Correspondence map
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William Henry Smyth
John Frederick William Herschel
Joseph Nicéphore Niépce presents his photographs in England for the first time
1827
Autograph letter signed by sender. Apologizes for controversy at meeting with James South over the transit circle.
17 December 1827 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/236
Copy of a letter. Astronomical Society will lend instruments, including a Beaufoy Clock and a transit circle, to William Henry Smyth for his observations.
28 June 1827 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/20/258
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Discusses William Henry Smyth's comparison of results with transit circle and Astronomical Society catalogue.
7 September 1827 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/20/262
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Apologizes for incident at meeting; feels partially at fault for encouraging William Henry Smyth to speak on the subject. Advises William Henry Smyth on his microscope order. Stays at Slough because of good observing conditions.
19 December 1827 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/20/266
1828
Autograph letter signed by sender. Microscopes installed successfully. Describes observation of second satellite of Jupiter transiting the disk of the planet and how it seemed to linger at the planet's edge.
1 July 1828 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/238
Autograph letter signed by sender. Agrees to contribute to W. S. Stratford memorial presentation. Agrees with John Frederick William Herschel that Jupiter satellite observation was an optical illusion; sends sketches of more Jupiter observations. Sends data obtained with new instruments.
14 July 1828 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/239
Autograph letter signed by sender. Mr. Stocken[?] has discovered a comet; have been unable to observe it due to poor weather.
5 August 1828 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/240
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends information on occultation of Alpha Tauri. Describes meteors sighted during the night of 12 Aug.
2 September 1828 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/241
Autograph letter signed by sender. John Lee has obtained transit circle for Astronomical Society. William Henry Smyth suggests someone other than Thomas Maclear operate it so Maclear has time for occultation project. Details observations of aurora.
26 November 1828 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/242
Copy of a letter. Will visit William Henry Smyth after attending two Royal Society [of London] committee meetings. Asks William Henry Smyth's opinion of usefulness of occultation information in the Nautical Almanac.
1828-3 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/5
Copy of a letter. Observed two known satellites of Uranus, confirming William Herschel's observations. States, 'I am sure there are more than two.'
19 April 1828 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/7
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Suggests that phenomenon in observing Jupiter satellite was an optical illusion. Asks William Henry Smyth to observe spots on Mars to confirm observations of William Pearson. Asks William Henry Smyth to contribute to W. S. Stratford memorial.
11 July 1828 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/16
Copy of a letter. John Lee donation pleases John Frederick William Herschel; concerned over who to appoint to take charge of the instrument. Asks William Henry Smyth to write account of aurora sighting for a scientific journal.
28 November 1828 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/32
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
Autograph letter signed by sender. Has difficulty observing sun spots. Thomas Maclear sends William Henry Smyth information for next year's occultation of Alpha Tauri. Completes rotating roof for personal observatory.
25 June 1830 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/243
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanks William Henry Smyth for excerpt from Niccolo Cacciatore's letter; comments on the awarding of medals for merit, and points out some necessary conditions which must be considered if the observations of the satellites of Jupiter are to be used in determining the constant of aberration.
27 May 1830 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/70
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Advises William Henry Smyth on best ways to make a 'darkening glass' for solar observations. Also suggests method for delineating sunspots. Hopes William Henry Smyth will attend Nautical Almanac meeting and support his points. Completes two telescope mirrors and observes Uranian satellites. Asks William Henry Smyth to look for a double star between Beta1 and Beta2 Capricorni.
8 August 1830 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/73
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Discusses William Henry Smyth's observations of double stars and method of averaging positional determinations. Believes he has verified the two Uranian satellites observed by William Herschel.
6 September 1830 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/75
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. Pleased that John Frederick William Herschel has received knighthood. Observes Alpha1 Capricorni in attempts to see a double star. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for double star observation outlines; asks for a 'large supply' of them.
23 October 1831 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/244
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Sends double star observations and periods. Asks William Henry Smyth if he has met W. R. Dawes. John Frederick William Herschel believes John Frederick William Herschel's eyes to be lacking in light sensitivity.
11 June 1831 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/85
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Notes that 36 Ophiuchi and 30 Scorpii have parallel proper motion; believes that James South overestimates the importance of this fact. Suggests double stars for William Henry Smyth to observe.
