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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Correspondence Explorer

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Showing 493 letters from 1812–1868

178 letters from Charles Babbage; 315 letters from John Frederick William Herschel

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Charles Babbage, John Frederick William Herschel and George Peacock found the Analytical Society

3 March 1812

John Frederick William Herschel presents his first scientific paper

12 November 1812:

John Frederick William Herschel communicates a paper on Cote’s theorem to the Royal Society

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending an equation in calculus for him to give opinion.

Reference number: HS/2/1

Autograph letter signed by sender. Answer to Charles Babbage's equation. Bring something to discuss at the forthcoming meeting of the Analytical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/2

Autograph letter signed by sender. Further comments on his original query [see Charles Babbage's 1812-6-20] regarding the equation in calculus.

Reference number: HS/2/3

Autograph letter signed by sender. Further comment on the calculus equation sent by Charles Babbage.

Reference number: HS/2/4

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending details of some new theorems he has come across.

Reference number: HS/2/5

Autograph letter signed by sender. Giving equations.

Reference number: HS/2/358

Autograph letter signed by sender. Copy formula and send it to [Richard?] Taylor.

Reference number: HS/2/359

Draft letter. Regarding equational problems.

Reference number: HS/2/360

Autograph letter signed by sender. Finding it difficult to finish his memoir. Gives some integral equations for his comments. Hopes to see him at Slough soon.

Reference number: HS/2/361

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Answer to Charles Babbage's equation. Bring something to discuss at the forthcoming meeting of the Analytical Society.

Reference number: HS/20/1

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Further comment on the calculus equation sent by Charles Babbage.

Reference number: HS/20/2

Copy of a letter. Sends on part of letter for Charles Babbage to complete and forward.

Reference number: HS/20/3

Copy of a letter. About the mathematical formulation for the summation of any series.

Reference number: HS/20/4
1813

John Frederick William Herschel graduates Senior Wrangler at St John’s College, Cambridge

1813

John Frederick William Herschel is elected Fellow of the Royal Society

27 May 1813

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the equations in his memoir on the series of tangents. Queries about the Analytical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/6

Autograph letter signed by sender. Answers to John Frederick William Herschel's questions on equations. Regarding the printing of his memoirs. Recent meeting of the Analytical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/7

Autograph letter signed by sender. Further equations discussed. Has purchased more books. Regarding the printing of the memoir. [Letter continued on 1813-3-2.]

Reference number: HS/2/8

Autograph letter signed by sender. Comments regarding the preface to their memoir. Further comments on John Frederick William Herschel's equations.

Reference number: HS/2/9

Autograph letter signed by sender. Memoir is being printed. Gives some more strange theorems for John Frederick William Herschel's comments.

Reference number: HS/2/10

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his memoir: would like to see part of Charles Babbage's notes.

Reference number: HS/2/11

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending copy of part of the memoir requested by John Frederick William Herschel. Gives a further theorem for John Frederick William Herschel's consideration.

Reference number: HS/2/12

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending the first 12 pages of John Frederick William Herschel's memoir. Is glad to hear that he has material for a further memoir. Gives equations for John Frederick William Herschel's comments.

Reference number: HS/2/13

Autograph letter signed by sender. Further regarding theorems recently discussed. Regarding the preface for John Frederick William Herschel's and Charles Babbage's Memoirs of the Analytical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/14

Autograph letter signed by sender. Where to find further information on functional equations. Gives further equations for John Frederick William Herschel's comments. Regarding the proposed abridgement of J. B. Delambre's work on astronomy.

Reference number: HS/2/15

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his new researches into the theory of determining functions from given conditions. The printing of his memoir is proceeding slowly.

Reference number: HS/2/16

Autographed letter, incomplete. Has been to London and procured the books mentioned by Charles Babbage. Mentions differential equations of P. S. Laplace. Regarding some of Charles Babbage's theorems. Problem of law of chance. Printing of his memoir.

Reference number: HS/2/17

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be visiting London shortly and hopes to purchase some experimental equipment to carry out experiments with heat.

Reference number: HS/2/18

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like to see him as soon as possible so they can prepare the preface of their memoir for the printer.

Reference number: HS/2/19

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding the equations in his memoir on the series of tangents. Queries about the Analytical Society.

Reference number: HS/20/5

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Further equations discussed. Has purchased more books. Regarding the printing of the memoir. [Letter continued on 1813-3-2.]

Reference number: HS/20/6

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Endeavours to find a rapidly converging series for obtaining π. Finds anonymous papers in the early [Philosophical] Transactions.

Reference number: HS/20/7

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding his memoir: would like to see part of Charles Babbage's notes.

Reference number: HS/20/8

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Further regarding theorems recently discussed. Regarding the preface for John Frederick William Herschel's and Charles Babbage's Memoirs of the Analytical Society.

Reference number: HS/20/9

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding his new researches into the theory of determining functions from given conditions. The printing of his memoir is proceeding slowly.

Reference number: HS/20/10

Copy of incomplete letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has been to London and procured the books mentioned by Charles Babbage. Mentions differential equations of P. S. Laplace. Regarding some of Charles Babbage's theorems. Problem of law of chance. Printing of his memoir.

Reference number: HS/20/11

Copy of a letter, incomplete. Sends a number of theorems and integrals.

Reference number: HS/20/12

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Would like to see him as soon as possible so they can prepare the preface of their memoir for the printer.

Reference number: HS/20/13

Copy of a letter. Orders equipment from London through Charles Babbage.

Reference number: HS/20/14
1814

Autographed letter, incomplete. Has had the bill for the printing of their memoir. Ways of raising money to pay for the printing. Comments on one of Charles Babbage's equations. Will be entering Lincoln's Inn in a week's time.

Reference number: HS/2/20

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the proposed method of raising funds to pay for printing of the memoir. Justifies his equation queried by John Frederick William Herschel. Would he purchase certain chemicals for him.

Reference number: HS/2/21

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending chemicals. Regarding Humphry Davy's experiments with azotane. Davy's paper on iodine.

Reference number: HS/2/22

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be in town and requests addresses of shops where certain experimental apparatus can be purchased. Send [H. E.?] Roscoe's direction.

Reference number: HS/2/23

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been working on analysis. Gives equations he has solved. Has met a mineralogist.

Reference number: HS/2/24

Autograph letter signed by sender. Their 'Analytical' has not been reviewed in the Edinburgh Review. Has married. Looking out for a situation. Gives an equation dealing with relative functions.

Reference number: HS/2/25

Autograph letter signed by sender. Comments on the equation sent by Charles Babbage. Has been experimenting with potassium.

Reference number: HS/2/26

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends equations in operational calculus.

Reference number: HS/2/27

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Charles Babbage's marriage. Possibility of a suitable situation for him.

Reference number: HS/2/28

Autograph letter signed by sender. Temper and stinginess of Charles Babbage's father. Seeking job in mining through Mr. Champernowne, local mineralogist. Describes Charles Babbage's elopement, marriage by former tutor, and new residence. Considered career in Church when Charles Babbage had prospect of inheriting fortune from Charles Babbage's father, but that is no longer possible. Gives an equation for discussion.

Reference number: HS/2/29

Autographed letter, incomplete. Gratitude for Charles Babbage's friendship. Chemical supplies and instruments. Describes synthesis of 'Sulphurane' [S2Cl2] and other experiments. Theories of combustion and acids. [Letter continued on 1813-9-21:] John Frederick William Herschel avidly studying law, against father's wishes.

Reference number: HS/2/30

Autograph letter signed by sender. Praising Charles Babbage's functional equations. How to become an F.R.S. Conditions at Slough. Hears that he is coming to live in London.

Reference number: HS/2/31

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanking him for the paper on analysis. Has been to see Sir Joseph Banks. Hopes to see John Frederick William Herschel soon.

Reference number: HS/2/32

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has executed all of Charles Babbage's commissions. Hopes to meet Charles Shadwell when in town. Is in the throes of exams. Thinking of taking up mathematics. Relates further chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/33

Autograph letter signed by sender. Why hasn't he written? Further regarding Charles Shadwell's advice. Is preparing his paper on functions so that John Frederick William Herschel or William Herschel can communicate it to the Royal Society [of London]

Reference number: HS/2/34

Copy of incomplete letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has had the bill for the printing of their memoir. Ways of raising money to pay for the printing. Comments on one of Charles Babbage's equations. Will be entering Lincoln's Inn in a week's time.

Reference number: HS/20/15

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is sending chemicals. Regarding Humphry Davy's experiments with azotane. Davy's paper on iodine.

Reference number: HS/20/16

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Comments on the equation sent by Charles Babbage. Has been experimenting with potassium.

Reference number: HS/20/17

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding Charles Babbage's marriage. Possibility of a suitable situation for him.

Reference number: HS/20/18

Copy of incomplete letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Gratitude for Charles Babbage's friendship. Chemical supplies and instruments. Describes synthesis of 'Sulphurane' [S2Cl2] and other experiments. Theories of combustion and acids. [Letter continued on 1813-9-21:] John Frederick William Herschel avidly studying law, against father's wishes.

Reference number: HS/20/19

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Praising Charles Babbage's functional equations. How to become an F.R.S. Conditions at Slough. Hears that he is coming to live in London.

Reference number: HS/20/20

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has executed all of Charles Babbage's commissions. Hopes to meet Charles Shadwell when in town. Is in the throes of exams. Thinking of taking up mathematics. Relates further chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/20/21
1815

John Frederick William Herschel begins as sub-lector at St. John's College, Cambridge

1 May 1815

Autograph letter signed by sender. Explaining his new theory of the atmospheres of the sun, planets, and stars.

Reference number: HS/2/35

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Charles Babbage's theory of the atmosphere of the sun, planets, and stars.

Reference number: HS/2/36

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the vacant post of Professor of Chemistry at Cambridge. Has heard that the works of Leonhard Euler are being reprinted. Would he obtain the return of one of Charles Babbage's books from Mr. Higman.

Reference number: HS/2/37

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the vacant professorship of chemistry at Cambridge. Recent chemical experiments. Has obtained the book from Mr. Higman. Mr. Pulling was here recently.

Reference number: HS/2/38

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes to call on him Monday. Is just off to Brighton for medical reasons. Will return to Cambridge later.

Reference number: HS/2/39

Autograph letter signed by sender. Idling time at Brighton. Gives equations for Charles Babbage to study. Regarding the equipment he needs for experiments. Will not be able to return to professional activities for some time.

