| RefNo | HSF/2/3/7 |
| Previous numbers | 600/31/84 and 600/31/84A |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from John Herschel, to [Mary Cornwallis Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 11-12 January [1872] |
| Description | His holiday is at an end tomorrow. He has read Alick's paper [Alexander Stewart Herschel] with great interest and thinks it should be fair copied for the printer. It is very able and shows a steady grasp, but he notes stylistic difficulties to correct. There has been a rearrangement of trains which throws off his calculations for receiving mail. He has paid the Ootacamund Library for December only. [J Norman] Lockyer's object in coming to Ootacamund was not to meet [James Francis] Tennant, but a professed desire to see the Sun from great elevation. He wanted Tennant or Herschel to help him, and availed himself of sightseeing at public expense. Lockyer could only get information for his popular account through personal encounters. Herschel notes the arrival of the postman at 1.00am with Mary's letter. He notes other letters from Bellamy, and from Rogers at Kodangal decsribing Herschel's new station. Herschel has submitted a propoal to be admitted to the Royal Astronomical Society, as he wants the 'Monthly Notices' and to communicate occasionally. He is not sorry that the Book Club has passed into Wood's hands. He sympathises with Mary about 'the fern tribe' and asks if she has asked for Beddam's book. He notes his enjoyment of manual labour, although grudging the time it takes. His observatory has not yet had to stand a gale. He concludes by noting problems with an injector. |
| Extent | 6p. |
| 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 |