Correspondence map
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John Frederick William Herschel
Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet
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. Although not known to John Frederick William Herschel, is writing under the auspices of Charles Babbage. Sends various works. Has honor of having proposed John Frederick William Herschel as correspondent to Royal Academy of Science of Brussels, unanimously supported. Would John Frederick William Herschel please seriously consider?
8 December 1826 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/194
1827
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce presents his photographs in England for the first time
1827
Autograph letter signed by sender. Asks where Adolphe Quetelet can procure best instruments in England. Desires to view the interiors of English observatories. Wishes to have [Alexis] Bouvard, who is in need of a change of scene after [P. S.] Laplace's death, accompany him. Sees translations of English scientific works, especially John Frederick William Herschel's, as a desirable project.
30 May 1827 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/195
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has missed seeing John Frederick William Herschel, who must be in the countryside with [Charles] Babbage. Hopes to see John Frederick William Herschel and ask advice for observatory at Brussels.
11 September 1827 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/196
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for letter. Regrets having missed possibility of seeing John Frederick William Herschel while in England. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to convince [Charles] Babbage to pass through Brussels instead of Rotterdam.
24 October 1827 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/197
1828
Autograph letter signed by sender. Translation of John Frederick William Herschel's article Light begun. Publisher is in Paris. Gives name of collaborator as [P. F.] Verhulst. Has heard of others translating John Frederick William Herschel's work. As director of Brussels observatory, Adolphe Quetelet needs best works of astronomy. Would John Frederick William Herschel help?
24 January 1828 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/198
1829
John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart are married in London
3 March 1829
Autograph letter signed by sender. Regrets tremendously not being home when John Frederick William Herschel visited. Wishes to present himself at John Frederick William Herschel's hotel this evening. Would like to spend tomorrow together. Will discuss translation of Light.
20 May 1829 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/199
Autograph letter signed by sender. Is pleased to write letter to [G. P.] Dandelin for John Frederick William Herschel. John Frederick William Herschel should visit Mr. Van Rees at Liege, for which Adolphe Quetelet will also write a letter of introduction. Nevertheless Adolphe Quetelet believes John Frederick William Herschel's name suffices as introduction. If John Frederick William Herschel visits Namur, he should see the governor of the province, Mr. D'Omolius[?].
2 June 1829 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/200
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just received invitation. Regrets delaying John Frederick William Herschel's dinner. Adolphe Quetelet is in the countryside. Asks to be allowed to visit toward the end of the dinner.
1829 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/201
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. Takes a moment to write. Sends various brochures and observations on magnetic intensity in Germany. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to give a copy of it to [Charles] Babbage and [Henry] Kater. Congratulates John Frederick William Herschel on being named correspondent to the Institute of France. Lost his father-in-law. Has asked [James] South to press construction of Adolphe Quetelet's instruments, but no luck. Requests John Frederick William Herschel visit Edward Troughton and the instruments.
3 May 1830 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/202
Autograph letter signed by sender. Announces second volume of translation of John Frederick William Herschel's Light is out in Paris. Is sending a copy. Work progresses slowly. Problems because of revolution. Adolphe Quetelet's collaborator [P. F.] Verhulst is very ill. Will leave for Italy soon. Discusses his previous trip to Germany. Saw [William] Whewell. Has received Astronomical Society's memoirs.
18 May 1830 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/203
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. Sends works for John Frederick William Herschel, the Astronomical Society, and several members. Worries about [P. F.] Verhulst. Asks for John Frederick William Herschel's recent observations. Has spent much time lately on the human laws. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for seeing Edward Troughton and instruments. Has just heard that his friend Alexis Bouvard, who was like a father, is seriously ill.
26 June 1831 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/204
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. Concerned about payment for instruments. Has read in newspaper that John Frederick William Herschel is preparing to study the southern hemisphere. Asks to keep in touch. Will soon go to Paris for transit instrument and another publisher for the translation of John Frederick William Herschel's work. Problems on account of Revolution.
14 March 1833 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/205
1834
Birth of Margaret Louisa Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1834
Autograph letter signed by sender. John Frederick William Herschel's last letter before departure has brought Adolphe Quetelet great pleasure. Has not received John Frederick William Herschel's memoir on absorption of light. Has mentioned John Frederick William Herschel's name in an attempt to explain the idea of Cambridge Reunion. Disappointed at not yet having received equatorial and mural circle. Asks for news of John Frederick William Herschel's observations.