Reference number: HS/2/40

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending a problem in analysis for his comments. Gives solution to functional equations of the second degree. Hopes to see him when he passes on his way to Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/2/41

Autographed letter . Answer regarding Charles Babbage's problem in analysis. Will visit him soon. Getting apparatus ready to be moved to Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/2/42

Autograph letter signed by sender. Wished John Frederick William Herschel had visited him when in London. Gives some functional equations for his comments. Wants a form in order that he (Charles Babbage) may be elected to the Royal Society [of London]

Reference number: HS/2/43

Autographed letter, incomplete. Reasons why he could not visit him when in London. Gives views on a paper of Charles Babbage's. Fears he must give up the profession.

Reference number: HS/2/44

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his own functional theories. Let him know when next in town.

Reference number: HS/2/45

Autograph letter signed by sender. Newman has sent the apparatus. Problems in calculus.

Reference number: HS/2/46

Autograph letter signed by sender. Giving form for recommendation to be elected to the fellowship of the Royal Society [of London] Has been offered space in a magazine for reviewing mathematical subjects. Suggesting anonymous work on analytics by him or John Frederick William Herschel.

Reference number: HS/2/47

Autograph letter signed by sender. Asking him to get certificate signed for his election to the Royal Society [of London] Has had no time for mathematics recently. Will be prepared to write anonymous article against analysists.

Reference number: HS/2/48

Autograph letter signed by sender. Soon leaving for a short visit to Devon. Hopes he will call when passing through London. New means of preventing explosions in mines. Gives an equation for John Frederick William Herschel's comments.

Reference number: HS/2/50

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is in the midst of examining. Will call when in town this week. Has done nothing in analysis lately.

Reference number: HS/2/51

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will see him on Thursday. Has paper ready for the Royal Society [of London]

Reference number: HS/2/52

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending problems in functional analysis. Please send his manuscript on functions to Devonshire Place.

Reference number: HS/2/53

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding Charles Babbage's theory of the atmosphere of the sun, planets, and stars.

Reference number: HS/20/22

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding the vacant professorship of chemistry at Cambridge. Recent chemical experiments. Has obtained the book from Mr. Higman. Mr. Pulling was here recently.

Reference number: HS/20/23

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Hopes to call on him Monday. Is just off to Brighton for medical reasons. Will return to Cambridge later.

Reference number: HS/20/24

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Idling time at Brighton. Gives equations for Charles Babbage to study. Regarding the equipment he needs for experiments. Will not be able to return to professional activities for some time.

Reference number: HS/20/26

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Answer regarding Charles Babbage's problem in analysis. Will visit him soon. Getting apparatus ready to be moved to Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/20/27

Copy of incomplete letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Reasons why he could not visit him when in London. Gives views on a paper of Charles Babbage's. Fears he must give up the profession.

Reference number: HS/20/28

Copy of a letter. Supports Charles Babbage for membership in Royal Society [of London] Little time recently for mathematics, but is quite upset with analysts.

Reference number: HS/20/29

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is in the midst of examining. Will call when in town this week. Has done nothing in analysis lately.

Reference number: HS/20/30
1816

John Frederick William Herschel is awarded Master of Arts (MA), at the University of Cambridge

30 January 1816

John Frederick William Herschel starts astronomical work alongside his father Sir William Herschel FRS

1816

Autograph letter signed by sender. Does not have Charles Babbage's manuscript on functions in his possession. Regarding the translations of S. F. Lacroix. Has done no work while at home.

Reference number: HS/2/54

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sorry that Charles Babbage's paper could not be printed in the recent issue of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Discusses problem in analysis. [Note dated [1816-]2-7]: has been waiting for Mr. Deighton's estimate of printing.

Reference number: HS/2/55

Autograph letter signed by sender. What is he to do with his work on S. F. Lacroix. Regarding the Royal Society [of London] and the printing of Charles Babbage's paper on functions. Is sending an abridged version of this paper to John Frederick William Herschel.

Reference number: HS/2/56

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received parcel and letter. Has not had much time to give attention to the manuscript yet. On the Royal Society [of London] and the printing of long papers. Hopes to have Charles Babbage's translation of S. F. Lacroix soon. Regarding one of his equations.

Reference number: HS/2/57

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is thinking of applying for the position of Professor of Mathematics at East India College. Has written to William Herschel and others for references. George Peacock is also a candidate. Regarding functional equations.

Reference number: HS/2/58

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regrets he cannot assist Charles Babbage over the position at East India College. William Herschel has less influence over Sir Joseph Banks than Charles Babbage thinks. Regarding his paradoxes in functional equations.

Reference number: HS/2/59

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his application for the position of professor at East India College. Gives functional equations for John Frederick William Herschel's comments.

Reference number: HS/2/60

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sorry he has had all the trouble with Charles Babbage's translation. Father is ill. Will move shortly to Torquay. Regarding the printing of mathematical notations.

Reference number: HS/2/61

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his translation of S. F. Lacroix. Regarding the notation of functions.

Reference number: HS/2/62

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending his paper on functions. Gives some functional equations and their solutions. Will be staying at Torquay until September.

Reference number: HS/2/63

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had little leisure to write. Been working on S. F. Lacroix. Regarding the appendix to Lacroix. Is going to the Isle of Wight. Hopes to write a work on analytics. Has heard that Charles Babbage is writing articles for the journal of the Royal Institution. Would like to write articles for an encyclopaedia.

Reference number: HS/2/64

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's plans for the third part of S. F. Lacroix. Royal Institution and Charles Babbage's articles for their journal. Hopes that John Frederick William Herschel will not write his book on Newton yet. Is hoping to publish a work on the Calculus of Functions. Hopes to meet him when in Devon.

Reference number: HS/2/65

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is glad to hear that he will be coming to Torquay. Regarding his new method of solving functions.

Reference number: HS/2/66

Autograph letter signed by sender. Temporarily at Bridgenorth as his wife's father has died. Must delay his visit to London. Has been interesting his brother-in-law in gas lights.

Reference number: HS/2/67

Autograph letter signed by sender. Leaving Cambridge shortly, probably for good. Will be under his father's directions observing the stars. Has sent the appendix to S. F. Lacroix. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's error in the printing of an equation. Gives an equation for Charles Babbage to comment on.

Reference number: HS/2/68

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received a copy of their book. Sending a copy of his own paper printed in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Has prepared the way for Charles Babbage's book on examples. Has been examining [John?] Spence's manuscript.

Reference number: HS/2/69

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Does not have Charles Babbage's manuscript on functions in his possession. Regarding the translations of S. F. Lacroix. Has done no work while at home.

Reference number: HS/20/31

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is sorry that Charles Babbage's paper could not be printed in the recent issue of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Discusses problem in analysis. [Note dated [1816-]2-7]: has been waiting for Mr. Deighton's estimate of printing.

Reference number: HS/20/32

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has received parcel and letter. Has not had much time to give attention to the manuscript yet. On the Royal Society [of London] and the printing of long papers. Hopes to have Charles Babbage's translation of S. F. Lacroix soon. Regarding one of his equations.

Reference number: HS/20/33

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regrets he cannot assist Charles Babbage over the position at East India College. William Herschel has less influence over Sir Joseph Banks than Charles Babbage thinks. Regarding his paradoxes in functional equations.

Reference number: HS/20/34

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has had little leisure to write. Been working on S. F. Lacroix. Regarding the appendix to Lacroix. Is going to the Isle of Wight. Hopes to write a work on analytics. Has heard that Charles Babbage is writing articles for the journal of the Royal Institution. Would like to write articles for an encyclopaedia.

Reference number: HS/20/35

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Leaving Cambridge shortly, probably for good. Will be under his father's directions observing the stars. Has sent the appendix to S. F. Lacroix. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's error in the printing of an equation. Gives an equation for Charles Babbage to comment on.

Reference number: HS/20/36

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has received a copy of their book. Sending a copy of his own paper printed in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Has prepared the way for Charles Babbage's book on examples. Has been examining [John?] Spence's manuscript.

Reference number: HS/20/37
1817

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding a possible error by John Frederick William Herschel in one of his equations [see Charles Babbage's 1816-10-10]. Proposes a plan for a new work on analysis.

Reference number: HS/2/70

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be coming to town shortly and hopes to stay with Charles Babbage if possible. They must get another volume of the transactions of the Analytical Society out.

Reference number: HS/2/71

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is glad John Frederick William Herschel is coming to town. Another son born. They must revive the Analytical. Explains a problem in functional analysis.

Reference number: HS/2/72

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has sent letters in a parcel. Regarding functional equations of the first order.

Reference number: HS/2/73

Autograph letter signed by sender. Note to the effect that Dr. William Clarke of Trinity is a candidate for the Professorship of Anatomy. Hopes John Frederick William Herschel will support the Dr. [This letter is an appendix to Charles Babbage's 1817-2-17]

Reference number: HS/2/74

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will send part of John Frederick William Herschel's manuscript and Hirsh's book. Has introduced E. F. Bromhead to the Royal Society [of London]'s club and Sir Joseph Banks. Is about to draw up a sketch of the history of functions.

Reference number: HS/2/75

Autograph letter signed by sender. Encloses one of E. F. Bromhead's papers. Has collected all his letters relating to functions. Has he a copy of his paper 'Solutions...'? Regarding the properties of curves. His scheme for symmetrizing all functions.

Reference number: HS/2/76

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will go down to Cambridge to vote for William Clarke. Equation problem. Enquiry regarding paper on factorials by [Peter] Nic[h]olson. Regarding errors made by Clarke in his papers.

Reference number: HS/2/77

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending Charles Babbage all his letters dealing with functional equations. Comments on E. F. Bromhead's paper. Taylor's theorem. Is getting on well with his essay on exponential functions.

Reference number: HS/2/78

Autographed letter . Is returning E. F. Bromhead's paper. Matters are arising from this paper. Encloses one of his own dealing with the notation of functions. When should he set off to Cambridge to vote for William Clarke?

Reference number: HS/2/79

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been to Cambridge. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's paper dealing with notation. Has been working on his history of functions.

Reference number: HS/2/80

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will see him in London. Is getting on with his supplement. Has seen Charles Babbage's latest paper in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Regarding Mr. Hirsch's theories on equations. Includes a riddle which "contains a great discovery" and doodle of Dionysius the God of Function".

Reference number: HS/2/81

Autograph letter signed by sender. Come on Friday to meet E. F. Bromhead and discuss notation.

Reference number: HS/2/82

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been trying his hand at functions; quotes some. Hopes to visit him at Torquay. Push on with the supplement.

