Correspondence map
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John Frederick William Herschel
Michael Faraday
John Frederick William Herschel invents the actinometer to measure the heating power of the Sun’s rays
1825
Draft letter. Thanks for the copy of his paper and errata. Received a packet of specimens of glass, which he presumes came from Michael Faraday. Regarding the specific gravity of some of the specimens. Comments on further experiments to be made.
13 September 1825 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/7/166
Autograph letter signed by sender. Regrets that Richard Taylor has printed his own paper in the P.M. before it appeared in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society Explains the reason. Is examining various pieces of glass and will forward the results.
4 October 1825 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/167
Autograph letter signed by sender. Agrees with John Frederick William Herschel regarding the glass. Suggests that a meeting would facilitate results. Suggests that the glass maker should make several pots for the experiments.
14 November 1825 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/168
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has found some errors in the printing of his paper. Sorry to hear that John Frederick William Herschel has been indisposed, but believes he is progressing.
8 September 1825 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/174
Copy of draft letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanks for the copy of his paper and errata. Received a packet of specimens of glass, which he presumes came from Michael Faraday. Regarding the specific gravity of some of the specimens. Comments on further experiments to be made.
13 September 1825 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/20/222
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. Sending a paper for the Royal Society [of London] Humphry Davy does not approve entirely of his arguments. Would be pleased if John Frederick William Herschel would glance over it and then inform Davy that he has it.
26 May 1826 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/169
Draft letter. Has read his paper on vaporization with much interest and can see no objections to its arguments. Comments on some of the details.
26 May 1826 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/7/170
Contemporary copy of the letter. [More detailed version of John Frederick William Herschel's 1826-5-26]. Has mentioned it to Humphry Davy.
27 May 1826 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/7/171
Autograph letter signed by sender. Was grateful for John Frederick William Herschel's letter and detailed notes. Hopes he will attach a copy to the paper when he communicates it to the Royal Society [of London]
30 May 1826 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/172
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has just received his letter. Has had no opportunity of examining the iron. Several years ago he made some experiments on the alloys of lead and cast iron, but does not remember the results. Is surprised that no new metal has been found in meteorites.
16 August 1826 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/173
Copy of draft letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has read his paper on vaporization with much interest and can see no objections to its arguments. Comments on some of the details.
26 May 1826 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/20/235
1827
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce presents his photographs in England for the first time
1827
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has been trying to see him, unsuccessfully, about the affairs of the Optical Glass Committee. Hopes that John Frederick William Herschel will not resign from the Committee now that he is no longer Secretary at the Royal Society [of London]
21 August 1827 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/175
Autograph letter signed by sender. A furnace for glass making is under construction at the Royal Institution.
3 November 1827 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/26/33
Contemporary copy in sender's hand, signed by sender. Indicates the best way for the glass subcommittee [of the Royal Society [of London]] to deal with the results of glass experiments at the Royal Institution [see Michael Faraday's 1827-11-3].
6 November 1827 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/26/34
Contemporary copy in sender's hand, signed by sender. Informs Michael Faraday that John Frederick William Herschel has been called to serve on a grand jury and so may have to miss some glass subcommittee meetings. [This note enclosed the letter written by John Frederick William Herschel on 1827-11-6.]
9 November 1827 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/26/35
1828
Draft letter. Hears that the Board of Longitude is to be dissolved; it will therefore be necessary to seek a new source of income for the continuance of the Optical Glass experiments. Will be guided by Michael Faraday's wish whether to continue the experiments. Charles Anderson has showed him curious experiments with the fusion of Fluor with clay.
21 July 1828 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/7/176
Autograph letter signed by sender. The furnace is breaking away at the top, and he encloses Joshua Ramsay's estimate for its repair. Thinks the present a suitable time for the repairs. Would John Frederick William Herschel speak to the Council?
24 July 1828 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/177
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has made a piece of glass 5 square which George Dollond reports is good. Proposes making a furnace at the Royal Institution. Does Sir John Frederick William Herschel have any objections?
25 November 1828 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/178
Copy of draft letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Hears that the Board of Longitude is to be dissolved; it will therefore be necessary to seek a new source of income for the continuance of the Optical Glass experiments. Will be guided by Michael Faraday's wish whether to continue the experiments. Charles Anderson has showed him curious experiments with the fusion of Fluor with clay.
21 July 1828 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/20
Contemporary copy in sender's hand, signed by sender. Describes the tests John Frederick William Herschel made on a small glass prism of not very high quality, which John Frederick William Herschel has left at the Royal Institution.
6 June 1828 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/26/39
Contemporary copy in sender's hand, signed by sender. Sends Michael Faraday some older samples of imperfect glass. Talks about the way in which different kinds of glass should be layered in lenses.
26 October 1828 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/26/41
1829
John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart are married in London
3 March 1829
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
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
1832
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received his letter introducing Dr. Robinson, but thinks that the latter is not a worthwhile person to know. Is pleased that John Frederick William Herschel likes his recent experiments. Owes a debt to John Frederick William Herschel's Prelim. Discourse.
10 November 1832 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/179
Copy of a letter. Apologizes for sending a letter of introduction for someone recommended to John Frederick William Herschel, without first getting to know the third party.
11 November 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/121
Copy of a letter. Writes a letter of introduction for a friend [Dr. Robinson] of a friend to Michael Faraday. Comments favorably on Michael Faraday's electromagnetic research.
