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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Letter, from William Whewell to Sir John Herschel, dated at Trinity College

Reference number: HS/18/158

Date: 6 March 1817

Description

Autograph letter signed by sender. Discusses university politics. Misses John Frederick William Herschel. Impressed by [Edward] Bromhead's mathematical abilities. Is considering translating a book by S. F. Lacroix. George Peacock's Tripos examination questions have caused controversy. Believes Peacock should have stressed applied over pure mathematics.

Reference number
HS/18/158
Earliest possible date
6 March 1817
Page extent
4 pages
Format
Manuscript
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Creator names

William Whewell

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William Whewell

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Citation

William Whewell, William Whewell, Letter, from William Whewell to Sir John Herschel, dated at Trinity College, 6 March 1817, HS/18/158, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_18_158/letter-from-william-whewell-to-sir-john-herschel-dated-at-trinity-college, accessed on 12 February 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

    View collection