9 August 1831 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/87
Copy of a letter. Sends data concerning double stars and new form for making observations of them.
16 October 1831 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/91
1832
Autograph letter signed by sender, with enclosure. Will observe transit [of Mercury] hoping it will provide good meridian data. Encloses sketch of telescope in Bedford.
6 May 1832 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/245
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends Gamma Virginis observations. Devotes time to nautical astronomy; experiments with formulae for calculating occultations. Takes interest in eclipse of Jovian satellites.
22 May 1832 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/246
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends micrometer observations of stars suggested by John Frederick William Herschel.
3 September 1832 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/247
Autograph letter signed by sender. Unable to spot Biela's Comet. Outstanding observing conditions allow William Henry Smyth to sight normally difficult objects. Makes suggestions concerning John Frederick William Herschel's rotating roof plans.
28 September 1832 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/248
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sights bright patch on moon; asks John Frederick William Herschel to confirm the observation.
25 December 1832 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/249
Copy of a letter. Sends observations of Gamma Virginis, which differ from those of William Henry Smyth and James South. Observed transit of Mercury. Has abandoned plans of going to Cape of Good Hope this year. Plans to visit Caroline Herschel in Hanover.
23 May 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/109
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Returned from Hanover visit. Observed the star William Henry Smyth had discovered between 36 Ophiuchi and 30 Scorpii. Requests William Henry Smyth to observe a nebula in which John Frederick William Herschel has spotted a triple star. H. C. Schumacher is recovering from illness, while H. W. M. Olbers is very ill and not expected to recover.
17 July 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/114
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Sends positions of Biela's Comet. Has much success with repolished telescope mirrors and collimator. Designs equatorial revolving roof for Cape observations; sends sketches. Compares William Henry Smyth's, W. R. Dawes's, and John Frederick William Herschel's observations of Gamma Virginis.
25 September 1832 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/116
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. Meets Lord Bute at Oxford. Requests John Frederick William Herschel observe Gamma Virginis, Castor, and Polaris with William Henry Smyth's 10-ft. achromatic telescope.
29 June 1833 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/251
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends best wishes for John Frederick William Herschel's journey to Cape. Regrets missing him at Bedford during Cambridge trip.
5 July 1833 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/252
Autograph letter signed by sender. Very impressed after meeting W. R. Dawes and discussing double stars with him. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to send Gamma Virginis observations from Cape.
15 September 1833 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/253
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Intends to visit William Henry Smyth after attending Cambridge B.A.A.S. meeting.
3 June 1833 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/137
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Reports observations with William Henry Smyth's equatorial during Bedford visit. Packs instruments for voyage. Pleased that Thomas Maclear will take post of Astronomer Royal at the Cape Observatory.
28 July 1833 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/142
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Unable to send Gamma Virginis observations because papers are packed. Declines offer of William Henry Smyth's transit circle for use at Cape.
25 September 1833 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/148
Copy of a letter. Encourages William Henry Smyth to spend time observing nebulae and double stars, especially the latter, 'since [James] South has given up observing, and [W. R.] Dawes is in habitual ill health.'
1833 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/25/14/31
1834
Birth of Margaret Louisa Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1834
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends observations of the double stars, which John Frederick William Herschel had suggested.
10 June 1834 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/254
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for Gamma Virginis observations, which are finally in accord with his. Sends observation of the double stars John Frederick William Herschel suggested watching. Works with Richard Sheepshanks. Francis Baily delivers details on Edinburgh meeting of philosophers. Sends news from Niccolo Cacciatore, who has returned to the Observatory in Naples.
1 October 1834 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/255
Copy of a letter. Describes voyage to Cape as being uneventful. 20-ft. reflector operating since late February; has already examined much of the southern sky. Believes the Milky Way is not equidistant from the earth at all points; and that the earth is between Canopus and Alpha Centauri. Amazed at clusters such as Omega Centauri. Describes richness of Magellanic Clouds. Details progress in erecting instruments. Sends observations of Alpha Crucis, which he believes is a double star.
15 May 1834 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/160
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. Adds clock to telescope, enhancing distance measuring power. Search for Halley's Comet begins. Reports double star data; observes nebulae in John Frederick William Herschel's Catalogue of Nebulae. The Royal Astronomical Society location moved to Somerset House. Quarrel between James South and Richard Sheepshanks being arbitrated.
