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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Copy letter, from Sir John Herschel to Francis Beaufort, dated at Slough

Reference number: HS/21/88

Date: 5 September 1831

Description

Copy of letter, copied as part of the correspondence project led by Colonel John Herschel FRS following the death of his father. Remarks by John Frederick William Herschel on proof sheet of Henry Taylor's catalog of circumpolar stars observed by Stephen Groombridge. Why is Gerard Moll, a foreigner, engaged in purely English controversy? John Frederick William Herschel wants no part of Charles Babbage and James South in this matter. Regrets John Frederick William Herschel's earlier statements. Sends extract from [Richard] Copeland's letter.

Reference number
HS/21/88
Earliest possible date
5 September 1831
Page extent
2 pages
Format
Manuscript
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Creator name

John Frederick William Herschel

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Citation

John Frederick William Herschel, Copy letter, from Sir John Herschel to Francis Beaufort, dated at Slough, 5 September 1831, HS/21/88, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_21_88/copy-letter-from-sir-john-herschel-to-francis-beaufort-dated-at-slough, accessed on 25 January 2026

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https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/hs_21_88/copy-letter-from-sir-john-herschel-to-francis-beaufort-dated-at-slough

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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