Reference number: HS/2/83

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is glad to hear he will be visiting Torquay. Regarding mathematical functions.

Reference number: HS/2/84

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the calculus of derivations.

Reference number: HS/2/85

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his projected supplement. Calculus of deviations. Naming of periodical functions. [John?] Spence's manuscript.

Reference number: HS/2/86

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes to visit him in a few days. Regarding the calculus of derivations. Periodic functions. Is taking up mineralogy.

Reference number: HS/2/87

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding mathematical examples for their forthcoming book. Is taking up chemistry again. Comments on a paper dealing with functional equations by W. G. Horner.

Reference number: HS/2/88

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding W. G. Horner's paper. Printing of their book. Is preparing a paper to submit to the Royal Society [of London] on a mathematical subject. Will be in town shortly and will visit his laboratory. Has received more sheets of [John?] Spence's essays.

Reference number: HS/2/89

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Will be coming to town shortly and hopes to stay with Charles Babbage if possible. They must get another volume of the transactions of the Analytical Society out.

Reference number: HS/20/38

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Will go down to Cambridge to vote for William Clarke. Equation problem. Enquiry regarding paper on factorials by [Peter] Nic[h]olson. Regarding errors made by Clarke in his papers.

Reference number: HS/20/40

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is sending Charles Babbage all his letters dealing with functional equations. Comments on E. F. Bromhead's paper. Taylor's theorem. Is getting on well with his essay on exponential functions.

Reference number: HS/20/41

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is returning E. F. Bromhead's paper. Matters are arising from this paper. Encloses one of his own dealing with the notation of functions. When should he set off to Cambridge to vote for William Clarke?

Reference number: HS/20/42

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Will see him in London. Is getting on with his supplement. Has seen Charles Babbage's latest paper in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Regarding Mr. Hirsch's theories on equations.

Reference number: HS/20/43

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has been trying his hand at functions; quotes some. Hopes to visit him at Torquay. Push on with the supplement.

Reference number: HS/20/47

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding his projected supplement. Calculus of deviations. Naming of periodical functions. [John?] Spence's manuscript.

Reference number: HS/20/49

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding W. G. Horner's paper. Printing of their book. Is preparing a paper to submit to the Royal Society [of London] on a mathematical subject. Will be in town shortly and will visit his laboratory. Has received more sheets of [John?] Spence's essays.

Reference number: HS/20/51
1818

Mary Shelley publishes Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus

1818

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like comments on the accompanying paper on functional equations. Stephen Lee [of the Royal Society [of London]] has revived the reading of Isaac Newton in Paris.

Reference number: HS/2/90

Autograph letter signed by sender. Comments on his paper sent previously [see John Frederick William Herschel's 1818-3-10]. Time has been taken up with mineralogy. Is sending some samples.

Reference number: HS/2/91

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please send the third volume of J. E. Montucla's Histoire de mathématiques. Is running into difficulties with his history of mathematics owing to lack of translations. Regarding kaleidoscopes. Has been reading David Brewster's experiments on Mother of pearl.

Reference number: HS/2/92

Autograph letter signed by sender. Cannot help him with the Commercium epistolicum [by Pierre Fermat]. Leaving town for a few days. Regarding the kaleidoscope.

Reference number: HS/2/93

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanking him for the third volume of J. E. Montucla's Histoire de mathématiques. Gives functional equations for his comments. Is afraid that he will not be able to visit Cornwall this summer.

Reference number: HS/2/94

Autograph letter signed by sender. Wishes to leave town and spend a few weeks in Torquay. Would John Frederick William Herschel join him? Has new theorem on functions.

Reference number: HS/2/95

Autograph letter signed by sender. Gives some analytical equations for his comments.

Reference number: HS/2/96

Autographed letter, incomplete. Welcome back to London. Explain Charles Babbage's demonstration of 'theorem in transcendental arithmetic.' John Frederick William Herschel's observations of 'new acid' [hyposulfurous] and optical phenomena in 'chrystals of nitre.'

Reference number: HS/2/97

Autograph letter signed by sender. Wants his support for his own application for a post on the Board of Longitude.

Reference number: HS/2/98

Autograph letter signed by sender. When he comes up to town would he please bring Biot's work. Wants to show John Frederick William Herschel a paper on series. Has just had a visit from Edward Sabine, newly returned from Greenland.

Reference number: HS/2/99

Autograph letter signed by sender. Astronomer Royal's post at Greenwich vacant; hopes John Frederick William Herschel will try for it. Has not been successful in getting on the Board of Longitude. Hopes to spend a fortnight in Paris after Christmas.

Reference number: HS/2/100

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks Charles Babbage for his advice about applying for the post of Astronomer Royal when it becomes vacant, but does not think himself qualified. Will not be able to come to London this weekend. Regarding his new acid.

Reference number: HS/2/101

Autograph letter signed by sender. Urges John Frederick William Herschel to apply for the Greenwich post. Quotes extract from Thomas Thomson on chemistry. Gives equations for his comments. Has found a new method of producing household gas.

Reference number: HS/2/102

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanking Charles Babbage for Charles Babbage's further remarks on the Greenwich post. Further regarding his new acid.

Reference number: HS/2/103

Autograph letter signed by sender. Remarks on Charles Babbage's article on analysis and the examples used. Hopes to see him at Christmas; then they can talk about the projected visit to Paris.

Reference number: HS/2/104

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding one of John Frederick William Herschel's papers in the Analytical. P.S. dated 19 Dec.: Is glad to hear he would like to go to Paris.

Reference number: HS/2/105

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes Charles Babbage will visit Slough soon to discuss the proposed trip to Paris. Gives a sketch of his investigations on theorems connected with series.

Reference number: HS/2/106

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will visit him at Christmas. Regarding the theorem quoted by John Frederick William Herschel [see John Frederick William Herschel's 1818-12-20].

Reference number: HS/2/107

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Would like comments on the accompanying paper on functional equations. Stephen Lee [of the Royal Society [of London]] has revived the reading of Isaac Newton in Paris.

Reference number: HS/20/53

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Please send the third volume of J. E. Montucla's Histoire de mathematiques. Is running into difficulties with his history of mathematics owing to lack of translations. Regarding kaleidoscopes. Has been reading David Brewster's experiments on Mother of pearl.

Reference number: HS/20/54

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanking him for the third volume of J. E. Montucla's Histoire de mathematiques. Gives functional equations for his comments. Is afraid that he will not be able to visit Cornwall this summer.

Reference number: HS/20/55

Copy of incomplete letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Welcome back to London. Explain Charles Babbage's demonstration of 'theorem in transcendental arithmetic.' John Frederick William Herschel's observations of 'new acid' [hyposulfurous] and optical phenomena in 'chrystals of nitre.'

Reference number: HS/20/57

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanks Charles Babbage for his advice about applying for the post of Astronomer Royal when it becomes vacant, but does not think himself qualified. Will not be able to come to London this weekend. Regarding his new acid.

Reference number: HS/20/59

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanking Charles Babbage for Charles Babbage's further remarks on the Greenwich post. Further regarding his new acid.

Reference number: HS/20/60

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Remarks on Charles Babbage's article on analysis and the examples used. Hopes to see him at Christmas; then they can talk about the projected visit to Paris.

Reference number: HS/20/61
1819

John Frederick William Herschel serves on the Board of Longitude

1819

Autograph letter signed by sender. Gives equation. Is arranging the visit to Paris.

Reference number: HS/2/108

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would he please forward the letters and papers which he left behind.

Reference number: HS/2/109

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is anxious to hear how his wounds are progressing. Will not be able to come to town yet owing to various circumstances. New chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/110

Autograph letter signed by sender. Relates the details of his accident. Gives equations and theorems.

Reference number: HS/2/111

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had some more tourmaline sent. Gives some more equations. Chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/112

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the disposal of the tourmaline. Address of his cousin. Drawing and description of the apparatus for experiments on tourmaline. Chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/113

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has dispatched the tourmaline. His chemical experiments. Circulating functions solving chance problems. [Letter postmarked 1819-3-29.]

Reference number: HS/2/114

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received papers from J. B. Biot. Has been to the Customs and Excise. Functional equations.

Reference number: HS/2/115

Autograph letter signed by sender. Answers Charles Babbage's question on the equation. Hopes to see him in London shortly. Chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/116

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just returned from Lincolnshire. Will shortly be visiting Torquay. Would like to call on him if convenient. Has heard of a vacant professorship at Edinburgh University and may try for it. Gives an equation of W. H. Wollaston's.

Reference number: HS/2/117

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is going to Edinburgh to apply for the post left vacant by John Playfair's death. Would John Frederick William Herschel and his father give him certificates and references? [Note by Mrs. Charles Babbage to the effect that her husband has heard that James Ivory will not be contesting the professorship at Edinburgh].

Reference number: HS/2/118

Autograph letter signed by sender. Wishing Charles Babbage success in his efforts to obtain the position of professor at Edinburgh. Relates details of his recent experiments with bicarbonate of potash.

Reference number: HS/2/119

Autograph letter signed by sender. Apologizes for the long delay in answering his letter. Relates experiences and hopes of success in his effort to obtain the position of professor at the University.

Reference number: HS/2/120

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sorry to hear of his failure at Edinburgh. Inviting him to Slough. Enquiring about the people Charles Babbage met at Edinburgh.

Reference number: HS/2/121

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just returned from Edinburgh and found John Frederick William Herschel's letter awaiting him. Relates various experiences in Edinburgh. Recent discoveries in his chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/122

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will not be in town until Tuesday afternoon. Has been speculating on a means of telegraphic communication between himself and Charles Babbage.

Reference number: HS/2/123

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would he like to come for a trip down the river to see W. E. Parry's Expedition ships? Query regarding quartz crystals. Date for Pearsonian dinner.

Reference number: HS/2/340

Autograph letter signed by sender. Cannot accompany Charles Babbage to Deptford because John Frederick William Herschel busy with James South. Mentions the 'Pearsonian dinner,' 'plagi[h]edral' crystals, and a letter by Wilhelm Olbers.

Reference number: HS/2/362

Autograph letter signed by sender. Bad news: a Frenchman has submitted a design for a mathematical machine.

Reference number: HS/2/363

Autograph letter signed by sender. Unable to attend the Astronomical Society meeting. Encloses two papers for him to deal with.

Reference number: HS/2/364

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Would he please forward the letters and papers which he left behind.

