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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Copy of draft letter, from Sir John Herschel to Thomas W. Hornbuckle, dated at [56 Devonshire St.]

Reference number: HS/20/238

Date: 13 October 1826

Description

Copy of draft letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Declines being considered for the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge, stating his convictions 'that I shall do more for science as an independent amateur than as a Professor of any particular branch or department of it.' Proposes Charles Babbage as candidate. [Also includes draft of letter to George Peacock requesting his support for Babbage.]

Reference number
HS/20/238
Earliest possible date
13 October 1826
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, Copy of draft letter, from Sir John Herschel to Thomas W. Hornbuckle, dated at [56 Devonshire St.], 13 October 1826, HS/20/238, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_20_238/copy-of-draft-letter-from-sir-john-herschel-to-thomas-w-hornbuckle-dated-at-56-devonshire-st, accessed on 10 September 2026

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https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_20_238/copy-of-draft-letter-from-sir-john-herschel-to-thomas-w-hornbuckle-dated-at-56-devonshire-st

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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