| Description | Cochrane thanks Herschel for his letter, Book 1 of 'The Iliad', and the brochure 'On Atoms'. Herschel has told him that at 70 years of age, he can only dream of completing 'The Iliad' translation. He should not think of the magnitude of the task as he goes on. When Cochrane began, he thought he might have time for a few books. Although he is ten years younger than Herschel, he has been confined to a sofa for twenty-five years, but he has completed the work and hopes to see it printed next season. He gives some observations on Herschel's translation, including beginning each line with an accented syllable, and that every foot in a line should be followed by an accented syllable. He gives an example in a line quoted by Dr. [William] Whewell in his review in Macmillan and asks to be excused for the freedom of his remarks. He explains that the variation in his writing hand by saying that he is blind. |