Reference number: HS/20/65

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is anxious to hear how his wounds are progressing. Will not be able to come to town yet owing to various circumstances. New chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/20/66

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Cannot accompany Charles Babbage to Deptford because John Frederick William Herschel busy with James South. Mentions the 'Pearsonian dinner,' 'plagi[h]edral' crystals, and a letter by Wilhelm Olbers.

Reference number: HS/20/67

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding the disposal of the tourmaline. Address of his cousin. Drawing and description of the apparatus for experiments on tourmaline. Chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/20/68

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Answers Charles Babbage's question on the equation. Hopes to see him in London shortly. Chemical experiments.

Reference number: HS/20/69

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Wishing Charles Babbage success in his efforts to obtain the position of professor at Edinburgh. Relates details of his recent experiments with bicarbonate of potash.

Reference number: HS/20/72

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Sorry to hear of his failure at Edinburgh. Inviting him to Slough. Enquiring about the people Charles Babbage met at Edinburgh.

Reference number: HS/20/73

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Will not be in town until Tuesday afternoon. Has been speculating on a means of telegraphic communication between himself and Charles Babbage.

Reference number: HS/20/75
1820

John Frederick William Herschel publishes in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.

1820: John Frederick William Herschel publishes “On the action of crystallized bodies on homogeneous light, and on the causes of the deviation from Newton's scale in the tints which many of them develope on exposure to a polarised ray” .

John Frederick William Herschel serves his first term as Foreign Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society

1820

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please send instructions as to how he would like the rock crystals cut so that he can pass the instructions on to Wilson Lowry. Is sending two drawings of John Frederick William Herschel. Has heard from David Brewster that Edinburgh has established a prize like that of Benjamin Thompson (Count Rumford).

Reference number: HS/2/124

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would he please send back some of his papers on astronomy as he wants them in order to draw up a prospectus.

Reference number: HS/2/125

Autograph letter signed by sender. Recent happenings and committee decisions in the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/126

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the forthcoming meeting of the Astronomical Society. The printing of his own address. Is preparing a paper on functional equations. Is prepared to accept the office of Foreign Secretary of the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/127

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had a letter from Davies Gilbert regarding the presidency of the Astronomical Society. Possible alternatives. Gives a problem of the law of chance.

Reference number: HS/2/128

Autograph letter signed by sender. Was unable to attend council meeting of the Astronomical Society. Difficulties over the choosing of a president. Regarding the affairs of Sir Joseph Banks.

Reference number: HS/2/129

Autograph letter signed by sender. Was unable to attend the meeting of the Astronomical Society Council. Has heard the news regarding the president. Gives a problem of chance. Regarding the printing of the supplement.

Reference number: HS/2/130

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his stove for his experiments. Problem with crystals. Printing of his book in Paris.

Reference number: HS/2/131

Autograph letter signed by sender. Informing him of the death of Isaac Milner. He should try for the Lucasian Professorship at Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/2/132

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be going to Cambridge to try for the vacant professorship. Remarks on his reasons for applying for the post. His recent experiments with quartz.

Reference number: HS/2/133

Autograph letter signed by sender. Reasons why his father does not wish to become the president of the Astronomical Society. Has attended a meeting of the Philosophical Society. Please send three or four copies of the address of the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/134

Autographed letter, incomplete. No news of the Board of Longitude. Has informed Thomas Beckwith that John Frederick William Herschel will be with him on Wednesday. Gives an example in functions.

Reference number: HS/2/135

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Prince Leopold. John Frederick William Herschel must come to town to mix with men of science. There are two vacancies on the Board of Longitude. Regarding a certain star.

Reference number: HS/2/136

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes to take up abode in his former lodgings. To what star does Charles Babbage refer to in his last letter [see Charles Babbage's 1820-5-22]?

Reference number: HS/2/137

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received the visitation letter. Work is progressing on the twenty-foot telescope. Hopes to leave for Devon soon. Places he would like to visit. Hopes Charles Babbage is well versed in geology.

Reference number: HS/2/138

Autograph letter signed by sender. Humphry Davy has been canvassing. Has several Cornish introductions. Would like to visit South Wales.

Reference number: HS/2/139

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been doing lots of chemical experiments. Gives one of his experiments with prisms. Regarding star observations.

Reference number: HS/2/140

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would John Frederick William Herschel send him the chemical formula for converting rags to sugar.

Reference number: HS/2/141

Autograph letter signed by sender. It looks as though their projected Cornish excursion will have to be postponed for a time. Gives the formula for the conversion of rags into sugar. A Finnish astronomer wishes to be elected a member of the Astronomical Society. Observations on the theory of parallax.

Reference number: HS/2/142

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has returned from his holiday. Thanks for the chemical periodicals. Has evolved some new schemes.

Reference number: HS/2/143

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for all the packages. Would like to send copies of the supplement to John Brinkley and Fearon Fallows. Regarding D. F. J. Arago's statement. Method of making a barometer clock. Wishes the president of the Royal Society [of London] was changed every four or five years. Message for W. H. Wollaston from J. B. Biot.

Reference number: HS/2/144

Autograph letter signed by sender. Informing Charles Babbage of the death of Mrs. Beckwith [wife of Thomas?]. W. E. Parry has returned successfully.

Reference number: HS/2/145

Autograph letter signed by sender. Gives Latin motto. Is sending his chemical book.

Reference number: HS/2/146

Autograph letter signed by sender. Offering any assistance during the funeral period of Mrs. Beckwith [wife of Thomas?].

Reference number: HS/2/147

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanking him for offer of assistance. Will call on him and give him papers for the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/148

Autograph letter signed by sender. Giving him instructions arising from the recent meeting of the Astronomical Society. Gives details of John Frederick William Herschel's books he has in his possession. Has been experimenting with the game of noughts and crosses. Gives a problem in analysis. Regarding a paper by John Frederick William Herschel on numbers.

Reference number: HS/2/149

Autograph letter signed by sender. Remarks on the Royal Society [of London] Has written to J. B. Biot. Regarding the annual report. Needs a new council for the Astronomical Society. Please send him some copies of the rules. Meeting of Society of Arts. His recent chemical experiments. James South was with him last week and carried out observations.

Reference number: HS/2/150

Autograph letter signed by sender. Suggestions for the wording of the annual report of the Astronomical Society. Wishes to propose a medal to be awarded for the theory of Saturn's satellites. Regarding the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/2/151

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been experimenting with magnetism. Two persons wish to become Foreign Members of the [Astronomical Society?]. Regarding the Lucasian at Cambridge. Would like John Frederick William Herschel to procure the medal of [Matthew Boulton?] for him.

Reference number: HS/2/341

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Would he please send back some of his papers on astronomy as he wants them in order to draw up a prospectus.

Reference number: HS/20/81

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding the forthcoming meeting of the Astronomical Society. The printing of his own address. Is preparing a paper on functional equations. Is prepared to accept the office of Foreign Secretary of the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/20/83

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Was unable to attend the meeting of the Astronomical Society Council. Has heard the news regarding the president. Gives a problem of chance. Regarding the printing of the supplement.

Reference number: HS/20/85

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Will be going to Cambridge to try for the vacant professorship. Remarks on his reasons for applying for the post. His recent experiments with quartz.

Reference number: HS/20/87

Copy of a letter. About plans for journey to visit Charles Babbage in Cornwall, and to go beyond.

Reference number: HS/20/88

Copy of a letter. Declining invitation for William Herschel to be President of the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/20/91

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Charles Babbage is 'incurable castle-builder.' Denies that John Frederick William Herschel falls easily into love. Eradicating 'one hastily conceived & silly passion' has deadened John Frederick William Herschel's heart. Any future love must follow a long acquaintance and friendship.

Reference number: HS/20/96

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Hopes to take up abode in his former lodgings. To what star does Charles Babbage refer to in his last letter [see Charles Babbage's 1820-5-22]?

Reference number: HS/20/97

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. It looks as though their projected Cornish excursion will have to be postponed for a time. Gives the formula for the conversion of rags into sugar. A Finnish astronomer wishes to be elected a member of the Astronomical Society. Observations on the theory of parallax.

Reference number: HS/20/99

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanks for all the packages. Would like to send copies of the supplement to John Brinkley and Fearon Fallows. Regarding D. F. J. Arago's statement. Method of making a barometer clock. Wishes the president of the Royal Society [of London] was changed every four or five years. Message for W. H. Wollaston from J. B. Biot.

Reference number: HS/20/102

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Informing Charles Babbage of the death of Mrs. Beckwith [wife of Thomas?]. W. E. Parry has returned successfully.

Reference number: HS/20/103

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Gives Latin motto. Is sending his chemical book.

Reference number: HS/20/104

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanking him for offer of assistance. Will call on him and give him papers for the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/20/105

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Remarks on the Royal Society [of London] Has written to J. B. Biot. Regarding the annual report. Needs a new council for the Astronomical Society. Please send him some copies of the rules. Meeting of Society of Arts. His recent chemical experiments. James South was with him last week and carried out observations.

Reference number: HS/20/106

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Suggestions for the wording of the annual report of the Astronomical Society. Wishes to propose a medal to be awarded for the theory of Saturn's satellites. Regarding the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/20/107
1821

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. Hopes John Frederick William Herschel will meet Charles Babbage and Francis Baily in the near future to discuss arrangements for the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/152

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes to call on Thursday to discuss queries. Regarding recent astronomical experiments. Alterations to his twenty-foot telescope.

Reference number: HS/2/153

Autograph letter signed by sender. Meeting at Dr. George Pearson's on Friday next.

Reference number: HS/2/154

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding W. T. Brande's attack on the Astronomical Society. Joseph Banks and his opposition to Charles Babbage. Recent happenings in the Astronomical Society. Thanks for the volumes.

Reference number: HS/2/155

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding W. T. Brande's recent attack on the Astronomical Society. The Board of Longitude and its dealings with Charles Babbage. Has met Henry Warburton recently.

Reference number: HS/2/156

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would Charles Babbage breakfast with John Frederick William Herschel in order to meet members of the Correction Committee.

Reference number: HS/2/157

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please forward the address of H. Meikle, the computer.

Reference number: HS/2/158

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will call on John Frederick William Herschel tomorrow. Has had a letter from Benjamin Gompertz.

Reference number: HS/2/159

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's misunderstanding with George Dollond in the latter's quarrel with James South.

Reference number: HS/2/160

Autograph letter signed by sender. Unable to leave his wife. Has read about John Frederick William Herschel's purchases at Christie's.

Reference number: HS/2/161

Autograph letter signed by sender. No need for meeting of Correction Committee. Will be in town on Friday and hopes to meet him.

