| RefNo | HSF/2/3/4 |
| Previous numbers | 600/31/81, 81A-C |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from John Herschel, XXV station, to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 5 January 1872 |
| Description | He meant to write in less of a hurry, but he has allowed himself to become interested in 'Marian Rooke' [by Henry Sedley], despite its shortcomings. The separation of the characters reminds him of their own situation. His new camp is on the highest point of a grassy and stony undulation, with commanding views, which he describes. It is one of the stoniest he has encountered and riding a horse is impossible. He must go down the see 'the mighty Kistna' [Krishna river]. Once he gets his bills back, he means to draw 4,000 in coin and so become independent of treasuries for the rest of the season. He requests a financial statement before the end of January. He asks why she does not understand about the corona, and notes the [spectral] lines in understanding it. Maclear's observation is an effectual stumbling block and Herschel cannot accept it without confirmation. All celestial objects should scatter light in the same way and not show detail if Maclear is correct, but Herschel attributes it to some misadjustment. He discusses the subject further, before reverting to personal matters. He wishes that Mary would say a little more about herself, noting the two carriage drives she has found around Conoor [Coonoor] |
| Extent | 8p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7955 | Herschel; John (1837 - 1921); Colonel; military engineer, surveyor and astronomer | 1837 - 1921 |