Correspondence map
Interact with the map by zooming, clicking hotspots, and selecting items to see more details. Hit play on the timeline to show correspondence over time.
Basil Hall
John Frederick William Herschel
John Frederick William Herschel and Charles Babbage travel through France to Italy and Switzerland.
1821
John Frederick William Herschel publishes in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.
1821:
John Frederick William Herschel publishes “On the aberrations of compound lenses and object-glasses" in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.
John Frederick William Herschel receives the Copley Medal of the Royal Society for his papers printed in the Philosophical Transactions
1821
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending some observations on a comet which appeared last month. Has had the pendulum up for some weeks but has been unable to carry out many observations owing to official duties. Has been working a good deal on occultations. Wishes some had been published as they are of great practical use.
19 May 1821 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/162
1822
Death of Sir William Herschel FRS
25 August 1822
1823
John Frederick William Herschel receives the Bakerian Medal of the Royal Society.
1823:
John Frederick William Herschel gives the Bakerian lecture “On certain Motions produced in Fluid Conductors when transmitting the Electric Current”.
1824
John Frederick William Herschel moves to 56 Devonshire St., Portland Place, London
1824
John Frederick William Herschel serves as Secretary of the Royal Society
30 November 1824
Autograph letter signed by sender. Had no report he could offer the Astronomical Society. Outlines the situation in Chile. Hopes to arrange the material on his recent voyages in the form of a book.
23 January 1824 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/163
1825
John Frederick William Herschel invents the actinometer to measure the heating power of the Sun’s rays
1825
1826
John Frederick William Herschel publishes in the Philosophical Transactions
1826:
John Frederick William Herschel publishes “On the parallax of the fixed stars”.
1827
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce presents his photographs in England for the first time
1827
1829
John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart are married in London
3 March 1829
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has requested his friend Thomas Henderson of Edinburgh University to call on John Frederick William Herschel. Would be pleased if John Frederick William Herschel can help him in any way.
7 February 1829 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/164
1830
John Frederick William Herschel is elected Foreign correspondent of the Académie des sciences
1830
Birth of Caroline Emilia Mary Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
31 March 1830
John Frederick William Herschel is nominated for the presidency of the Royal Society, loses by 8 votes to the Duke of Sussex
30 November 1830
Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like his opinion on the merits of the camera lucida of G. B. Amici and W. H. Wollaston. Half dead with idleness here at Paris, but hopes to return to London soon.
12 February 1830 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/165
1831
Mary Somerville publishes Mechanism of the Heavens
1831
Sir John Herschel is created Knight of the Royal Hanoverian Guelphic Order
1831
Sir John Herschel publishes Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy as part of Dionysius Lardner’s Cabinet Cyclopaedia.
1831
Birth of Isabella Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
5 June 1831
Autographed letter, incomplete. Borrowed John Frederick William Herschel's book (Prelim. Discourse) but is so valuable that he intends to purchase a copy. Comments on various passages.
3 June 1831 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/167
Copy of a letter. Was pleased to receive his letter and comments on his book (Prelim. Discourse). Much of the book was written in great haste, but will bear his comments in mind should a new edition be required.
9 June 1831 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/9/168
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just contacted Henderson who will be very pleased to call on John Frederick William Herschel any time that suits him. Awaits his reply.
15 December 1831 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/169
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Was pleased to receive his letter and comments on his book (Prelim. Discourse). Much of the book was written in great haste, but will bear his comments in mind should a new edition be required.
9 June 1831 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/82
1832
Autograph letter signed by sender. Regrets a hasty opinion should have evoked so long a letter. Regarding the status of cholera. Would be grateful for a specimen of W. Herschel's handwriting. Sun has been showing symptoms of decay and several have been trying to observe it with limited success.
22 July 1832 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/170
Autograph letter signed by sender. Describes a new form of sketch book, which may interest him. Encloses a paper from a friend, which can be answered by means of algebra, of which he himself is ignorant. John Frederick William Herschel's affairs were mentioned by Sir James Graham, who suggested that the Admiralty may be able to assist John Frederick William Herschel with a passage to the Cape.
