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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Letter, from Sir John Herschel to Joseph A. F. Plateau

Reference number: HS/14/167

Date: 25 September 1864

Description

Autograph letter signed by sender. Apologizes for not having answered earlier. John Frederick William Herschel's health has been 'indifferent.' Received 'Sur un Problème curieux de Magnetisme' yesterday. Discusses 'alleged free suspension of Mahomet's coffin.' Agrees with Joseph Plateau that 'establishment of a stable equilibrium under the influence of mere magnetic forces is impossible.' Elaborates on an experiment relating to the 'problem.' Lists the works by Joseph Plateau that he has.

Reference number
HS/14/167
Earliest possible date
25 September 1864
Page extent
4 pages
Format
Manuscript
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Creator name

John Frederick William Herschel

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Citation

John Frederick William Herschel, Letter, from Sir John Herschel to Joseph A. F. Plateau, 25 September 1864, HS/14/167, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_14_167/letter-from-sir-john-herschel-to-joseph-a-f-plateau, accessed on 16 May 2026

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  • Herschel Letters

    This collection of nearly 10,900 letters, drafts, copies and notes is the largest repository of scientific correspondence from and to Sir John Herschel, leading figure of Victorian science.

    Dates: 1807 - 1875

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