| RefNo | HSF/2/1/29 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.14 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J [John] Herschel, Roorkie [Roorkee], to 'Dearest Father' [John Frederick William Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 4 June 1859 |
| Description | He sends a letter of Willy's [William James Herschel's] which he received a few days ago. Had he read it in a newspaper he would have considered it an exaggeration, or that something was being held back, but he now believes it, even if he does not understand it. All is well at the hottest part of the year there, John has no real illness or discomfort. As an example of the impact of the heat, he describes weighing himself at the beginning of the day after parade, and even after food and drink he eventuallly lost two pounds in weight during the day. John describes the 'little breakfast' routine, known as 'chota haziri', getting up at sunrise at 5.00am and having coffee and fruits of the season. He hopes that Alick [Alexander Stewart Herschel] has tried John's method of making a three-legged stand and thanks his father for tools whch he uses daily. In taking altitudes he has substituted mercury for water and he describes the results. He notes his last letter from home and says that he and Willy would like the book of Andersen's [?] Fables. |
| Extent | 4p. |
| 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 |