4 February 1835 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/256
Autograph letter signed by sender. Describes factors that led to C. P. Smyth's appointment to Cape. Uses rock crystal prism for double star observations. Continues observing John Frederick William Herschel's nebulae with equatorial clock. Approves of proposal for worldwide meteorological observations; will distribute brochures.
12 July 1835 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/257
Autograph letter signed by sender. Details sighting of Halley's Comet; sends chart of dates, times, right ascension, and declination. Receives letter from Niccolo Cacciatore, which 'gives hopes of a new planet.'
12 October 1835 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/258
Copy of a letter. C. P. Smyth appointment as assistant to Thomas Maclear pleases John Frederick William Herschel. Suggests method of determining right ascension of double stars with collimating telescope. Sends brochure proposing worldwide meteorological observations.
10 May 1835 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/175
Copy of a letter. C. P. Smyth arrived at Cape on 10 October; Thomas Maclear seems pleased with his work. Asks William Henry Smyth to continue observing Gamma Virginis; John Frederick William Herschel has observed it only as a single star in recent attempts. Thanks William Henry Smyth for distributing meteorological brochures. George Eden visits and will send meteorological observations from India.
26 October 1835 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/195
1836
Birth of Alexander Stewart Herschel, son of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
5 February 1836
Autograph letter signed by sender. Presents John Frederick William Herschel with the Royal Astronomical Society medal for Catalogue of Nebulae.
12 February 1836 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/259
Autograph letter signed by sender. Reports conflicting observations of Gamma Virginis. Uses John Frederick William Herschel's method of measuring double star positions.
29 April 1836 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/260
Autograph letter signed by sender. John Frederick William Herschel letter on Gamma Virginis read at the Royal Astronomical Society meeting. Niccolo Cacciatore appointed to new position at Palermo Observatory, where he plans to sell the Almanack. Many the Royal Astronomical Society members experimenting with telescopic lenses.
23 July 1836 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/261
Autograph letter signed by sender. Plans study of Joseph Bianchi's New Sidereal Catalogue. Sends Bianchi excerpt describing double star of Gamma Virginis.
1 August 1836 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/262
Copy of a letter. Thanks William Henry Smyth for having accepted his medal from the Royal Astronomical Society Finds that the [Thomas] Brisbane Catalogue contains insufficient right ascension information, complicating reduction observations. Observed Halley's Comet.
31 May 1836 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/207
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. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for kindness to C. P. Smyth. Francis Baily re-elected president of the Royal Astronomical Society W. S. Stratford prints a comet ephemeris.
22 February 1837 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/263
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends early nineteenth-century astronomical observations. Francis Baily receives £500 from Parliament to enlarge stellar catalogue. Otto Struve's observations of Gamma Virginis agree with John Frederick William Herschel's.
10 October 1837 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/264
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. Suggests Moyes Publishing Company to John Frederick William Herschel. Observes Encke's Comet. Visited by W. R. Hamilton and John Russell.
12 October 1838 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/265
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Chooses a publisher and printer for Cape Results. Decides against getting portrait painted. Makes suggestions for observations.
17 October 1838 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/21/262
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. Wants to know if John Frederick William Herschel has a larger telescope in operation; if so, will he confirm some observations. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to recommend an epoch.
26 April 1839 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/266
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 operational telescope. Suggests William Henry Smyth set 1840 as epoch.
28 April 1839 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/13
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. Disappointed with format of Nautical Almanac. Arguments over this have caused many hard feeling among Royal Society [of London] members. Details the controversy.
30 October 1840 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/267
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”
Copy of a letter. Plans to calculate Gamma Virginis orbit. Received William Henry Smyth paper on astronomical observations. Suggests William Henry Smyth look for a house in Kent after learning plans to move near London.
3 April 1842 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/116
Copy of a letter. Thanks William Henry Smyth for C. P. Smyth drawings of Cape monument and Gamma Virginis observations. Notes Johann Heinrich Mädler's work on double stars and the doubt that they obey the inverse square law. Discusses use of photography in astronomy.
26 May 1842 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/118
1843
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends comet observations from W. S. Jacob. Obtains 'another excellent epoch of Gamma Virginis.'