3 September 1832 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/171
Copy of a letter. Gives a reply to the query on life assurance, but is not clear what the question is really about. Is flattered by the suggestion for a passage to the Cape in a Naval vessel, but has made up his mind to travel privately.
16 September 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/9/172
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sent John Frederick William Herschel's last letter to Sir James Graham to show him John Frederick William Herschel's feelings in the matter of transport to the Cape. Sir James replied to the effect that he would be very pleased to arrange a passage for John Frederick William Herschel. Hall feels in an awkward situation and thinks that John Frederick William Herschel should visit the Admiralty and have conversation with Sir James.
6 October 1832 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/173
Draft letter. Is grateful for Basil Hall's interest over the matter of travel to the Cape. Gives his own views on the intentions of Sir James Graham. Intends to see Graham personally and thank him for his interest.
10 October 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/9/174
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Gives a reply to the query on life assurance, but is not clear what the question is really about. Is flattered by the suggestion for a passage to the Cape in a Naval vessel, but has made up his mind to travel privately.
16 September 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/115
Copy of draft letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is grateful for Basil Hall's interest over the matter of travel to the Cape. Gives his own views on the intentions of Sir James Graham. Intends to see Graham personally and thank him for his interest.
10 October 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/117
1833
Sir John Herschel receives the Royal Medal from the Royal Society
1833:
The Medal is awarded "For his paper on nebulae and clusters of stars, published in the Philosophical Transactions for 1833."
Sir John Herschel publishes A treatise on astronomy as part of Dionysius Lardner’s Cabinet Cyclopaedia.
1833
Birth of William James Herschel, son of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1833
Sir John Herschel departs for South Africa with his wife and their three children
13 November 1833
Autograph letter signed by sender. Congratulations on his addition to the family; hopes all are well. Would like John Frederick William Herschel to meet T. T. Grant, who has a new invention, which may prove of great utility.
14 January 1833 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/175
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending his sextant and instructions for its use, which he will doubtless find useful. Also a copy of James Horsburgh's Directions. Has not heard from Captain Hardy regarding the rope. Advises boxes covered in mackintosh. Plans to publish his book on Saturday.
24 April 1833 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/176
1834
Birth of Margaret Louisa Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1834
Autographed letter, incomplete. Is glad Mrs. Hall has written to Lady Herschel. Would like a private yacht so that he could travel round the world making scientific observations. Is pleased John Frederick William Herschel had a good voyage to the Cape and hopes things are progressing.
28 May 1834 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/177
Autograph letter signed by sender. Forwarding two letters via Francis Beaufort. Has no political or scientific news as they are at present residing in a remote Austrian castle which they find very refreshing after the noise of Vienna. Longs to hear of John Frederick William Herschel's labors with the constellations.
29 December 1834 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/178
Contemporary copy in sender's hand, signed by sender. Provides an account of John Frederick William Herschel's observatory arrangements, some interesting observations, and the effect of the weather on observing.
24 December 1834 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/25/4/6
1835
Sir John Herschel serves as President of the Literary and Philosophical Society of the Cape of Good Hope
1835
Halley’s comet becomes visible
28 November 1835
Autograph letter signed by sender. Found his recent stay at the remote German castle very restful. Gives details of a large flight of crows and compares it to nebulae. Cure for sore throats. Hopes the South Easters do not disturb him. Intends spending the winter in Paris. Hopes that John Frederick William Herschel is preparing a two volume work on his scientific experiences.
24 April 1835 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/179
Autograph letter signed by sender. Is in Berlin together with the astronomers J. F. Encke and F. W. Bessel. Relates their researches. The new Berlin Observatory is a magnificent affair. May have to travel home sooner than expected owing to the illness of his mother-in-law.
8 July 1835 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/180
Autograph letter signed by sender. Breakfasted today with G. G. Stokes, met Charles Lyell, [W. J.?] Broderip, and [Robert] Brown and had a fine time. Halley's Comet is visible to the naked eye.
11 October 1835 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/181
1836
Birth of Alexander Stewart Herschel, son of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
5 February 1836
Autograph letter signed by sender. Encloses a queer pamphlet, which may amuse him, but it has put D. F. J. Arago and others into a towering passion. The public tends to forget one's existence if too long away from London, so hopes that John Frederick William Herschel will bear this in mind.
