| RefNo | HSF/2/3/24 |
| Previous numbers | 600/31/101 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from John Herschel, [stations] XXX and XXXI, to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 14-16 February 1872 |
| Description | He has just despatched one letter and starts again. He sees no reason for her to make her planned return to Bangalore depend upon house rent. He forbids that view; her health and Esther's contentment should not be valued in rupees. Ootacamund is more sheltered and she might go there when she is expelled from Coonoor. He will be able to judge in two months, on his return. [From 16 Febuary] he arrived at station XXXI that morning and describes the heavy postbag. The reading material is welcome as he will have a march which will leave him out of communication for ten or twelve days. He sends the Annuaire, and highlights the 'singular egotism' of M Quetelet's Notice. Herschel has been in recreation, on geometrical constructions, including an ellipse and a tent peg extractor on scientific principles. He has 'had no occasion for the pricker for a long time' [morphine injection]. He notes that Mary has been sent gold needles and asks about the sensitivity of her arm, 'I confess I sometimes can't get the needle in for the pain and try a fresh place!' and expands upon his experience. He has received the Survey Report for 1870-71 including his own part, which he has read with interest and satisfaction. |
| 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 |