Description | Family transcription of Sir John Herschel's original diary. The volume describes Herschel's scientific and social life, including his work at the Royal Mint. He records routine meteorological and astronomical observations, usually when at his Hawkhurst home. The volume commences with 'My earliest Poetical Effusion', with comments from Herschel. On 31 January he notes losses at the Mint and a fire alarm. He visits Agnes Baillie at Hampstead on 26 February and records their conversation. On 3 June he attends a Greenwich Visitation: 'after the business Babbage recommenced his attack on Sheepshanks...' By October, Herschel leaves his London residence at Harley Street, for 35 Bedford Place. On 14 October he dines at High Elms with John Lubbock and Charles Darwin. By December he complains bitterly about Mint business: 'The most horrible of all remarkably horrible days, this accursed Mint (and all its relations matters & things) has given me'.
With a note on the cover page '1854'. |