| Description | Family transcription of Sir John Herschel's original diary. The volume describes Herschel's scientific and social life. It commences with a record of the suicide of J Rance in a cellar at Collingwood on 3 January. The diary continues with routine meteorological and astronomical observations. In February, Herschel has various engagements in London, including at the Royal Astronomical Socety, and notes that in calling on Michael Faraday at the Royal Institution on 12 February, 'He told me he had no intention to be a candidate for P.R.S....' Herschel works on his own book on 'Astronomy' throughout this period, with records of chapter-by-chapter completions. He belatedly finishes outfitting his laboratory and workshop on 17 June; including unpacking specimens from the Cape. With children returning from school, Herschel lists a household of 32 individuals on 3 October. Occasional marginal drawings are copies of the originals.
With a note on the cover page '1848'. |