15 February 1834 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/206
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has John Frederick William Herschel's memoir on elliptical orbits of Saturn. Asks for John Frederick William Herschel's indulgence with lack of astronomy in annals. Adolphe Quetelet has no big instruments. Has planted thermometers for experiments. Finally received transit instrument from [H. P.] Gambey.
23 August 1834 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/207
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. Even though John Frederick William Herschel has not written, Adolphe Quetelet has received news from John Frederick William Herschel's compatriots. Asks about John Frederick William Herschel's health. Has not really used equatorial. Continues work on terrestrial magnetism and includes observations. Asks if John Frederick William Herschel has received last part of translation of John Frederick William Herschel's work on optics.
March 1835 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/277
1836
Birth of Alexander Stewart Herschel, son of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
5 February 1836
Autograph letter signed by sender. Wonders if John Frederick William Herschel has received Adolphe Quetelet's letters and works sent to the Cape. Sends more. Has been doing meteorological observations. Will send some if John Frederick William Herschel wishes. Mural circle and transit instrument finally in place. Problems with equatorial; therefore missed Halley's Comet.
9 February 1836 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/208
1837
Victoria becomes Queen of the United Kingdom
20 June 1837
Birth of John Herschel, son of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
29 October 1837
Autograph letter signed by sender. Still has not heard from John Frederick William Herschel. Has put much effort into horary observations of solstices and equinoxes. Sends John Frederick William Herschel articles by Adolphe Quetelet on temperatures of earth. Will send magnetic observations.
1 March 1837 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/209
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for two letters. Updates John Frederick William Herschel on observatories participating in horary observations. Proposes to reduce observations. Sends second part of Brussel's annals and other works. Discusses a phenomenon on 10 August. Mentions several observations of the Aurorae Borealis.
19 November 1837 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/210
Autograph letter signed by sender. Welcomes John Frederick William Herschel back to England. Proof that Adolphe Quetelet never ceased thinking of John Frederick William Herschel is that Adolphe Quetelet never quit his horary observations. Has sent books to Royal Society [of London] for John Frederick William Herschel. Has restarted his notices on meteors. Is determining their longitude in relation to Greenwich. [Richard] Sheepshanks brought Adolphe Quetelet John Frederick William Herschel's portrait and bust.
1 October 1837 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/211
Copy letter in John Herschel's hand. Expresses regret for not writing earlier. Thanks Adolphe Quetelet for meteorological observations. Has complete series of observations from March 1835 to December 1836. Thanks Adolphe Quetelet for reports on papers sent. Will depart in early 1838 and requests duplicates of all observations sent: one to England, one to the Cape. Apprises Adolphe Quetelet of John Frederick William Herschel's work on double stars and nebulae.
8 June 1837 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/25/5/7
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.
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received John Frederick William Herschel's letter of 29 October. No need to thank for meteorological observations. Done in interest of science. Sends measurements of December 1837 and other bulletins. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to send his extra copy of Adolphe Quetelet's Correspondence mathematique of July 1838 to [J. D.] Robertson. Asks more about satellites of Saturn. Thanks for information on meteors.
6 November 1838 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/212
Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses observation of meteors. Sends observations of last solstice and details of that night's constellations. Offers results of observations of occultation of Gamma[?] Tauri[?].
28 December 1838 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/213
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends latest publications. Has received highly surprizing letter on meteors by Mr. Wood. Discusses 'famous apparitions.'
8 February 1838 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/214
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. Sends continuation of Belgian meteorological observations. Just finished magnetic observations. Plans to continue certain ones. Regrets being alone, without aids, 'in front of the transit instrument, the mural circle and the equatorial.'
5 June 1839 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/215
Copy of a letter. Addresses a few last words before departing for Italy with his wife. Sends 3 memoirs just published. Will be in Paris to observe meteors. Proposes to redo terrestrial magnetism observations in Italy.
5 August 1839 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/216
Autograph letter signed by sender. Is comparing 'points and measures' of new stations with [François] Arago. Also busy with daguerreotypes. Thanks for encouragements. Has necessary instruments for meteorological and magnetical observations. Mentions work done and astronomers met on Italy trip. Discusses Prince Albert.
