| RefNo | HSF/1/1/8 |
| Previous numbers | 600/31/42; 600/31/42A |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from W [William] Whewell, Trin[ity] Lodge, [Cambridge], to [Sir John Frederick William] Herschel |
| Creator | Whewell; William (1794-1866); British mathematician |
| Date | 14 April 1862 |
| Description | He is glad that Herschel intends to continue with Homer. The second book is very interesting for a translator, but Herschel should not shirk his Catalogue. Gladstone has discoursed about it. Whewell discusses the name Briareus and how it should be accented. Herschel has many rivals in his attempt besides [John Gibson] Lockhart and [Edward Craven] Hawtrey. There is [Joseph Henry] Dart, whom Herschel knows: a Mr. [James Timothy Bainbridge] Landon, who has just sent Whewell the first book of 'The Iliad'; and Mr. [James Inglis] Cochrane in Dunbarton. Whewell did not like what he saw of the latter's work, thinking the English was not pure as it was in Herschel's translation. He will send Mr. Landon's translation if Herschel wishes, but in general it might be best to avoid seeing what other people have done. Landon is generally right in the accents of his proper names. Whewell will continue to read Herschel's translation with double pleasure. He sends a certificate for Herschel's son [not present], uncertain if it is what Herschel wanted, but it can be used as it is.
In a postscript, Whewell states that he has just received a letter from the 'Scotch hexameterist', JamesCochrane, asking if he migh be allowed to see Herschel's translation of book 1 of 'The Iliad'. The address of Hawkhill House, Largs, is given. They talk of publishing his translation with illustrations. |
| Extent | 5p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA6578 | Whewell; William (1794 - 1866); college Master; writer on history and philosophy of science | 1794 - 1866 |