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.
Is applying for the position of actuary at the Law Life Assurance Society and would be glad of a letter of recommendation from JH; please direct a letter to Messrs. Peace as soon as possible.
Queries regarding Sir William Herschel's telescopes, and requesting JH's advice on certain astronomical matters.
Asks JH to pay CH's debt to his mother and deduct that amount from next annuity payment to CH.
Gratified that JH appreciates the astronomical legacy that she left at Slough. Explains that she returned to Hanover because she felt that 'it would be in vain to struggle any longer against age and infirmity.'
The Germans are printing many of William Herschel's papers; comments that 'there does not pass a month but something appears in print.'
Worries that Johann Pfaff is unqualified to translate William Herschel's papers into German; hopes that JH will be the primary authority for commenting on WH's work.
Hopes to receive more correspondence from JH. Often wishes that she could be with JH in order to ensure that he will not overwork himself like William Herschel did.
Assures JH that she will send Johann Pfaff's German translation of William Herschel's papers as soon as they are published.
Has had a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer concerning his calculating machine. Is to get financial assistance from the government. Hopes to see JH on Monday night.
Is sending the agreement between the government and CB regarding payment for work on the calculating machine.
Regarding the paper on the machine for the Treasury. Will postpone his visit to Slough.
There is to be a sale of pictures, including one of JH; would he like it? Has not heard anything from the Treasury yet regarding payment of his money. Plans for projected holiday.
Has purchased the picture for £8. Will be at Birmingham tomorrow.
Enclosing an invitation from Humphry Davy to dine with him. Invitation for JH to dine with CB also.
Per JH's request, DW wrote to Alfred Chalon inquiring about miniature portraits. Quotes prices. Lists names of satisfied patrons.
Sends letter by Mr. Massotti of the Milan observatory, who is leaving to find employment in England. Massotti wishes to sell his dividing machine in England. FT hopes to see JH in England at the reunion of the Societé Helvetique.
Was pleased to receive JH's letter. Regrets to hear of the death of Sir William Herschel. Grateful to the Board of Longitude for their assistance. Regarding the deficiencies of one of the clocks. Work carried out. Site has been approved for the new observatory.
Regarding errors and discrepancies in the tables of F. W. Bessel. Difficulty of dispatching books to foreign members.
If either of the designs please him, he will be pleased to advise; otherwise explain in detail what he requires.
Bearer must show the inscription which must be corrected by JH. Regarding a price for the work.