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.
No summary available.
Thanks JSH for copy of A Catalogue of British Plants Arranged According to the Natural System and offers praise.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Sends JSH a list of flora from the Charnwood Forest and the area of Glenfield and Grooby Pool in north-west Leicestershire, together with a geological description. He offers to send specimens of these plants if required and asks JSH for Cambridgeshire specimens.
Writes to assure JSH that all students taking the Cambridge medical examination should have already passed the botany examination.
Writes to assure JSH that all students taking the Cambridge medical examination should have already passed the botany examination, so his attendance is not necessary.
Discusses payment of student fees for Cambridge lectures and says JSH’s fees are too low. Thanks JSH for allowing Bond’s daughter to attend his lectures.
Discusses JSH’s attendance at Cambridge University medical examinations, for students who need to be examined in botany as well. Need for attendance uncertain.
Arranges to make a daguerreotype of JSH. Discusses beaver remains being sent to him by JSH and that a turtle sent by JSH to the Royal College of Surgeons has been received by Owen and will be returned in due course.
Discusses forthcoming trip to Isle of Wight, states that he will help JSH with Ipswich Museum on his return.
Shelves portrait scheme due to Thomas Herbert Maguire project of 60 scientific portraits, commissioned by George Ransome for the foundation of the Ipswich Museum. Explains the causes of fine dust that appears on daguerreotypes and that his portrait of JSH in this medium is admired.
Discusses the methods for adulteration of alcoholic drinks, including porter, ales and spirits. States that adulteration is far less harmful than the public imagine.
Discusses advice given to JSH on nux vomica and advice given to Bowerbank by JSH on leech cocoons. Compliments Henslow on his comparative kindness. Sends waste prints for JSH and the Ipswich Museum.
Discusses campaign to secure a comfortable position with a government pension for an associate, possibly Robert Edmond Grant.
Asks JSH about the situation regarding George Ransome, the first Honorary Secretary of the Ipswich Museum. Under his tenure, which ended in 1852, the Museum got into debt and Ransome failed to keep others informed. As President, JSH was obliged seek Ransome’s resignation and subsequently the Museum was financially supported by the Ipswich Corporation.
Discusses plan to get a government pension for the Berwick-upon-Tweed naturalist George Johnston and asks JSH for a testimonial. Explains that Johnston has given away earnings to his brother and others in need.
Mentions that he has not heard from their ‘lost Friend’, this is probably George Ransome, who left his position as Honorary Secretary of the Ipswich Museum after incurring debts.
Writes in relation to a batch of lenses for JSH, includes a list of lens types and a price for the whole batch. Includes instructions for mounting them.
Discusses intention to rectify error in sending books to JSH and arranges receipt of batch of lenses by JSH.
No summary available.
Explains lack of correspondence due to lumbago. Hopes to attend meeting with JSH and others if condition improves, bringing examples of Russian ammunition and black bread. This is probably Borodinsky bread, which uses coriander seeds to represent grapeshot.
Regrets that he is unable to attend a meeting with JSH and others mentioned in previous letter due to continuation of lumbago.