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The Correspondence of John Stevens Henslow
John Stevens Henslow (1796–1861) spent his adult life attached to the University of Cambridge. He graduated in mathematics in 1818, then acted as a demonstrator for the Professor of Chemistry, carried out and published papers on field geology, and was a founder of the Cambridge Philosophical Society in 1821. He held two University Chairs: Mineralogy from 1823–27, and Botany from 1825 until his death in 1861.
Henslow was closely involved in University affairs and the introduction of science into the Cambridge Tripos. He was a gifted teacher and pedagogic innovator. His best-known student was Charles Darwin, with whom he maintained a life-long friendship and correspondence. Henslow also acted as the (unofficial) agent for Lord Palmerston, one of the University’s two MPs, in the election of 1826.
In 1823 Henslow was ordained and became curate of Little St Mary’s. He was awarded the living of Cholsey in 1835, and became Rector of Hitcham, near Stowmarket in Suffolk, in 1837. Henslow moved to Hitcham, but continued giving his botany course at Cambridge in May every year until his death. During this time, he attempted to introduce science into agriculture nationally and locally, whilst also taking steps to improve the lives of agricultural labourers. Universal education was a constant concern for him, through the University of London, the Department of Science and Art, regional museums, and his parish school.
Henslow had a network of correspondents across all levels of society, nearly 300 in these surviving letters. The letters he retained until his death are mostly held in the Cambridge University Library, but others have been dispersed around the world. Letters between Henslow and Darwin were published in 1967 (by Nora Barlow) and also in The Correspondence of Charles Darwin (from 1985 onwards).
The Henslow letters have been collected and transcribed by M. E. Edmunds, K. H. Joice, A. L. Jones, D. Kohn, J. G. Murrell and J. S. Parker.
Describes microscopic images of bat hair for JSH in a plate illustrating a paper by J. Zuetell.
No summary available.
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.
Apologises that JSH has not been able to see fossil spike in London, potentially a large Lycopodium, because it cannot be transported due to fragility. Provides a description and drawing of it.
Discusses fossil trees found in his local area and specimens sent to the Geological Society and Robert Brown, together with a paper Bowman has written on them. States that he has found proof of the solid and subsequently hollowed state of the trees from corresponding bands of soft shale. Provides JSH with a brief description and says full details will be given when whole paper is published. States that they give decisive proof of growth where they were found, that they have overturned the scepticism of geologists including John Phillips and Louis Agassiz, and that a miniature model is being made of them.
Discusses illustrations of the internal structure of Sigillaria by Alexandre Brongniart and his wish to see them when published. Also discusses previous drawings of Sigillaria with leaves by Brongniart and W. Conway. Passes on message from Conway for Fossil Flora to send someone to do drawings of Bristol fossil collection.
Requests committee for re-election of Palmerston as University MP to let him know whether to not vote at all or give a plumper vote for Palmerston only.
Asks JSH to get a chemist to analyse two different specimens of chalk being used in agriculture with different results.
Has forwarded JSH letter to a Mr Blackie in anticipation of him disproving own theories. Has heard Blackie is about to leave Thomas Coke’s service. Mentions that Cole, in a British Museum MS, has written of Sambucus ebulus growing on the Bartlow Hills.
Gives notes on dimension of two trees planted at his Audley End Estate, a Lebanon cedar and an oak.
Writes concerning the excavation of mammoth remains and plans JSH visit to see them, potentially with Adam Sedgwick but probably not William Whewell. Gives a description of a tusk and other remains in their present state of excavation. States that similar remains in the same stratum of gravel nearby have been destroyed by labourers. Encloses a sketch of the tusk.
Compliments JSH on his account of the excavation of tumulus at Ringham. Says he has not seen Cuscuta in local region but may have seen evidence of it in scorched appearance of Berkshire clover fields.
States that his wheat harvest is not as good as previous year, but less mildewed. Describes experiment of growing different varieties of wheat in his garden, undermined by rats gaining access to them. Has observed a field of mustard on one of his farms, farmer states that it is good food for sheep and partridges.
Comments on the importance of John Warne’s flax growing scheme and growth of a large quantity of flax on a single acre at Thaxted. Also comments favourably on Warne’s theory of feeding oxen in boxes.
Fears he will have few guests for the Saffron Walden Agricultural Society annual meeting but pleased that JSH will be in attendance along with Edward Everett, the American Ambassador. JSH to advocate cooperative agricultural experiments at the meeting.
Letter of introduction for the Prince de Cimitil, and Prince de Casiati, who are spending a few days in Cambridge.
Letter of introduction for Alexander Napier of Trinity College, son of the Scottish editor Macvey Napier, who wishes to meet JSH. Brewster also invites JSH to Scotland.
No summary available.
Approves of the idea of a system of allotments for the agricultural population if they are near to their cottages. Reluctant to attend a meeting of Suffolk proprietors as his views differ greatly from most of them, particularly in relation to the Corn Laws.
Arranges for a visit by JSH to Brodie’s estate, Broome Park, Surrey.
Writes regarding additions to Brodie’s local village library by JSH’s daughter and sister, together with JSH’s recent visit to his estate, Broome Park, Surrey.
Writes positively about a report on schools written by JSH, particularly the benefits for children of learning by rote. Says he is unsurprised that JSH has some ‘bad folks’ among allotment scheme as this is human nature.
Thanks JSH for sending American lily roots as a companion to white lilies sent previously. Hopes that JSH will visit him at his estate at Broome Park, Surrey, as he is attending examinations at London University.
Discusses the question of church rates payments and a paper on the subject by JSH. Discusses difficulty of paying them if a tenant refuses as other landlords would see this as a bad example. Also discusses landlords making the payment and adding the amount to the rent on new leases.
Arranges for possible visit by JSH to his estate at Broome Park, Surrey.
Thanks JSH for account of his activities in Hitcham. Says he is unable to visit JSH in October as he is going to the seaside. Comments on the poor harvest, saying it must be bad in JSH’s part of Suffolk. States that potato harvest has been worse than ever, and he is planting the Chinese yam as a replacement.
No summary available.