| RefNo | MM/25/19 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J F W [John Frederick William] Herschel, to 'Dear Wildig' [George Burgess Wildig] |
| Creator | Herschel; Sir; John Frederick William; first baronet (1792-1871); British mathematician and astronomer |
| Recipient | Wildig; George Burgess (1784-1853); British clergyman and mathematician |
| Date | c.1823 [watermark 1822] |
| Description | Herschel has delayed in replying to Wildig's letter, the matter appearing to take an unsatisfactory turn. The present Astronomer Royal is averse to making a new appointment and Herschel doubts if any changes will be made 'in the system of the observatory'. Herschel can only throw in a caveat in Wildig's favour, mentioning his wishes in confidence to the President of the Royal Society. He will make Wildig's wishes known more publically if he desires it, as the nomination to the office will rest with President and Council of the Society. Wildig underestimates his own attainments in saying that he knows nothing of astronomy. He gives news of [Richard] Jones and his wife, and [Charles] Babbage wishes to be remembered to Wildig. |
| Extent | 2p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| Provenance | Purchased |