Reference number: HS/2/162

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be having a meeting with the Gwatkins. Regarding becoming a trustee of John Frederick William Herschel's and matters appertaining to it.

Reference number: HS/2/163

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had a visit from Mr. Cox. Regarding payment of carriage for parcel from Vienna. Will be visiting him on Tuesday.

Reference number: HS/2/164

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is glad he is coming on Tuesday. Regarding the parcel of books from Vienna. Recent experiments with mercury.

Reference number: HS/2/165

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like to visit this week. Has had an attack of rheumatic fever. Gives tables of orbit of a comet.

Reference number: HS/2/166

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding barometric observations.

Reference number: HS/2/167

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding their chances of obtaining a professorship at Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/2/168

Contemporary copy in Herschel's hand. Regarding their chances of obtaining a professorship at Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/2/168a

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like to see him and discuss plans regarding his calculating machine.

Reference number: HS/2/169

Autograph letter signed by sender. Can John Frederick William Herschel deputize for him at the Astronomical Society meeting?

Reference number: HS/2/345

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Hopes to call on Thursday to discuss queries. Regarding recent astronomical experiments. Alterations to his twenty-foot telescope.

Reference number: HS/20/110

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding W. T. Brande's recent attack on the Astronomical Society. The Board of Longitude and its dealings with Charles Babbage. Has met Henry Warburton recently.

Reference number: HS/20/112

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Would Charles Babbage breakfast with John Frederick William Herschel in order to meet members of the Correction Committee.

Reference number: HS/20/115

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Please forward the address of H. Meikle, the computer.

Reference number: HS/20/116

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. No need for meeting of Correction Committee. Will be in town on Friday and hopes to meet him.

Reference number: HS/20/119

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. [Theophila] Gwatkin will accept Georgiana Babbage's invitation. Will set date after Gwatkin returns from Baylin. Asks Charles Babbage to be trustee in John Herschel's marriage settlement to Harriet Gwatkin.

Reference number: HS/20/120

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is glad he is coming on Tuesday. Regarding the parcel of books from Vienna. Recent experiments with mercury.

Reference number: HS/20/125

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Would like to visit this week. Has had an attack of rheumatic fever. Gives tables of orbit of a comet.

Reference number: HS/20/127

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding barometric observations.

Reference number: HS/20/129

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding their chances of obtaining a professorship at Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/20/130
1822

Death of Sir William Herschel FRS

25 August 1822

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding W. T. Brande's attack on Sir Joseph Banks, and its relation to the Council of the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/2/170

Autograph letter signed by sender. Matters relating to his calculating machine.

Reference number: HS/2/171

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please forward enclosed note to Mrs. Roget [wife of P. M. Roget?]. Various items of interest.

Reference number: HS/2/172

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will not be able to pay a visit as children have whooping cough. Has been demonstrating his calculating machine. Hopes to see him at the Greenwich visitation.

Reference number: HS/2/173

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had a letter from the Secretary of the Dijon Academy offering him and Charles Babbage the title of Non-Resident Associate of the Academy. Is there any chance of seeing him in the near future?

Reference number: HS/2/174

Autograph letter signed by sender. Query regarding the construction of a model of a machine for Charles Babbage. Charles Babbage's letter to Humphry Davy about his engines. He will be visiting the Netherlands shortly. P. S. Laplace has sent him details of his recent researches into gases. Hopes the family are well after their recent visit to Devon.

Reference number: HS/2/175

Contemporary copy in Herschel's hand. Query regarding the construction of a model of a machine for Charles Babbage. Charles Babbage's letter to Humphry Davy about his engines. He will be visiting the Netherlands shortly. P. S. Laplace has sent him details of his recent researches into gases. Hopes the family are well after their recent visit to Devon. Annotated 'the original has been copied 1892" in Colonel John Herschel's hand top left corner of first folio.

Reference number: HS/2/175a

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the construction of the model machine. Things appertaining to the Netherlands. Regarding his new chemical theory.

Reference number: HS/2/176

Autograph letter signed by sender. The account will be inserted in the Morning Chronicle tomorrow.

Reference number: HS/2/177

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be moving to Worchester shortly. Theory on stained glass. Regarding his recent pamphlet.

Reference number: HS/2/178

Autograph letter signed by sender. Caroline and Dietrich Herschel leave for Rotterdam in two days. Charles Babbage's 'offer of the heretifical Robes' and 'sacrilegious stain.' Thank [Woolrych Whitmore] for agricultural pamphlet sent to John Frederick William Herschel and [Richard] Jones. Sent Charles Babbage's letter to Humphry Davy and others.

Reference number: HS/2/179

Autograph letter signed by sender. Destroy or return the article given him on Thursday. Has found something better.

Reference number: HS/2/180

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the copying of the painting by William Artaud. Send it by coach if possible. Meeting of the Astronomical Society Council and matters arising from it.

Reference number: HS/2/181

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the Cambridge affair. Has had a letter from the Edinburgh Society of Arts.

Reference number: HS/2/182

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had a letter from George Peacock. Regarding the Lucasian Professorship at Cambridge.

Reference number: HS/2/346

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Caroline and Dietrich Herschel leave for Rotterdam in two days. Charles Babbage's 'offer of the heretifical Robes' and 'sacrilegious stain.' Thank [Woolrych Whitmore] for agricultural pamphlet sent to John Frederick William Herschel and [Richard] Jones. Sent Charles Babbage's letter to Humphry Davy and others.

Reference number: HS/19/46

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding W. T. Brande's attack on Sir Joseph Banks, and its relation to the Council of the Astronomical Society.

Reference number: HS/20/134

Copy of a letter. Tells Charles Babbage that John Frederick William Herschel has seen a calculating machine made by some 'rascally frenchman'.

Reference number: HS/20/135

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Please forward enclosed note to Mrs. Roget [wife of P. M. Roget?]. Various items of interest.

Reference number: HS/20/139

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has had a letter from the Secretary of the Dijon Academy offering him and Charles Babbage the title of Non-Resident Associate of the Academy. Is there any chance of seeing him in the near future?

Reference number: HS/20/147

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Query regarding the construction of a model of a machine for Charles Babbage. Charles Babbage's letter to Humphry Davy about his engines. He will be visiting the Netherlands shortly. P. S. Laplace has sent him details of his recent researches into gases. Hopes the family are well after their recent visit to Devon.

Reference number: HS/20/149

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Caroline and Dietrich Herschel leave for Rotterdam in two days. Charles Babbage's 'offer of the heretifical Robes' and 'sacrilegious stain.' Thank [Woolrych Whitmore] for agricultural pamphlet sent to John Frederick William Herschel and [Richard] Jones. Sent Charles Babbage's letter to Humphry Davy and others.

Reference number: HS/20/152

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Destroy or return the article given him on Thursday. Has found something better.

Reference number: HS/20/153

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding the Cambridge affair. Has had a letter from the Edinburgh Society of Arts.

Reference number: HS/20/158
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”.

Autograph letter signed by sender. Events at Cambridge. Has a paper by A. L. Cauchy for him. Has met Humphry Davy and discussed Charles Babbage's machine. Charles Babbage is celebrated in verse.

Reference number: HS/2/183

Autograph letter signed by sender. 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 John Frederick William Herschel on Monday night.

Reference number: HS/2/184

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending the agreement between the government and Charles Babbage regarding payment for work on the calculating machine.

Reference number: HS/2/185

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has signed the paper regarding the machine and is returning it. Regarding its publicity with Members of Parliament.

Reference number: HS/2/186

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the paper on the machine for the Treasury. Will postpone his visit to Slough.

Reference number: HS/2/187

Autograph letter signed by sender. There is to be a sale of pictures, including one of John Frederick William Herschel; would he like it? Has not heard anything from the Treasury yet regarding payment of his money. Plans for projected holiday.

Reference number: HS/2/188

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the calculating machine. Recent astronomical observations.

Reference number: HS/2/189

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has purchased the picture for £8. Will be at Birmingham tomorrow.

Reference number: HS/2/190

Autograph letter signed by sender. Enclosing an invitation from Humphry Davy to dine with him. Invitation for John Frederick William Herschel to dine with Charles Babbage also.

Reference number: HS/2/191
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. Regarding the First Assistant at Greenwich Observatory, and the possibility of John Frederick William Herschel ever becoming Astronomer Royal. Hopes to see him on Wednesday.

Reference number: HS/2/192

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is leaving from Cambridge. Hopes that he will come. Has some new things on functional analysis to discuss.

Reference number: HS/2/193

Autograph letter signed by sender. Relates experiences and persons met recently in Paris. Account of Alpine scenery and travel experiences. [Continued 1824-4-20 Turin:] Events while travelling to Turin. [Continued 1824-4-22 Alessandria:] Has met Plana at Turin Observatory. Five days of discussions with him. Please order two specified books and send to Plana. View of the Alps.

Reference number: HS/2/194

Autograph letter signed by sender. Recent experiences in crossing the Alps. Overturning of the coach and his narrow escape.

Reference number: HS/2/194a

Autograph letter signed by sender. Recent meeting and astronomical observations with G. B. Amici. [Repeat of his narrow escape in the Alps, related in John Frederick William Herschel's 1824-5-5]

Reference number: HS/2/195

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been appointed director of a company. Offers shares to John Frederick William Herschel. Has sent books to G. A. A. Plana. Wife and children in Devon.

Reference number: HS/2/196

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is observing the heavens from Etna. [Letter continued 11 July from Palermo:] Recent experiences touring Sicily.

Reference number: HS/2/197

Contemporary copy in Herschel's hand.Time (1.30am) and atmospheric conditions of the letter noted. Is observing the heavens from Etna. [Letter continued 11 July from Palermo:] Recent experiences touring Sicily.

Reference number: HS/2/197a

Autograph letter signed by sender. The Insurance firm for which he acted as director has been wound up. Has taken a holiday in the country.

Reference number: HS/2/198

Autograph letter signed by sender. His recent tours in Italy and Germany, and the people he met.

Reference number: HS/2/199

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is glad to hear of his speedy return. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's instruments and their passage through the customs. Is writing a book on Assurance Companies.

Reference number: HS/2/200

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Recent meeting and astronomical observations with G. B. Amici. [Repeat of his narrow escape in the Alps, related in John Frederick William Herschel's 1824-5-5]

Reference number: HS/20/180

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Is observing the heavens from Etna. [Letter continued 11 July from Palermo:] Recent experiences touring Sicily.

