| RefNo | HSF/2/1/11 |
| Previous numbers | 32.8.5 and 32.8.4 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from J [John] Herschel, Brompton Barracks, [Chatham], to 'Dear Pater' [John Frederick William Herschel] |
| Creator | Herschel; John (1837-1921); British army officer and astronomer |
| Date | 3-4 August 1857 |
| Description | His father's paper on 'The Density of the Earth' is full of interest. He sent his last letter to his mother, but in the last month he had only 3 1/2 days of indoor work. He has some hope of getting through his course on 'Projects' and is working on demolition of revetements in the 'Modern system of fortifications'. He could have done this in three weeks, but has been working on it for six so far, owing to interruptions. Herschel asks questions on lines he does not understand from his father's paper. The second method is clearer, but he sees problems in determining the density of a mountain. He has been reading [Defects, civil and military of the] 'Indian government' by Sir Charles Napier, and says it 'breathes egotism & gall'. He gives his opinions on the book, which he finds 'quite painful & amusing at the same time'. He has the Memoirs and will read them next. |
| Extent | 6p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7955 | Herschel; John (1837 - 1921); Colonel; military engineer, surveyor and astronomer | 1837 - 1921 |