9 May 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/268
Autograph letter signed by sender. Francis Beaufort to publish comet information; also wants John Frederick William Herschel's opinion as to what data should be sent to Cape Observatory. James South will lecture at Royal Institution. South's requests for several historical astronomical instruments refused.
15 May 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/269
Autograph letter signed by sender. Requests copy of John Frederick William Herschel's observations made in 1811. Asks latest opinion of John Frederick William Herschel on Gamma Virginis before the publication of his Cycle of Celestial Objects for the Use of Naval, Military, and Private Astronomers.
6 June 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/270
Autograph letter signed by sender. Agrees with John Frederick William Herschel opinions of Gamma Virginis orbit. Sends John Frederick William Herschel a drawing by C. P. Smyth of Halley's Comet.
2 July 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/271
Autograph letter signed by sender. Pleased with John Frederick William Herschel's Gamma Virginis results. Mr. Visconti made head of Military Geographical Institute at Naples.
11 July 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/272
Autograph letter signed by sender. W. R. Dawes observes sub-division of Saturn's rings. William Henry Smyth continues observing double stars recommended by John Frederick William Herschel.
23 September 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/273
Autograph letter signed by sender, with annotations by recipient. Asks John Frederick William Herschel for description of John Frederick William Herschel's 'little sweeper' telescope; plans to give a sketch of it in William Henry Smyth's book.
20 November 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/274
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thomas Henderson discovered a comet on 2 December. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for diagram of John Frederick William Herschel's comet-sweeping telescope.
4 December 1843 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/275
Copy of a letter. Will review all Gamma Virginis observations before revising orbit. Catalogue of major nebulae complete; will work on minor nebulae next.
10 June 1843 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/156
Copy of a letter. Sends John Frederick William Herschel's 1817 observations; cannot locate any he made in 1811. Tells William Henry Smyth Gamma Virginis measurements will take more time.
16 June 1843 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/157
Copy of a letter. Reaches conclusion about Gamma Virginis. States in regard to shape of orbit, 'We are all wrong.' Believes the orbit is less than 150 years. Claims that many errors exist in British measurements made between 1829 and 1834.
29 June 1843 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/160
Copy of a letter. Sends calculations of Gamma Virginis and determines its eccentricity. Believes the orbit is highly elongated, like that of a comet.
9 July 1843 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/161
Copy of a letter. Devises and suggests mode of micrometric measurement of angles.
18 July 1843 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/163
Copy of a letter. Offers condolences to Ann Smyth. William Henry Smyth's calculation of Gamma Virginis orbit surprises John Frederick William Herschel. Concerned about accurate methods of calculation. Remarks on excavation of Chelsea mammoth.
8 September 1843 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/167
Copy of a letter. Sends diagram of the 'little sweeper,' which is now at Hanover with 94-year-old Caroline Herschel.
21 November 1843 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/170
1844
Birth of Matilda Rose Herschel, daughter of John Frederick William Herschel and Margaret Brodie Stewart
1844
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends copy of Cycle of Celestial Objects. Meets an excellent optician named [Richard?] Gwatkin, who shows him four self-made telescopes.
26 October 1844 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/276
Copy of a letter. Skeptical of reports of seeing Jupiter's satellites with the naked eye.
1 May 1844 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/192
Copy of a letter. Compliments William Henry Smyth on his Cycle of Celestial Objects. Inquires who instigated the move for reform of the Nautical Almanac.
27 October 1844 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/208
1845
Sir John Herschel serves as President of the British Association
1845
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for recommendation of C. P. Smyth. James South returns from Ireland; reports great observing conditions there.
31 March 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/277
Autograph letter signed by sender. C. P. Smyth receives appointment as Astronomer Royal of Scotland. Again thanks John Frederick William Herschel for recommendation.
5 April 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/278
Autograph letter signed by sender. the Royal Astronomical Society making exception in letting Johann Heinrich Mädler's chart be removed for John Frederick William Herschel. Continues observation of Gamma Virginis.
30 April 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/279
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends correction to data for Gamma Virginis. Asks if John Frederick William Herschel has 'considered the puzzle of Aristarchus [lunar crater]' discussed in William Henry Smyth's Cycle of Celestial Objects.