Reference number: HS/20/181
1825

John Frederick William Herschel invents the actinometer to measure the heating power of the Sun’s rays

1825

Charles Babbage and John Frederick William Herschel publish in the Philosophical Transactions

1825: Charles Babbage and John Frederick William Herschel publish an “Account of the repetition of M. Arago's experiments on the magnetism manifested by various substances during the act of rotation”.

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding [William?] French and G. B. Airy. Will breakfast with John Frederick William Herschel on Sunday. Going to Cambridge on Monday and would like his company.

Reference number: HS/2/201

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sorry he will be unable to see him. Is sending copies of their paper for distribution.

Reference number: HS/2/366

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes to see him in town and then they can go to see Joseph Clement. His observations are being spoilt by bad weather.

Reference number: HS/2/368
1826

John Frederick William Herschel publishes in the Philosophical Transactions

1826: John Frederick William Herschel publishes “On the parallax of the fixed stars”.

Autograph letter signed by sender. Encloses a letter from Dr. John Brinkley. Please send on his manuscript catalogue of nebulae. Regarding the reading and printing of Charles Babbage's paper at the Analytical. Site for his pendulum experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/202

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been to the observatory. New comet discovered. Has met P. S. Laplace. Does he know of any tables of logarithms to 10,000?

Reference number: HS/2/203

Autograph letter signed by sender. Geological remarks on the surrounding area and excursions made.

Reference number: HS/2/204

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just returned from collecting information on machines. Regarding the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge. Has met a clockmaker who is able to work on his machine.

Reference number: HS/2/205

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like to spend Christmas with him. Does he want a Newfoundland puppy?

Reference number: HS/2/206

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Mr. Moreau and his certificate. Recent happenings at the Royal Society [of London] Has been pheasant shooting.

Reference number: HS/2/207

Autographed letter, incomplete. Regarding certificates at the Royal Society [of London] Relates recent occurrences over form of certificates. Would like to see him at Christmas.

Reference number: HS/2/397

Autographed letter . Directory of specified shops. List of chemical apparatus.

Reference number: HS/2/398

Autograph letter signed by sender. Tells Charles Babbage that everyone is anxious to have Charles Babbage allow his name to stand for the Secretaryship of the Royal Society [of London] John Frederick William Herschel lists many names of people who have all said they would vote for Charles Babbage.

Reference number: HS/27/2

Draft letter. In describing the way in which J. G. Children was elected to the secretaryship, John Frederick William Herschel says 'the matter was irregularly brought by the President before a meeting of eight or nine persons whom he chose to call a council' to meet for a few minutes 'to transmit some business connected with the Treasurer's accounts.' John Frederick William Herschel feels Humphry Davy's actions will not be excused even by Davy's best friends.

Reference number: HS/27/9
1827

Joseph Nicéphore Niépce presents his photographs in England for the first time

1827

Autograph letter signed by sender. Argues that neither Charles Babbage nor his friends should in any way act to create difficulty at future Royal Society [of London] meetings, as that will allow those attacked to resign with dignity. Rather elect someone else at the next anniversary meeting.

Reference number: HS/2/208

Autograph letter signed by sender. Announcing his decision of resigning from the Secretaryship of the Royal Society [of London]

Reference number: HS/2/211

Autograph letter signed by sender. Letter of condolence on the death of Charles Babbage's son Charles.

Reference number: HS/2/212

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has visited Louvain and also a steam engine factory near Liege. Account of various excursions.

Reference number: HS/2/217

Autograph letter signed by sender. News of his family. Joseph Clement's work on the machine [difference engine 1] and alterations proposed. Clement wants payment of £150. Recent happenings at the Royal Society [of London]

Reference number: HS/2/218

Autograph letter signed by sender. News of the illness of his son.

Reference number: HS/2/342

Autograph letter signed by sender. The hour of meeting of council is to be altered. Bring his paper on notation.

Reference number: HS/2/343

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is forwarding parcels. Getting ready for some experiments.

Reference number: HS/2/344

Autograph letter signed by sender. Understands his intellectual pursuits. Gives address of his son [Adelaide].

Reference number: HS/2/347

Autograph letter signed by sender. Remarks on various equations.

Reference number: HS/2/348

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding various publications for distribution.

Reference number: HS/2/369

Autographed letter . News concerning Edward Ryan.

Reference number: HS/2/370

Draft copy in Herschel's hand. Argues that neither Charles Babbage nor his friends should in any way act to create difficulty at future Royal Society [of London] meetings, as that will allow those attacked to resign with dignity. Rather elect someone else at the next anniversary meeting. Significant amendments and modifications.

Reference number: HS/27/11
1828

Autograph letter signed by sender. Family is well. News of Joseph Clement's work on the machine. Details of the new drawings made. Recent events at the Royal Society [of London] Is giving up lodgings in town and returning to Slough. Sorry to hear of G. B. Amici's health. Regarding Amici's gifts to the Royal Society [of London]

Reference number: HS/2/219

Autograph letter signed by sender. Informing him that he has been elected to the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge. Offers congratulations and gives views of other friends of his success. He should return to take up his appointment.

Reference number: HS/2/222

Autograph letter signed by sender. His feelings on hearing of his being elected to the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge. Regarding Joseph Clement and the work on his machine.

Reference number: HS/2/224

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Joseph Clement and the work on his machine. Account of his recent excursions.

Reference number: HS/2/226

Autograph letter signed by sender. Not much news. Regarding Joseph Clement and his work on the machine. William Whewell and G. B. Airy's pendulum experiments. Has had a letter from J. R. Ryan.

Reference number: HS/2/234

Regarding Babbage's calculating machine.

Reference number: HS/27/42
1829

John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart are married in London

3 March 1829

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will endeavor to obtain information about the fellowships at St. John's.

Reference number: HS/2/237

Autograph letter signed by sender. Can Charles Babbage come down on Sunday to see about the machine?

Reference number: HS/2/238

Autograph letter signed by sender. Difficulties over his machine. Joseph Clement threatens strike action. Would like to become acquainted with John Frederick William Herschel's friend. Advice on marriage given.

Reference number: HS/2/239

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hears he is at Dudmaston. Has a brother-in-law who will shortly be travelling to India and would like suggestions of books and instruments for him to take. Also letter of introduction to Edward Ryan.

Reference number: HS/2/240

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the monetary affairs of his sister-in-law. Has had discussions regarding his machine. Has just commenced writing a pamphlet on the state of science in England. Everyone has been asking for John Frederick William Herschel.

Reference number: HS/2/241

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be in town on Thursday to execute the deed of attorney. Is glad to hear that Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington) has taken an interest in the machine. Remarks on his pamphlet State of Science in England. Alterations at Slough.

Reference number: HS/2/242

Draft letter. Tells Charles Babbage about a visit by John Frederick William Herschel and Wolryche Whitmore to the Duke [of ?] to present the case for more government funds for Charles Babbage's calculating machine.

Reference number: HS/27/52
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. Has heard the news about Government support for the machine; is this correct?

Reference number: HS/2/243

Autograph letter signed by sender. Latest news of his machine. His book is going to press in 10 days. Would like proofsheet of last sheet of John Frederick William Herschel's 'Sound.'

Reference number: HS/2/244

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Charles Babbage's attitude to the machine. Is sending rough proof of the page on 'Sound.'

Reference number: HS/2/245

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his forthcoming pamphlet and his attitudes to scientific societies. Sent him the wrong page of 'Sound.' Has just returned from Leicestershire. David Brewster sent a problem.

Reference number: HS/2/246

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his projected biography of Dr. Thomas Young. His own book on the decline of science is in the press. Regarding the life and manners of Dr. Young.

Reference number: HS/2/247

Autograph copy letter signed by sender. Regarding Babbage's projected biography of Dr. Thomas Young. His own book on the decline of science is in the press. Regarding the life and manners of Dr. Young.

Reference number: HS/2/248

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sorry to note the tone of Charles Babbage's last letter concerning his projected biography of Dr. Thomas Young, but he means to carry out his project. Edward Sabine received £1000 from the Board of Longitude.

Reference number: HS/2/249

Draft letter with extensive corrections. Is sorry to note the tone of Charles Babbage's last letter concerning his projected biography of Dr. Thomas Young, but he means to carry out his project. Edward Sabine received £1000 from the Board of Longitude.

Reference number: HS/2/250

Autograph letter signed by sender. Further remarks on Dr. Thomas Young and John Frederick William Herschel's projected biography. Has had a copy of a letter from J. F. Encke about an Astronomical Ephemeris for the Society for Promoting Useful Knowledge.

Reference number: HS/2/251

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has read his book on the decline of science and thinks that the book may do some good. Comments on various parts, and outlines things that could happen as the result. Has replied to Encke's letter about Ephemeris.

Reference number: HS/2/252

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will he be at home later this week as he would like to call on him. Wishes to discuss the Nautical Almanac. Gives political news.

Reference number: HS/2/253

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be very pleased to see him and hopes he will spend longer with him. Has just finished a new 20-foot mirror for his telescope. Regarding alterations in the Nautical Almanac.

Reference number: HS/2/254

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has not seen the letter in the Herald about the possibility of himself standing for the presidency of the Royal Society [of London] Raises six queries regarding manufactures and other scientific facts.

Reference number: HS/2/255

Autograph letter signed by sender. Agrees with his opinions held about the Royal Society [of London] Is going out of town immediately; so unable to answer the queries completely. Regarding the magnetic muzzle used by needle makers.

Reference number: HS/2/256

Autograph letter signed by sender. His views on hearing that he has been nominated for the position of President of the Royal Society [of London] Does not wish to become the president, but will do so if elected.

Reference number: HS/2/257

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would he please send back the proofs he sent the other day as the printers have requested their return. Regarding affairs at the Royal Society [of London] Has he heard from the Treasury?

Reference number: HS/2/258

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending books for Wilhelm Struve. Would like to see the latter before he returns to Germany.

Reference number: HS/2/371

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will call on him tomorrow.

Reference number: HS/2/372

Autograph letter signed by sender. Introducing a Mr. Wartam of the Armenian church at Vienna, who knows Charles Babbage's work on mathematics.

Reference number: HS/2/373

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will call for him on his way to the river.

Reference number: HS/2/374

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will he meet him tomorrow.

Reference number: HS/2/375

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regrets that he will be unable to come and see the experiments as he is laid up with rheumatism.

Reference number: HS/2/376

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please send enclosed to Mr. Tukinor [?]. Gives brother-in-law's statement concerning Mrs. Urquhart and Mr. Deguise.

