No decision has yet been made about closing or moving the observatory, but thanks JH for his letter [see JH's 1852-5-19], which may become useful support for retaining the observatory.
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.
No decision has yet been made about closing or moving the observatory, but thanks JH for his letter [see JH's 1852-5-19], which may become useful support for retaining the observatory.
Lists volumes for JH sent to R.S.L. One includes observations of transit instrument of 1836-1839. Also follow-up on climate of Belgium. Thanks for wonderful reception in London.
Describes second edition of AE's phonetic Latinis alphabet, referred to by JH in Admiralty Manual. Sent copy to C. K. J. Bunsen. This will be discussed at Society of Arts's Education Exhibition on 31 July. Encloses printed circular. Hopes JH will attend.
Thanks JH for JH's review of AH's Cosmos. Recommends E. H. DuBois-Reymond to JH's attention.
Has a copy of JH's book on astronomy, which AC values. Has been carrying out experiments with the grinding of object glasses. Remarks on various points relating to telescopes. Intends to search for double stars.
Has found an error in the printed list he sent recently. Wonders if a certain star listed has ever been observed as a double.
[JH note:] Annibal de Gasparis acknowledged receipt of JH's Cape Results [sent in 1847] 'by letter of March 21/52!!'
Has discovered another new planet [Psyche]. Gives readings.
Has been examining and sorting all Francis Baily's correspondence with a view to its preservation. Suggests Greenwich as a suitable repository for most of it. Will be returning JH's letters for his selection of important letters to be preserved.
The job [of sorting Francis Baily's correspondence] may be done at leisure. All his family are at Herne Bay. Regarding chronology. Annibal De Gasparis will be equal with J. R. Hind when he locates another planet. Is astonished how well books last.
Expects a salary increase now that BP has the title of Chief Medalist.
Finds it scandalous that BP has been promoted without an increase in salary: '... in this Establishment, I have been degraded from what was my due as an Artist.' Wishes to take up the matter with the Treasury.
Asks JH to give him a few days before making a reply to the proposed pension offer.
Thanks JH for proposing a memorial and retirement allowance for him to the Treasury, but insists on a £500 allowance (his old salary) and a residence at the Mint.
Desires more time before making an official response to the Treasury's retirement offer.
Outlines his history with the Mint, including his promotion to Chief Engraver in 1817. Claims he was promised a pension at this time. Reports that the Treasury declared there were 'insurmountable difficulties as [BP] was a foreigner and a Catholic ...' in obtaining the original pension granted. The pension was then reduced from £500 to £350. Complains that his son was not granted the apprenticeship promised him. Outlines all pension plans proposed by the Treasury and why they are inadequate.
Sends JH a copy of a request to the Lords of the Treasury for a pension settlement [see BP's 1852-1-24].
Awaits a response to his pension proposal.
Rejects the Treasury's offer as 'dishonorable and degrading to my character as an artist.' Disagrees with combining the offices of Clerk of Irons, Superintendent of Machinery, and Chief Coiner. Lists eleven names of Mint officers, comparing years of service in relation to their retirement settlements. Proposes to accept £400 annual salary with the title of Her Majesty's Chief Medalist.
Refuses JH's proposal that BP accept the title of Modeller and Engraver with a £400 salary. Also requests that the monthly coal allowance for BP's workshop be restored.