2 December 1839 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/217
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. Sends publications from Royal Academy and Brussels Observatory. Asks 'particular indulgence' for one about vapors. Is now able to do observations required by Royal Society [of London] A Gauss instrument has been mounted. Gives times of observations each day. Continues horary observations.
19 February 1840 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/218
Autograph letter signed by sender. Still waits for the instrument that Edward Sabine had built. Wishes to make actinometer observations but has no instrument. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to have one made. Sends observations from Italy trip to Sabine to present to Royal Society [of London] Continues horary observations.
3 June 1840 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/219
Autograph letter signed by sender. Refers to meteors of August. John Frederick William Herschel's account similar to [Edward] Herrick's. More meteors seen in America. Sends magnetic and meteorological works. Had hoped to go to Glasgow.
18 September 1840 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/220
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. Says John Frederick William Herschel's interest in Adolphe Quetelet's work has been source of motivation. Notes that on 21 September and 21 December, aurora borealis and magnetic perturbations have been spotted. Asks where to procure an actinometer in England.
19 January 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/221
Autograph letter signed by sender. Is thrilled about 4 aides to help with meteorological and magnetic observations. Points out that number of stations participating in horary observations increased to 22. Lists them. Hopes to go to Plymouth [B.A.A.S. meeting].
11 June 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/222
Autograph letter signed by sender. Announces results of last observations, both magnetic and meteorological. Hopes to see John Frederick William Herschel.
9 July 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/223
Autograph letter signed by sender. Found letter sent at the Royal Society [of London] Left with William Whewell for Plymouth. Results are forthcoming on meteorological observations that John Frederick William Herschel suggested. Regrets not seeing John Frederick William Herschel in England.
28 July 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/224
Autograph letter signed by sender. Presents best wishes to Lady Herschel. Regrets not having met on account of meeting with [G. B.] Airy at Greenwich. Is keeping four pictures of John Frederick William Herschel and has offered 2 additional ones to Prince Albert.
11 August 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/225
Autograph letter signed by sender. Regrets not having seen John Frederick William Herschel in England. Discusses horary observations. Lists current projects. Talks about C. F. Gauss's reactions to magnetic observations by John Frederick William Herschel in two hemispheres and difference of lines for Europe and America. Gives results for August meteors.
20 September 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/226
Autograph letter signed by sender. System of meteorological observation works well but no English station. Adolphe Quetelet is willing to publish results in England if need be. Points out additional observers for September.
12 November 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/227
Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses meteorological observations. Stations increased from 26 to 28. Talks about 36 hours versus 24 hours periodical observations and asks for John Frederick William Herschel's opinion.
29 November 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/228
Draft in John Herschel's hand. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of 24 versus 36 hour series in meteorological observations. R.S.L. officially endorses 24 hours, but Adolphe Quetelet should continue 36 hours if best for him. Does not possess the Comptes rendus of French Institute and cannot therefore see No. 413. Will attempt to procure sight of it. Asks Adolphe Quetelet to return [P. F.] Verhulst's work to him. Expresses respect for Adolphe Quetelet's work. Asks for understanding if John Frederick William Herschel does not answer every letter promptly.
3 December 1841 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/14/229
Autograph letter signed by sender. As 'perpetual Secretary' of the Academy, Adolphe Quetelet expresses thanks for John Frederick William Herschel's work 'On the Advantages to be Obtained by a Revision and Re-arrangement of the Constellations.'
31 December 1841 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/240
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of 24 versus 36 hour series in meteorological observations. R.S.L. officially endorses 24 hours, but Adolphe Quetelet should continue 36 hours if best for him. Does not possess the Comptes rendus of French Institute and cannot therefore see No. 413. Will attempt to procure sight of it. Asks Adolphe Quetelet to return [P. F.] Verhulst's work to him. Expresses respect for Adolphe Quetelet's work. Asks for understanding if John Frederick William Herschel does not answer every letter promptly.
3 December 1841 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/103
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”
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for letter of 3 December and for encouragement. Informs John Frederick William Herschel that 30 observatories participated in observation of winter solstice. Is beginning to study humans in their different relations.