30 April 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/280
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends Gamma Virginis data. Will report Aurora Borealis observations to the Royal Astronomical Society
8 May 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/281
Autograph letter signed by sender. J. R. Hind determined orbit of Mu2 Boötes using John Frederick William Herschel method.
25 September 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/282
Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses importance of Gamma Virginis: 'I consider it a grand key to several important physical points.' W. R. Dawes claims to have observed a third Uranian satellite.
23 October 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/283
Autograph letter signed by sender. Pleased with John Frederick William Herschel Gamma Virginis observations. 'Lunar affair' disappoints William Henry Smyth. Cycle of Celestial Objects being translated into Italian.
31 October 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/284
Autograph letter signed by sender. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to write an abstract of the discourse John Frederick William Herschel presented to the Royal Astronomical Society Moon model is on display at the Royal Astronomical Society
16 November 1845 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/285
Copy of a letter. Has written recommendation supporting C. P. Smyth for position of Astronomer Royal for Scotland. Suggests that C. P. Smyth, after returning to Britain, seek a teacher to help overcome his stutter. Encloses letter from P. H. L. Boguslawski for William Henry Smyth to present to the Royal Astronomical Society
30 March 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/227
Copy of a letter. Sends P. H. L. Boguslawski's address. Asks William Henry Smyth to send Johann Heinrich Mädler's chart to P[eter] Stewart.
18 April 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/231
Copy of a letter. Doubtful over William Henry Smyth's angle for Gamma Virginis; urges precision in measurement. Hopes to obtain moon map from the Royal Astronomical Society during next visit to London. Unable to solve Aristarchus puzzle.
8 May 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/235
Copy of a letter. Will give lecture on moon in which he will discuss its composition, the craters Kepler and Gassendi, plus generalities.
7 November 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/255
Copy of a letter. Cannot attend the Royal Astronomical Society meeting to explain Mme. Witte's lunar model; will send notes of explanation. Busy with the publication of Cape Results. Will write paper on improved method of calculating double star orbits. Discusses relationships of periods of Saturnian satellites.
29 November 1845 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/259
Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Thanks William Henry Smyth on behalf of John Frederick William Herschel's brother-in-law [Peter Stewart?] for acting on [Peter Stewart's?] behalf to make him a member [?]. Comments on some comet sightings.
1845? Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/25/13/25
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. Asks John Frederick William Herschel's advice on the purchase of the lunar model. Anxious to see John Frederick William Herschel's new method of calculating double star orbits.
19 February 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/286
Autograph letter signed by sender. Double star orbits not ready; the Royal Astronomical Society waiting for John Frederick William Herschel's new calculating method. Reads accounts of Biela's Comet. Describes Edinburgh Observatory in detail.
23 February 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/287
Autograph letter signed by sender, with enclosure. Receives report on poor state of Paramatta Observatory. Encloses letter from Thomas Brisbane, who believes James Dunlop should be removed from his post of authority there.
16 April 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/288
Autograph letter signed by sender, with enclosure. Sends copy of James Graham's letter concerning transfer of Paramatta Observatory to government authority. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for advice on the matter. Discusses methods of magnitude estimation.
22 April 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/289
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends copy of J. R. Hind's observations of Gamma Virginis; believes they are 'too slow.' Also sends report of the Charter Committee of the Royal Society [of London] Believes Royal Society [of London] not selective enough. Has difficultly using John Frederick William Herschel's method of magnitude determination.
24 July 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/290
Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses magnitude determination. Refers to incident in which one of William Henry Smyth's sons will be removed from his position but not given poor references. W. S. Jacob sends double star measurements.
20 August 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/291
Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses controversy over the discovery of Neptune. Astronomical committee of Royal Society [of London] advised to award U. J. J. Leverrier the Copley Medal.
30 October 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/292
Autograph letter signed by sender. Lunar model will be placed in Somerset House.
2 November 1846 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/293
Copy of a letter. Discusses the purchase price of Mme. Witte's lunar model.
1846-1 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/266
Copy of a letter. Suggests trustees of British Museum make an offer for Mme. Witte's lunar model. Cape Results at press. Observed double comet.
20 February 1846 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/268
Copy of a letter. Believes Beta Ursae Minoris to be a slow variable star. Remarks on diminution of the star's brightness between 1840 and 1841.