11 March 1836 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/182
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been busy correcting proofs of a little book to be printed by Cadell in Edinburgh which has occasioned the delay. Observed the eclipse at the Observatory with D. F. J. Arago. Comments on the work of Arago. French science and literature at a low ebb.
22 May 1836 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/183
Autographed letter, incomplete. Enclosing some letters of introduction for Rio. Advises him to be there in the winter. Makes a duplicate set of his observations in case the ship sinks.
21 July 1836 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/184
Autograph letter signed by sender. Outlines the election of J. D. Forbes and attributes his success to John Frederick William Herschel's letter. Regarding the work of Thomas Henderson. Pity John Frederick William Herschel has to waste time doing his own reductions. Paris observations. Saw the comet in Valparaiso. Magnitude of stars compared to the moon. Hopes he liked his own recent book. Pleased the sextant is of use.
20 November 1836 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/185
1837
Victoria becomes Queen of the United Kingdom
20 June 1837
Birth of John Herschel, son of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
29 October 1837
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends a small dispatch from J. D. Forbes. The barometer seems to have no connection with the weather this winter. Had a snow shower but could see no clouds in the sky. Preparing for the occultation of Mars.
16 February 1837 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/186
Autograph letter signed by sender. Encloses a dispatch from Thomas Henderson, who is very pleased with his work and a word from John Frederick William Herschel would spur him on. Is more out of touch with science at Edinburgh than John Frederick William Herschel is at the Cape. Young engineer, J. S. Russell, has idea for swift towing canal boats. Doubtless he has seen Francis Baily's supplement on John Flamsteed.
8 April 1837 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/187
Autograph letter signed by sender. Further information about boats in canals. Sends proof sheets of the article in question.
18 April 1837 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/188
Autograph letter signed by sender. Is pleased to hear the Herschels are contemplating their return but regrets it will not be via Rio. J. D. Forbes is progressing well, may be in danger of overwork. Thomas Henderson too is doing good work at the Observatory. Gives results of lunar eclipses of Oct. 1837.
13 December 1837 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/189
1838
Sir John Herschel returns from South Africa
1838: A banquet in presence of Queen Victoria is given to celebrate his return to Britain and made a Baronet.
1839
Sir John Herschel serves his first term as President of the Royal Astronomical Society
1839: to 1841
Birth of Maria Sophia Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1839
William Henry Fox Talbot presents his paper-based photographic process at the Royal Society
1839
1840
Sir John Herschel publishes in the Philosophical Transactions
1840: Sir John Herschel publishes “On the chemical action of the rays of the solar spectrum on preparations of silver and other substances, both metallic and non-metallic; and on some photographic processes”
Autograph letter signed by sender. Francis Beaufort has shown him his copy of the 'Requiem' and would be pleased if John Frederick William Herschel would send him a copy. Mr. Harvey and himself have been observing nebulae on the clear nights. Is having a Munich object glass mounted. Will be in town towards the end of the month.
8 January 1840 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/191
Autograph letter signed by sender. Wishes John Frederick William Herschel would lay hands on the memorandum concerning the Zenith observatory on Etna. Explains why John Frederick William Herschel's theories regarding a point in gunnery do not work in actual practice. Queries the measurement given by John Frederick William Herschel for the height of Etna.
3 November 1840 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/192
Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the correct figure for the height of Etna, W. H. Smyth favors the half foot measurement. Regarding falls of stones from Vesuvius. Encloses calculations made by professor at Naval College. Remembers large balls of lava at Teneriffe.
9 November 1840 Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/193
Autograph letter signed by sender, incomplete. Further explanation of a matter in gunnery. Can send further sketches if he is still interested.
Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/193a
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has accepted an invitation to visit the Victory and hopes to meet the John Frederick William Herschel's at the same party. Is off to the dockyard to see about an anchor.
Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/194
Autograph letter signed by sender, incomplete. Has been staying at Rome, where the climate did not suit him, but is now on a small ship touring the Mediterranean. Sends a letter of Feliciano Scarpelini, who has a man working a specula made of marble. Palermo Observatory is being put on a secure footing.
Sender: Basil Hall , Basil Hall Reference number: HS/9/195