
Sends what JH has written on F. W. Bessel.
Is thinking of publishing a new edition of Examples in the calculus of finite differences. Would like his views on this.
Has heard that the R.A.S. council's 'no-medal resolution' has produced much dissatisfaction, which will not disappear by a general vote supporting the acts of the council. Thinks that the course adopted is wrong. If the council will not reconsider in favor of a positive conclusion, JH suggests that the issue be raised in a general meeting of the R.A.S. and that its decision be accepted with 'alacrity.' Holds himself free, as President, from any obligation to uphold 'in speaking or writing' whatever decision results.
Discusses Neptune discovery controversy; believes both scientists should receive medals.
About the dispute in the R.A.S. over awarding its medal(s) after discovery of Neptune.
Comments on the unsatisfactory [to JH] resolution regarding the awarding of the annual R.A.S. medal.
Has learned of more dissatisfaction with the R.A.S. council's decision regarding awarding its medal. Because the council rejected the proposal to give more than one medal, the decision to medalize no one was a logical consequence. Expects the matter will be raised in the general meeting. Wants some positive conclusion, not a negative one. Restates his original position that medals ought go to both, with care taken in the wording so as to avoid national rivalry.
Proposes that R.A.S. award medals regarding the discovery of Neptune to both U. J. J. Leverrier and J. C. Adams, giving first honors to Leverrier, and specifying distinctly the grounds for awarding the second. Hopes his resolution will not be seen as blaming anyone and that it will have a 'healing and a friendly effect.'