16 April 1846 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/269
Copy of a letter. Suggests method to check the effectiveness of James Dunlop's work at Paramatta Obsrvatory..
20 April 1846 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/271
Copy of a letter. Believes council should decide the handling of the medal over the discovery of Neptune. Thinks that if J. C. Adams receives a medal, U. J. J. Leverrier should receive 'the more prominent distinction.'
22 December 1846 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/291
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, incomplete. Discusses Neptune discovery controversy; believes both scientists should receive medals.
7 February 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/16/294
Autograph letter signed by sender. Studies two possible orbits of Gamma Virginis; sends complete descriptions of both, including calculation of the apparent and actual ellipse. The first orbit combines the data of other astronomers.
17 April 1847 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/295
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends angular results from various astronomers using similar epoches.
21 April 1847 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/296
Copy of incomplete letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Discusses Neptune discovery controversy; believes both scientists should receive medals.
7 February 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/301
Copy of a letter. Plans to write John Russell in an effort to secure a pension for Thomas Maclear; asks for the Royal Astronomical Society and William Henry Smyth's support. Asks William Henry Smyth to obtain some facts relevant to pension request.
2 March 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/305
Copy of a letter. Asks William Henry Smyth if possible to enclose a note by Francis Beaufort to John Russell concerning request for pension for Thomas Maclear. Lays aside double star observations; continues work on orbit equation.
4 March 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/306
Copy of a letter. Asks William Henry Smyth to take the chair at the next meeting of the R.A.S [probably concerning the Adams-Leverrier dispute].
9 March 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/307
Copy of a letter. Proposal of giving medals to both J. C. Adams and U. J. J. Leverrier by William Whewell turned down by the Royal Astronomical Society
17 March 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/311
Copy of a letter. Skeptical over plan for galvanic illumination of wires. Has not yet seen J. B. Biot article; states he has always held Biot in high regard. Discusses naming of new planet.
21 April 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/313
Copy of a letter. Thanks William Henry Smyth for copy of W. S. Jacob paper on American telescope. Hopes that Jacob will attempt Talbotypes of sun spots while at Aden.
25 October 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/331
Copy of a letter. Believes that if Royal Society [of London] gives medals that year, J. R. Hind should receive one. John Lubbock is another possible candidate for his work on perturbation theory.
17 November 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/334
Copy of a letter. Believes that Thomas Galloway's paper on solar motion deserves a medal.
17 November 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/335
Copy of a letter. Suggests John Lubbock's improvements in calculating planetary perturbations be discussed at a Royal Astronomical Society meeting. Plans to bring subject before the Council.
16 December 1847 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/22/337a
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
Autographed letter . Asking John Frederick William Herschel to sign an enclosed item.
24 October 1848 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/1/398
Copy of a letter. Suggests William Henry Smyth take the chair at the next Royal Society [of London] meeting. Discusses a project of John Lubbock's. Fears Caroline Herschel will not survive the year.
11 January 1848 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/3
Copy of a letter. Sends paper by F. W. A. Argelander, which G. B. Airy wishes to have published. Revising chapter on perturbations in his Treatise Astr. Will include theory of motions of the apsides and the variations of the eccentricities.
20 September 1848 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/35
Copy of a letter. Gives suggestions for Edinburgh Board of Visitors. Gives no specific names, but says it should include theoretical and practical astronomers, geographers, and meteorologists.
26 November 1848 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/52
1849
Sir John Herschel publishes Outlines of Astronomy.
1849
Autograph letter signed by sender. Compiles published work, unpublished work, and lectures; asks John Frederick William Herschel to proof the compilation. Discusses meetings of Royal Society [of London] concerning charter by-laws.
4 January 1849 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/297
Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses the site of Cold Harbor. Visits the small personal observatory of J. G. Barclay, who William Henry Smyth thinks will produce good work.
10 October 1849 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/298
Copy of a letter. Approves of James Nasmyth's application to join Royal Society [of London] Describes good points of Nasmyth's telescope. Supposes that if he had drawing talent, he would sketch the members of the Royal Society [of London]
13 May 1849 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/68
Copy of a letter. Discusses Cold Harbor. Suggests the Duke of Bedford [F. C. H. Russell] could help secure a pension for Thomas Maclear.
