| Description | Family transcription of Sir John Herschel's original diary. The volume describes Herschel's scientific and social life, largely in London, where he had a town residence in Harley Street. The year continues with the business of the Royal Mint, including the offer (on 5 January) to make William Thomas Brande the Chief Coiner. Herschel attends Royal Institution lectures; those of Michael Faraday (on lines of force) John Scott Russell (on yacht construction) and Charles Lyell. Herschel attempts to interest Roderick Impey Murchison in the sale of Andrew Geddes Bain's collection of Cape fossils on 22 March. From mid-May, entries on Mint business almost cease, other than to note Herschel's attendance, giving way to family and social matters and routine meteorological observations.
With a note on the cover page '1852. See also a small size Lett's Diary (purple) 1852 is kept in this drawer - It contains notes of events not (so far) copied here. 18 June 1910 W.J.H.' [William James Herschel]. |