7 February 1842 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/241
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends works on meteorology and instructions for natural periodic phenomena. More proselytes in horary observations. Asks for John Frederick William Herschel's recommendations for those observing meteors in the other hemisphere.
14 March 1842 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/242
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for interest taken in periodic phenomena. Discusses train information and preferred hotel accommodations for John Frederick William Herschel's visit.
5 May 1842 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/243
Autograph letter signed by sender. Continues horary observations suggested by John Frederick William Herschel. Also magnetic observations. Discusses observations of migration of birds. November has been cloudy so far and meteors cannot be seen.
12 November 1842 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/244
1843
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has succeeded in increasing stations around Alps for meteorological observations. [G. B.] Airy is very obliging. Hopes one day to collect all meteorological observations in Sur le climat de la Belgique.
11 September 1843 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/245
1844
Birth of Matilda Rose Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1844
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has worked hard to augment number of stations for horary observations. Now close to 80. Asks John Frederick William Herschel's advice whether the Royal Society [of London] or B.A.A.S. would print his observations.
5 February 1844 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/246
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for letter regarding equinoxes and solstices. Intends to work on physical phenomena of globe. Resumes meteorological observations. Awaits Cape Results.
8 October 1844 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/247
1845
Sir John Herschel serves as President of the British Association
1845
Autograph letter signed by sender. Deprived of news from John Frederick William Herschel. Works on physical phenomena of globe. Calls attention to [J. C. A.] Peltier's work on electricity of air of barometer. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to please write soon.
21 October 1845 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/248
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. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for introducing him to Robert Kane. Hears that John Frederick William Herschel will publish Cape results. Impatient to see them. Mentions John Frederick William Herschel's philosophical work.
17 August 1847 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/249
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. Hopes John Frederick William Herschel has received letter thanking John Frederick William Herschel for Cape Results. Sends meteorological work. Hopes to quit barometric wave observations of atmospheric waves. Has worked with aides on meteorological variations. Adolphe Quetelet's mother died.
22 August 1848 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/250
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
1852
Autograph letter signed by sender. Lists volumes for John Frederick William Herschel sent to Royal Society [of London] One includes observations of transit instrument of 1836-1839. Also follow-up on climate of Belgium. Thanks for wonderful reception in London.
11 December 1852 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/251
1853
Abstract copy. Congratulations on marriage of John Frederick William Herschel's daughter Caroline Herschel. Expects John Frederick William Herschel has received works sent 1852-12-11. Sends more but assures John Frederick William Herschel he must not read everything.
23 January 1853 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/252
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
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. Sends list of works received on an official form. Followed by letter. Suffers deeply from death of his wife, daughter, and her son. Had hoped to see John Frederick William Herschel in London, but John Frederick William Herschel was absent.
25 July 1861 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/253
1862
Autograph letter signed by sender. Hopes he has not lost John Frederick William Herschel's friendship. Adolphe Quetelet's son left military to help Adolphe Quetelet. Death of Prince Albert was a shock.
12 August 1862 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/254
1863
Autograph letter signed by sender. Cruel illness has kept him from work for a while. Just finished Histoire des sciences mathematique et physique chez les belges. Adolphe Quetelet's son works with proper motion, double and multiple stars, and absolute positions.
23 February 1863 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/255
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sent information on meteor spotted in Belgium and in Germany. Has heard differing opinions on heights of meteors. Talks about statistics of population.
6 April 1863 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/256
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for article by John Frederick William Herschel's son Alexander Herschel on meteors. Has printed it in Bulletin of the academy.
27 June 1863 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/257
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received letter on meteors of 1868-8-10. Map was very interesting. Is going to Berlin for congress on statistics. Discusses phenomena of 1854. Asks for John Frederick William Herschel's opinion on whether meteors are terrestrial in origin.
16 August 1863 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/258
Autograph letter signed by sender. Received documents from John Frederick William Herschel just before leaving for Berlin. Discussed periodic stars in Berlin. Stayed in Berlin longer than expected, but was received well by old friends.
1 October 1863 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/259
1865
Autograph letter signed by sender. Lists works John Frederick William Herschel should have received. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to take another look in his library. Has received more on meteors. Sees no objection to a higher terrestrial atmosphere. Will send Histoire des sciences mathematique et physique chez les belges.
18 March 1865 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/260
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends John Frederick William Herschel other copies of works not received. Also work on international statistics. Has found out that John Frederick William Herschel has written an article on probability. Would like to use it.