14 October 1849 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/71
1850
Sir John Herschel is appointed Master of the Mint
1850
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends John Frederick William Herschel copy of his address to Royal Geographical Society. Inquires about a means to make astronomical instruments steadier with poles devised by John Frederick William Herschel.
9 July 1850 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/299
Copy of a letter. Compliments William Henry Smyth on a written address. Describes how to set up a telescope to avoid unnecessary vibration; includes diagram.
15 July 1850 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/88
1851
Sir John Herschel serves as juror of the Great Exhibition
1851
1852
Copy of a letter. Discusses the naming of a Plateau of Brussels. Discusses names to go on list; gives John Frederick William Herschel's and Michael Faraday's recommendations.
11 February 1852 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/117
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
Copy of a letter. Thanks William Henry Smyth for 'kind expressions on my behalf.' Believes these may be the last words he may write.
2 July 1855 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/156
1856
Autograph letter signed by sender. Visited Liverpool for inspection of School Frigate. Observed Triton. C. P. Smyth will install large telescope at Alta Vista; William Henry Smyth sends excerpt from son's letter. C. P. Smyth also works on spectral line observations.
9 September 1856 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/300
Copy of a letter. Success of C. P. Smyth's Teneriffe expedition pleases John Frederick William Herschel; anxious for declination of nebulae taken from high altitudes. Upset over G. J. Stoney's reproduction of John Frederick William Herschel's collimating
11 September 1856 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/180
1857
Autograph letter signed by sender. Asks John Frederick William Herschel to recommend C. P. Smyth for Royal Society [of London] fellowship. Will avoid Royal Society [of London] meetings due to declining health. Considers a second edition of Cycle of Celestial Objects.
27 January 1857 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/301
Autograph letter signed by sender. Agrees to support C. P. Smyth for membership in Royal Society [of London] Objects to C. P. Smyth's statement regarding his discoveries observing at high altitudes. Stresses importance of variable star work.
29 January 1857 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/16/302
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for discovering an important error in a work William Henry Smyth asked him to proof read. Asks John Frederick William Herschel about a variable in Canis Minor over which there is some debate.
1857-2 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/303
Autograph letter signed by sender. John Frederick William Herschel's letter of recommendation for C. P. Smyth misdirected. Little time remains for nomination.
3 March 1857 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/304
Autograph letter signed by sender. Thanks John Frederick William Herschel for advice on several persons and for suggestion concerning the Leviathan. Remarks on R. C. Carrington's circumpolar star work. Writes to Royal Society [of London] Council concerning François Arago's nomination for medal.
12 November 1857 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/305
Incomplete letter in John Herschel's hand. Has heard William Henry Smyth is publishing an English translation of François Arago's astronomical writings. Urges against including Arago's lectures if the Italian translation is indicative of their level of accuracy. Lists numerous errors in that edition. [Marked 'not sent.' Note added to CDraft (RS:HS 25.13.13) states: 'A letter differently worded but noting some of these points, but not all (for particular reasons) if I remember right was sent.'
8 November 1857 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/16/323
Copy of a letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Agrees to support C. P. Smyth for membership in Royal Society [of London] Objects to C. P. Smyth's statement regarding his discoveries observing at high altitudes. Stresses importance of variable star work.
29 January 1857 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/189
Copy of a letter. Pleased that William Henry Smyth included François Arago's lectures in his compilation. Believes the Italian edition could have been better edited. Remarks on the Leviathan problem.
8 November 1857 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/213
Copy of a letter. Makes suggestion on freeing the Leviathan from its trapped position.
3 December 1857 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/214
Copy of draft letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Has heard William Henry Smyth is publishing an English translation of François Arago's astronomical writings. Urges against including Arago's lectures if the Italian translation is indicative of their level of accuracy. Lists numerous errors in that edition. [Marked 'not sent.' Note added to CDraft (RS:HS 25.13.13) states: 'A letter differently worded but noting some of these points, but not all (for particular reasons) if I remember right was sent.'
8 November 1857 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/25/13/13
1858
Autograph letter signed by sender. 'Making perhaps my last attack' on Gamma Virginis. Night air is increasingly detrimental to health.
1 March 1858 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/306
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends John Frederick William Herschel copy of his work on Mediterranean; answers some of John Frederick William Herschel's questions.