1832-11-9 or earlie Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/25/14/9
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
1834
Birth of Margaret Louisa Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1834
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
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
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. Esteems it a great honor to receive John Frederick William Herschel's request. Has searched through all his papers but has a spare copy only of the Third series. Is thinking of reprinting the whole series in one volume.
9 October 1838 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/180
Copy of a letter. Asks for copies of some of Michael Faraday's writings to complete John Frederick William Herschel's set.
3 October 1838 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/261
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. Saturday's experiments have brought a severe inflammation of the eyes so has been unable to use the aerolite. Returns it, but will try some experiments later if John Frederick William Herschel sends it back.
14 February 1839 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/181
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. As John Frederick William Herschel has tried many varnishes he wonders if he has ever tried shellac. Has tried it on specimens of brass. Many thanks for his invitation.
18 January 1840 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/182
1841
Sir Robert Peel becomes Prime Minister
1841
Birth of Amelia Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1841
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”
1844
Birth of Matilda Rose Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1844
1845
Sir John Herschel serves as President of the British Association
1845
Draft letter. Has just seen mention of Michael Faraday's latest experiments showing the connection of light and magnetism. Comments on these. Proves some of his own theories to be correct.
9 November 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/7/183
Autograph letter signed by sender. His letter was a great encouragement and pleasure. Comments on his own and John Frederick William Herschel's experiments with light and magnetism. Contemplates a further series of experiments but requests John Frederick William Herschel not to mention it. Is at Brighton for a rest.
13 November 1845 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/184
Draft letter. Sends details of an experiment he would like Michael Faraday to carry out. Cannot do it himself as he has no suitable glass.
20 December 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/7/185
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has received his letter and suggestions for the experiment. Has ordered the glass from Newman. Is very busy so may not be able to carry out the experiment for a week or more. John Frederick William Herschel must keep the results secret for the time being.
22 December 1845 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/186
Copy of a letter. Comments on Michael Faraday's experimental results when an electromagnetic field affects polarized light.
9 June 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/240
Copy of draft letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Sends details of an experiment he would like Michael Faraday to carry out. Cannot do it himself as he has no suitable glass.
20 December 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/261
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has received his letter and suggestions for the experiment. Has ordered the glass from Newman. Is very busy so may not be able to carry out the experiment for a week or more. John Frederick William Herschel must keep the results secret for the time being.
22 December 1845 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/22/262
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
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has procured some glass rod fit for the experiment. Comments on the results. [Robert] Hunt has been working on crystallization and magnets and has told him of John Frederick William Herschel's interest. Grieves to hear of his illness. His paper in John Frederick William Herschel's hands will be left for the time being until he has more time.
15 January 1846 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/187Autograph letter signed by sender. Has a sufficient quantity of heavy glass at his disposal and offers some to John Frederick William Herschel.
17 March 1846 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/188
Autograph letter signed by sender. Will be showing some experiments in the laboratory next Monday to G. B. Airy, François Marcet, and a few others; John Frederick William Herschel would be welcome.
27 March 1846 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/189
Copy of a letter. Has opened the sealed paper Michael Faraday sent, and John Frederick William Herschel is now returning it.
22 January 1846 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/265
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.
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. Leopold Gmelin's Handbuch der Chemie contains all John Frederick William Herschel requires. If he does not have access to it will send it to the Royal Society [of London] for him.
11 February 1848 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/190
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. Finds he made an error last night due to his bad memory. The Duke was asking for John Frederick William Herschel; hopes he met him after Richard Owen's discourse.
8 February 1851 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/191
Autograph letter signed by sender. Enclosing the tickets. Hopes the whiskey will be good.
12 March 1851 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/192
Autograph letter signed by sender. No doubt he is aware of F. A. Nobert's work on glass. Has received from him a paper, which he intends communicating to the Royal Society [of London] Thinks John Frederick William Herschel may like to see it.
8 April 1851 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/193
Autograph letter signed by sender. The accompanying book was addressed to Michael Faraday but inscribed to John Frederick William Herschel, so he considers it belongs to John Frederick William Herschel.
15 April 1851 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/194
Autograph letter signed by sender. Did as John Frederick William Herschel wished with the papers. Is busy with magnetism and lines of force. Sends a couple of printings.
14 November 1851 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/195
Copy of a letter. Thanks Michael Faraday for sending a 'healing liquid.'
12 March 1851 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/102
1852
Contemporary copy of the letter. Has not read up the different treatises on elementary chemistry but gives three authors: George Fowne, Thomas Graham, and W. T. Brande. Has sent [Rudolf?] Wolfe's letter to Edward Sabine.
12 November 1852 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/196
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sending a letter he has received from [Rudolf?] Wolfe. Will send it to the Royal Society [of London] or the R.A.S after John Frederick William Herschel has seen it, whichever he thinks best.
8 November 1852 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/197
Copy of a letter. On the periodicity of sun spots.
10 November 1852 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/127
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. Found the paper John Frederick William Herschel required and has sent off the quarto version. Wishes he had something else to send as well.
29 July 1861 Sender: Michael Faraday Reference number: HS/7/198
Copy of a letter. More on lacunae in John Frederick William Herschel's set of Michael Faraday's writings [see John Frederick William Herschel's 1838-10-3].
24 July 1861 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/336