Introduction to a 'History of pendulum observations', by John Herschel Remarks on the intention behind Herschel's history of the use of the pendulum for gravity observations. Commencing 'The MS, entitled "History of Pendulum Observations", as it leaves my hands today, is in precisely the condition, in all respects, in which it was when, in August 1881, my instructions obliged me to lay it aside as incompatible with the new occupation...' 6 March 1886