4 March 1858 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/307
Autograph letter signed by sender. Elaborates on John Frederick William Herschel's questions concerning the Mediterranean. Refers him to Capt. [T. A. B.] Spratt.
10 March 1858 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/308
Autograph letter signed by sender. Finds mistake in John Frederick William Herschel publication [Outlines Astr.] that assigned discovery of Hyperion to W. R. Dawes and G. P. Bond without crediting William Lassell.
13 September 1858 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/309
Autograph letter signed by sender. Writes that he was not aware of W. R. Dawes's hand in discovery of Hyperion; will note this in Royal Society [of London] records.
17 September 1858 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/310
Copy of a letter. Wishes to put William Henry Smyth's final version of Gamma Virginis orbit in new edition of his catalogue. Asks questions about Mediterranean.
2 March 1858 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/225
Copy of a letter. Sends apologies to William Lassell for omission of discovery credit.
15 September 1858 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/238
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.
Autograph letter signed by sender, incomplete. Claims if he had known certain informations concerning discovery of Neptune, he would have ranked J. C. Adams's claim equal with U. J. J. Leverrier's.
3 February 1860 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/16/311
Autograph letter signed by sender. Asks John Frederick William Herschel's opinion of placement of some of William Herschel's documents. Agrees with John Frederick William Herschel on Neptune case, although he claims to have difficulty formulating an argument.
8 February 1860 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/312
Autograph letter signed by sender. May include John Frederick William Herschel's position on Neptune discovery in a new edition of Cycle of Celestial Objects. Will review objects catalogued in the volume with refractor.
28 March 1860 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/313
Autograph letter signed by sender. N. R. Pogson appointed to Madras Observatory. Appointment includes a pension, so a civil pension will not be necessary.
11 October 1860 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/314
Autograph letter signed by sender, with enclosure. Asks John Frederick William Herschel's opinion of Charles Shadwell; wishes to elect him a Fellow of the Royal Society [of London] Includes copy of letter of testimonial to Robert FitzRoy. Believes Shadwell's lunar work of great merit.
24 November 1860 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/316
Autograph letter signed by sender. Awaits copy of John Frederick William Herschel's Telescope. Problems with by-laws of the Royal Astronomical Society
31 December 1860 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/317
Autograph letter signed by sender. Refers to a discovery made at the Royal Society [of London], which, despite being based on 'circumstantial evidence,' convinces William Henry Smyth of its truth.
12 October 1860 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/318
Copy of an incomplete letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Claims if he had known certain informations concerning discovery of Neptune, he would have ranked J. C. Adams's claim equal with U. J. J. Leverrier's.
3 February 1860 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/295
Copy of a letter. Asks William Henry Smyth opinion of attaining a civil pension for N. R. Pogson in honor of his astronomical accomplishment.
7 October 1860 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/310
Copy of a letter. Signs Charles Shadwell's recommendation. Sends new maps of earth, which include more surface with less distortion. Sends copy of John Frederick William Herschel's Telescope.
28 November 1860 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/319
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
1862
Autograph letter signed by sender. Sends letter from Mr. Rüppell, who wishes to get a copy of a Royal Astronomical Society medal.
1 July 1862 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/319
Autograph letter signed by sender. Directs John Frederick William Herschel to inquire regarding a pension for John Russell. Note C. P. Smyth's use of Outlines Astr. Mentions Isaac Fletcher as a promising amateur astronomer.
23 December 1862 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/320
Copy of a letter. Suggests Mr. Rüppell apply to Council of the Royal Astronomical Society for copy of medal. Mentions the head on the medal is [Isaac] Newton's, not William Herschel's.
2 July 1862 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/380
Copy of a letter. Concerned over the fact the retiring pension for John Russell does not provide for his wife and children.
17 December 1862 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/23/399
1864
Autograph letter signed by sender. Studies sidereal chromatics. Asks if William Herschel recorded colors of Beta Cygni in a 1779 observation.
2 July 1864 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/321
Autograph letter signed by sender. Questions dates in William Herschel's observations. Wishes John Frederick William Herschel luck on completing translation of Iliad.
6 July 1864 Sender: William Henry Smyth , William Henry Smyth Reference number: HS/16/322
Copy of a letter. Believes he will complete Iliad.
9 August 1864 Sender: John Frederick William Herschel Reference number: HS/24/56