Reference number: HS/2/399

Copy letter, from "copy book vol I". Has read his book on the decline of science and thinks that the book may do some good. Comments on various parts, and outlines things that could happen as the result. Has replied to Encke's letter about Ephemeris.

Reference number: HS/25/1/1

Copy letter, from "copy book vol I". Has not seen the letter in the Herald about the possibility of himself standing for the presidency of the Royal Society [of London] Raises six queries regarding manufactures and other scientific facts.

Reference number: HS/25/1/8

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. His views on hearing that he has been nominated for the position of President of the Royal Society [of London] Does not wish to become the president, but will do so if elected.

Reference number: HS/25/1/12
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

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just found out that the government has approached the Royal Society [of London] as to the usefulness and chances of success of his machine. Hopes that if John Frederick William Herschel is appointed he will not become involved in the committees of the Royal Society [of London] Has been deciphering a cipher.

Reference number: HS/2/259

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has noted his remarks about attending the committees of the Royal Society [of London] Received one to discuss the engine, but was unable to attend as he had other arrangements. Views on present attitude of the Royal Society [of London] Council to the machine. Intends to revise and enlarge his books Light and Sound.

Reference number: HS/2/260

Autograph letter signed by sender. Encloses a letter sent to his mother in Devonshire St.. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's votes. His plan for removal prospers.

Reference number: HS/2/261

Autograph letter signed by sender. David Brewster is in town. Has arranged a series of meetings and excursions for him. Hopes John Frederick William Herschel will come to town. His mother and daughter are at Brighton.

Reference number: HS/2/262

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will come up to town and meet David Brewster. Effect of violet light on chemical compound. Gives some of his recent astronomical observations.

Reference number: HS/2/263

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending a query from Florence, also a letter from Vincenzio Antinori, which please return. Additional facts supporting his views expressed in the Decline of Science. Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex) has been challenged over government of the Royal Society [of London] Engine progresses well. [Also contains draft of reply which is the same as John Frederick William Herschel's 1831-9-13.]

Reference number: HS/2/264

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending mirror in perfect state for Vincenzio Antinori at Florence, together with his letter. Regarding Gerard Moll's book. Has no time to spare to attend the [B.A.A.S.] meeting at York.

Reference number: HS/2/265

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please could he obtain through Miss Caroline Herschel several copies of the Hannover Gazette which includes his own name when he was awarded the Guelphic Order. There is talk that Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex) is going to Ireland.

Reference number: HS/2/266

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will contact his aunt for the Hannover Gazette. Wishes to see Joseph Clement about moving the telescope.

Reference number: HS/2/267

Autograph letter signed by sender. One of Joseph Clement's workmen will be coming down to work on John Frederick William Herschel's telescope. Gives rates of pay, etc. Has just got the Treasury to give their order for the completion of the buildings.

Reference number: HS/2/268

Autograph letter signed by sender. Had to return without seeing him owing to his mother's health. Regarding the present controversies. Is annoyed by the conduct of David Brewster.

Reference number: HS/2/269

Contemporary copy letter in Herschel's hand. Annotated: "vide also copy of letter Jan. 9/32". Had to return without seeing him owing to his mother's health. Regarding the present controversies. Is annoyed by the conduct of David Brewster.

Reference number: HS/2/269a

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding J. F. Daniel[l]'s lecture. His own views on the validity of the attacks. Regarding John Frederick William Herschel's opinion on David Brewster.

Reference number: HS/2/270

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding J. F. Daniel[l]'s attack on John Frederick William Herschel and Charles Babbage.

Reference number: HS/2/339

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Had to return without seeing him owing to his mother's health. Regarding the present controversies. Is annoyed by the conduct of David Brewster.

Reference number: HS/21/95
1832

Autograph letter signed by sender. Recent loss [death of his mother] has put the controversies temporarily aside. Gives further news of various matters which affect him. Feels angry at David Brewster's manner.

Reference number: HS/2/271

Extract from a letter in Herschel's hand. Recent loss [death of his mother] has put the controversies temporarily aside. Gives further news of various matters which affect him. Feels angry at David Brewster's manner.

Reference number: HS/2/271a

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just heard of the death of Lady Herschel. Will be at Slough for the funeral on Friday.

Reference number: HS/2/272

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the situation on the Cape of Good Hope. Is sending a paper of Dr. [William?] Henry. David Brewster suffered last Thursday.

Reference number: HS/2/273

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Charles Babbage's failure in political matters. Sees cause for congratulation. Would he tell him where he can see the manufacture of springs.

Reference number: HS/2/274

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the results of the Finsbury election. Has been invited to a public dinner and would like him to come, together with some of his scientific friends. Part of his machine is ready.

Reference number: HS/2/275

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will attend Charles Babbage's dinner on Wednesday. Can John Frederick William Herschel bring his brother-in-law? Will call at Charles Babbage's house before the dinner.

Reference number: HS/2/276

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is delighted that John Frederick William Herschel is coming to dinner.

Reference number: HS/2/277

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Recent loss [death of his mother] has put the controversies temporarily aside. Gives further news of various matters which affect him. Feels angry at David Brewster's manner.

Reference number: HS/21/99
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. Has glanced over the papers and made a few corrections. Suggests one point for alteration.

Reference number: HS/2/278

Autograph letter signed by sender. The first evening party is on Saturday, and hopes John Frederick William Herschel will be able to come.

Reference number: HS/2/279

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is trying to prepare his book for the press, and is suffering from a severe attack of influenza.

Reference number: HS/2/280

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will not be in town until early June owing to pressure of work. Thanks for information on Van Dieman's Land, but they have decided on the Cape.

Reference number: HS/2/281

Autograph letter signed by sender. Outlines possible program for Wednesday.

Reference number: HS/2/282

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Society matters. Small parcel has arrived for John Frederick William Herschel.

Reference number: HS/2/283

Autograph letter signed by sender. Let him know when the next Levee is.

Reference number: HS/2/284

Autograph letter signed by sender. Giving the date of the next Levee.

Reference number: HS/2/285
1834

Birth of Margaret Louisa Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

1834

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is settled near Cape Town. Experiences on the voyage. Details of his telescope arrangements, and observations carried out.

Reference number: HS/2/286

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his machine. Suggested modifications for it. Recent meeting of the B.A.A.S. Political events.

Reference number: HS/2/287

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding Charles Babbage's machine. Edward Ryan's visit. Events at the Cape. Failure of his astronomical observations due to cloud conditions. Has been trying to stir up the South African Philosophical Society. Recent South African expedition.

Reference number: HS/2/288

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Regarding Charles Babbage's machine. Edward Ryan's visit. Events at the Cape. Failure of his astronomical observations due to cloud conditions. Has been trying to stir up the South African Philosophical Society. Recent South African expedition.

Reference number: HS/25/4/5
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. Commiserating on Charles Babbage's calamity.

Reference number: HS/2/289
1836

Birth of Alexander Stewart Herschel, son of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

5 February 1836

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, likely draft in pencil in Herschel's hand. Comments on some parts of Charles Babbage's Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, especially on Charles Babbage's mathematical estimating of the credibility of miracles. John Frederick William Herschel shows that such a process cannot work. [Letter finished 1837-10-25.]

Reference number: HS/2/290

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Comments on some parts of Charles Babbage's Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, especially on Charles Babbage's mathematical estimating of the credibility of miracles. John Frederick William Herschel shows that such a process cannot work. [Letter finished 1837-10-25.]

Reference number: HS/25/5/9
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.

Draft letter in Herschel's hand, marked 'most confidential' and dated 'Tuesday night' Has had a long letter from Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex), who wishes him to accept a baronetcy. John Frederick William Herschel's comments on this after refusing the title. Considers necessary to accept so as not to 'wound feelings' despite the dangers accepting entails.

Reference number: HS/2/290a

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his party. Difficulties and accidents.

Reference number: HS/2/291

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had a long letter from Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex), who wishes him to accept a baronetcy. John Frederick William Herschel's comments on this after refusing the title. Considers necessary to accept so as not to 'wound feelings' despite the dangers accepting entails.

Reference number: HS/2/400

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will not be able to come to town until Saturday. Has solved one of his chemical problems. Has not done anything to his mathematical works.

Reference number: HS/2/401

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will join him on Wednesday morning and go together. Has new result in astronomy.

Reference number: HS/2/402

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has had a long letter from Frederick Augustus (Duke of Sussex), who wishes him to accept a baronetcy. John Frederick William Herschel's comments on this.

Reference number: HS/21/252
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

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will bring Charles Babbage's 'Engine' to Slough tomorrow, together with Dionysius Lardner's apparatus, which Charles Babbage has 'taught to write.'

Reference number: HS/2/292

Autograph letter signed by sender. Making his last experiments on the morrow. Travels to and from Slough in the course of his experiments. Hopes John Frederick William Herschel will join him.

Reference number: HS/2/293
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. Regarding communications from Paddington. Gives verses written in honor of the 40-foot telescope. Has some strange results in photographic work.

Reference number: HS/2/295
1841

Sir Robert Peel becomes Prime Minister

1841

Birth of Amelia Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

1841

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding a missing picture of his father.

Reference number: HS/2/297

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the missing picture [HS.2.297].

Reference number: HS/2/298

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please send on the picture. Hopes he had a good time in Italy.

Reference number: HS/2/299

Autograph letter signed by sender. The Ryans are in London.

Reference number: HS/2/365
1842

Birth of Julia Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

1842

Sir John Herschel publishes in the Philosophical Transactions

1842: Sir John Herschel publishes “On the action of the rays of the solar spectrum on vegetable colours, and on some new photographic processes”

1843

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his brother-in-law's sale of property. Sorry he was unable to meet him at Dover recently. Mother in good health.

Reference number: HS/2/301

Autograph letter signed by sender, incomplete. Regarding the deeds for Charles Babbage's brother-in-law. Is sorry that Charles Babbage could not see the blasting of the cliffs at Dover.

Reference number: HS/2/302

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending him some new additions for the memoir by L. F. Menabrea. Mother keeps well.

Reference number: HS/2/303

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has had visitors which accounts for the delay in answering letter. Thanks for memoir additions. Is sending paper dealing with use of Charles Babbage's work. Somervilles are still in Rome. Is glad to hear good news of his mother.

Reference number: HS/2/304

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending him papers on his machine. Would like to see him when in town to discuss various matters. His youngest son has arrived in Calcutta.

Reference number: HS/2/305

Autograph letter signed by sender. Requests advice on the setting up of a sick benefit society. Remarks on some of Charles Babbage's queries.