14 August 1865 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/261
Autograph letter signed by sender. Was in Paris when John Frederick William Herschel's letter arrived. Will print John Frederick William Herschel's article. Asks if there are changes to be made. Discusses future project Physique sociale, which will include theory of probability applied to ethics and political science.
4 October 1865 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/262
1866
Sir John Herschel publishes his translation of Homer’s Iliad
1866
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received works on meteors. Has been working for years with [H. A.] Newton on getting help from observatories in southern hemisphere on meteors. Resumes work on Physique sociale.
29 September 1866 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/263
Autograph letter signed by sender. Apologizes if Adolphe Quetelet has missed answering one of John Frederick William Herschel's letters. Talks about meteorology of Belgium worked on over 30 years. Wants John Frederick William Herschel's photo for his work on statistics. Congratulates John Frederick William Herschel on his son's good work. Has received work from Collingwood and would love to know author.
22 November 1866 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/264
Autograph letter signed by sender. Expresses good wishes for John Frederick William Herschel. Talks about aging. Notes John Frederick William Herschel's interest in poetry. Thanks for 'Of the Estimation of Skill in Targetshooting.' Has given it to [Edouard] Mailley for translation and printing in annual bulletin of Brussels observatory. Asks if John Frederick William Herschel wishes to be named as author.
24 December 1866 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/265
1867
Sir John Herschel publishes Familiar Lectures on Scientific Subjects
1867
Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses coming year. Asks John Frederick William Herschel how to deal with John Frederick William Herschel's review [of Adolphe Quetelet's Lettres sur la theorie des probabilites]. Talks about his friend [Michel] Chasles. Also about Adolphe Quetelet's son. Mentions John Frederick William Herschel's translation of [J. C. F. von] Schiller's 'Spaziergang.'
6 December 1867 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/266
1868
Benjamin Disraeli becomes Prime Minister
1 February 1868
William Gladstone becomes Prime Minister
1 December 1868
Autograph letter signed by sender. Offers translation of John Frederick William Herschel's review [of Adolphe Quetelet's Lettres sur la theorie des probabilites] to look over. Has been updating his own text to reflect progress.
21 June 1868 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/267
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends first pages of John Frederick William Herschel's work on theory of probability. Asks for modifications.
28 August 1868 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/268
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for comments on Adolphe Quetelet's Sur l'homme moyen. Translator of John Frederick William Herschel's work is too timid to allow himself to be known, but appreciates John Frederick William Herschel's compliments. Says practical statistics has progressed whereas philosophical statistics remains stationary.
12 September 1868 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/269
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks for proofed pages. Received Astronomische Beobachtungen auf der Sternwarte zu Bonn. Finished determining by electric means the different observational longitudes of Leiden and Brussels.
2 October 1868 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/270
Autograph letter signed by sender. Announces first volume of Physique sociale will appear soon. Discusses humans and law of nature. Says science is neglected in France.
28 December 1868 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/271
1869
Jules Verne serializes Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea
1869: (Vingt Mille Lieues sous les Mers)
Autograph letter signed by sender. Obtained and sent John Frederick William Herschel 2 copies of Physique sociale. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for observations but they are too scientific for his lectures.
3 February 1869 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/272
Autograph letter signed by sender. Is trying to get John Frederick William Herschel 2 copies of Physique sociale. Discusses additions. Addresses John Frederick William Herschel's comments concerning power of a supreme being. Sends 19th volume of annals of observatory and Adolphe Quetelet's work on international congress on statistics.
10 August 1869 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/273
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for his positive judgement of his work. Mentions that [François] Moigno could only say that it was anti-religious. Another work on statistics has emerged: Versuch einer Sozialethik, 2nd. vol., by Alexander von Ochingen. In few days leaves for international conference on statistics.
22 August 1869 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/274
1870
Autograph letter signed by sender. Is working on humans and their proportions. Encloses brochures. Wishes to dedicate L'Anthropometric to John Frederick William Herschel.
29 December 1870 Sender: Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet , Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet Reference number: HS/14/275
1871
Death of Sir John Herschel, at Collingwood, Kent
11 May 1871
Sir John Herschel is buried at Westminster Abbey
19 May 1871