Reference number: HS/2/306

Autograph letter signed by sender. Referring him to someone who can advise him on the setting up of a sick benefit society. Regarding Charles Babbage's automan.

Reference number: HS/2/307
1844

Birth of Matilda Rose Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

1844

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the health of his aunt and other family matters.

Reference number: HS/2/309

Autograph letter signed by sender. She did wrong in letting him have John Frederick William Herschel's letter.

Reference number: HS/2/350

Autograph letter signed by sender. General family news.

Reference number: HS/2/351

Autograph letter signed by sender. Family news.

Reference number: HS/2/352
1845

Sir John Herschel serves as President of the British Association

1845

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the deed for Charles Babbage's brother-in-law. Is reading G. W. Leibniz's metaphysical works.

Reference number: HS/2/310

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just seen Lady Herschel and heard the news of his health. Urges him to come to town for treatment.

Reference number: HS/2/311

Autograph letter signed by sender. Health has improved. Regarding an experiment carried out at the Royal Institution.

Reference number: HS/2/312
1846

Birth of Francisca Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

1846

Sir John Herschel serves his second term as Foreign Secretary of the Royal Astronomical Society

1846: To 1847

1847

Sir John Herschel serves his second term as President of the Royal Astronomical Society

1847: Until 1849

Sir John Herschel receives the Copley Medal

1847: Sir John Herschel receives the Copley Medal of the Royal Society "For his work entitled Results of Astronomical Observations made during the years 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837 and 1838, at the Cape of Good Hope; being a completion of a telescopic survey of the whole surface of the visible heavens, commenced in 1825"

Sir John Herschel publishes a paper

1847: Sir John Herschel publishes Results of astronomical observations made during the years 1834, 5, 6, 7, 8, at the Cape of Good Hope; being a completion of a telescopic survey of the whole surface of the visible heavens, commenced in 1825.

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is thinking of publishing a new edition of Examples in the calculus of finite differences. Would like his views on this.

Reference number: HS/2/313

Autograph letter signed by sender. Asks Charles Babbage's advice on how correctly to avoid attending a Queen's ball John Frederick William Herschel has been commanded to attend.

Reference number: HS/2/314

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the physical features of the moon.

Reference number: HS/2/315

Autograph letter signed by sender. How to evade attending the Queen's ball. Thanks for information on the moon.

Reference number: HS/2/316

Autograph letter signed by sender. Remarks on John Frederick William Herschel's Southern astronomy volume [Cape Results].

Reference number: HS/2/317
1848

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood is formed, by John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and others

1848

Napoleon III is elected first President of France

20 December 1848

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the originator of the Royal Astronomical Society Regarding his duties as trustee and other legal matters.

Reference number: HS/2/318

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the origins of the Royal Astronomical Society Will try and find a substitute trustee.

Reference number: HS/2/319

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for his offer of help in the trusteeship. Also for his pamphlet on income tax. Is about to become involved in Chancery proceedings. Comments on tax.

Reference number: HS/2/388
1849

Sir John Herschel publishes Outlines of Astronomy.

1849

1850

Sir John Herschel is appointed Master of the Mint

1850

1851

Sir John Herschel serves as juror of the Great Exhibition

1851

Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like a reference from him regarding a candidate for a position at the Mint. Would like him and David Brewster to dine with him.

Reference number: HS/2/320

Autograph letter signed by sender. Please let him have David Brewster's address.

Reference number: HS/2/321

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will show his friends round the Mint.

Reference number: HS/2/322

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding his plans for lighthouses. Had a visit from L. F. Menabrea in his absence. Who manufactures the specified telescopes?

Reference number: HS/2/323

Autograph letter signed by sender. Further regarding lighthouses.

Reference number: HS/2/324

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will he and David Brewster dine with him on Tuesday.

Reference number: HS/2/396
1852

Autograph letter signed by sender. Does not wish to become a Vice-Patron of the College of Preceptors.

Reference number: HS/2/325

Autograph letter signed by sender. Invitation to attend the wedding ceremony at St. James' Piccadilly [for the wedding of Caroline E. M. Herschel and Col. Alexander H. Gordon]

Reference number: HS/2/326

Autograph letter signed by sender. Can he lend him the Cambridge Calendar or tell him the examiners in the mathematical tripos.

Reference number: HS/2/379

Autograph letter signed by sender. Can he lend him Thomas Young's lectures?

Reference number: HS/2/380

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will visit him on Sunday if the weather is suitable.

Reference number: HS/2/381

Autograph letter signed by sender. Invitation to dine with him.

Reference number: HS/2/382

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will he send the drawing of St. Olave's? Has lost his red pocket book.

Reference number: HS/2/383

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending an 'ill matched pair.' Has got a cold.

Reference number: HS/2/384

Autographed letter . Has some certificates for him to sign. Would he read the translation of C. F. Gauss's paper on Friday?

Reference number: HS/2/385

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be pleased to dine with him. Has been unlucky of late.

Reference number: HS/2/386

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is returning his porisms. Comments on his geometrical language.

Reference number: HS/2/387
1853

Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes Charles Babbage will dine with John Frederick William Herschel at Hawkhurst next week as John Frederick William Herschel hears Charles Babbage will be in the neighborhood.

Reference number: HS/2/327

Autograph letter signed by sender. Number of half-crowns minted in the years 1832-53.

Reference number: HS/2/377

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is unable to dine with him as his rheumatism is too bad.

Reference number: HS/2/378

Autograph letter signed by sender. Send the names and addresses of any friends who may wish to see the Mint. Thanks for pamphlet on income tax.

Reference number: HS/2/393

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be spending a quiet weekend near Tring. Unable to attend Charles Babbage's Soirée.

Reference number: HS/2/394

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for some article.

Reference number: HS/2/395
1854

Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends John Frederick William Herschel a copy of a recent issue of the Athenaeum in which falsehoods, copied from a Richard Sheepshanks pamphlet, have been printed. Charles Babbage wants John Frederick William Herschel to respond to, and correct, these falsehoods quickly.

Reference number: HS/27/19

Contemporary copy in sender's hand, partly signed by sender, partly signed with sender's name by an amanuensis. Refuses to become a partisan in this conflict [see Charles Babbage's 1854-12-13]. John Frederick William Herschel would only become involved if he felt he could be a peacemaker.

Reference number: HS/27/20
1855

Birth of Constance Anne Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

1855

Sir John Herschel is elected Foreign Associate of the Institut de France

1855

Sir John Herschel resigns from his position as Master of the Mint

1855

1857

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding a suitable engraving of William Herschel to be added to William Walker's engraving of a meeting at the Royal Institution.

Reference number: HS/2/328
1858

Autograph letter signed by sender. Wishes to introduce an American friend, Professor Stephen Alexander, to John Frederick William Herschel.

Reference number: HS/2/349
1859

Autograph letter signed by sender. Advises him to put his house in the hands of a temporary tenant so that he can rest.

Reference number: HS/2/329

Autograph letter signed by sender. Has found a temporary tenant for his house.

Reference number: HS/2/330
1860

Sir John Herschel publishes in the Proceedings of the Royal Society

1860: Sir John Herschel publishes some “Remarks on colour-blindness" extracted from a referee report on Pole’s paper on the same subject.

1861

Death of Margaret Louisa Marshall, née Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart

1861

William Morris established the decorative design firm of Morris, Marshall, Faulkner & Company (later Morris & Company)

1861

Charles Dickens publishes Great Expectations as a three-volume book

1861

Sir John Herschel publishes Physical Geography as part of the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

1861

Abraham Lincoln begins his term as President of the United States

4 March 1861

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sending a book of travels by Mr. Tyler, which gives an account of the Mexican stone and flint implements. Alexander Herschel called. The latter's experiments with hydrogen are useful.

Reference number: HS/2/331
1862

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding financial affairs. Is having trouble with his eyes. Has done little of late.

Reference number: HS/2/332
1864

Autograph letter signed by sender. Will John Frederick William Herschel and his son [William] come and dine with him this week?

Reference number: HS/2/333

Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanking him for his book [probably Passages in the Life of a Philosopher].

Reference number: HS/2/334

Copy letter in John Herschel's hand. Gives Charles Babbage permission to publish the portions of letters requested by him. John Frederick William Herschel tells Charles Babbage that he has responded to John Davy's letter in the PM.

Reference number: HS/27/26

Autograph letter signed by sender. Believes that John Davy's letter to the Philosophical Magazine was suggested by James South. To defend himself, Charles Babbage now needs John Frederick William Herschel's permission to publish some of their correspondence.

Reference number: HS/27/28
1865

Autograph letter signed by sender. Commiserates with John Frederick William Herschel in his illness, and says Charles Babbage is ill also and confined to his house. Seeing John Frederick William Herschel's letter in the Philosophical Magazine [see John Frederick William Herschel's 1864-12-20] seems to Charles Babbage to obviate completely the need for any further response.

Reference number: HS/27/29

Autograph letter signed by sender, with annotations by recipient. Draws John Frederick William Herschel's attention to an article in the most recent Philosophical Magazine.

Reference number: HS/27/30
1866

Sir John Herschel publishes his translation of Homer’s Iliad

1866

Autograph letter signed by sender. Regarding the signing of a new document for Charles Babbage's sister. Has been reading John Frederick William Herschel's paper on the sun. Wishes he would print a list of all his papers.

Reference number: HS/2/335

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is returning the trust deed duly signed. A list of his papers was printed in an American periodical. Hopes his yachting improved his health. He is suffering from bronchitis. Trouble with the Irish.

Reference number: HS/2/336
1867

Sir John Herschel publishes Familiar Lectures on Scientific Subjects

1867

Autograph letter signed by sender. News of the forthcoming marriage of his daughter. Everyone seems to be mad on making ice.

Reference number: HS/2/389

Autograph letter signed by sender. Invitation to dine with him.

Reference number: HS/2/390

Autograph letter signed by sender. Is sorry to hear of his misfortunes. Regarding the Ryans.

Reference number: HS/2/391

Autograph letter signed by sender. Many thanks for the Adelaide sovereign. More will be welcome if they send them.

Reference number: HS/2/392
1868

Benjamin Disraeli becomes Prime Minister

1 February 1868

William Gladstone becomes Prime Minister

1 December 1868

Autograph letter signed by sender. Invitation to attend the wedding of John Frederick William Herschel's daughter Amelia.

Reference number: HS/2/337

Autograph letter signed by sender. Giving details of the secretary of an Italian organization. Is sending a letter of David Brewster's.

Reference number: HS/2/338