Herschel, John Frederick William, Sir, 1792-1871 (Knight, astronomer)
Person
Dates
- Existence: 1792 - 1871
Legal status / Nationality
British. Knighted 1831.
Biography
Sir John Frederick William Herschel (1792-1871), 1st Baronet and astronomer, was born at Slough, Buckinghamshire, on 7 March 1792. He matriculated at St John's College, Cambridge, in 1809 (B.A., 1813; M.A., 1816), where he was a Fellow, 1813-1829, and was admitted to Lincoln's Inn in 1814. Herschel helped to found the Analytical Society in Cambridge, and also the Royal Astronomical Society, of which he was president, 1827-1832. He lived in South Africa, 1833-1838, and in 1847 published the results of his astronomical observations at the Cape of Good Hope. His other publications include Outlines of astronomy (1849) and many mathematical works. He was created baronet in 1838, and died at Collingwood, Hawkhurst, Kent, on 11 May 1871.
Found in 116 Collections and/or Records:
File
Papers on Royal Astronomical Society, 1849
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/231
Scope and Contents
Papers relating to the Royal Astronomical Society, including notices of meetings; agendas; an abstract from Sir John Herschel's paper 'On the determination of the most probable orbit of a binary star from the assemblage of a great number of observed angles of position'; a lecture on Bell's calculating machine; an addendum on Lord Rosse's telescope; a lecture on instruments adapted to the measurement of small zenith distances; a lecture on American transits; a clock with conical pendulum and...
Dates:
1849
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Papers on solar eclipse, 1871
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/134
Scope and Contents
Papers concerning preparations for observing the solar eclipse of 11 December 1871. The volume includes a map of India, with the path of the eclipse; correspondence with the Treasury and H. Merivale; material on preparations for observing the eclipse; and papers on adjustments to instruments. Other correspondents include W. De La Rue; Sir J.F.W. Herschel; J.R. Hind; W. Huggins; W. Lassell; A.S. Herschel; R.L.J. Ellery; Sir J.N. Lockyer; N.R. Pogson, with a photograph of the Moon; G.G....
Dates:
1871
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Papers on Sydney University, 1851 - 1852
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/337
Scope and Contents
Papers on the foundation of a university at Sydney, including acts of endowments; a report of a committee to establish the university; the rules of the institution; and applications to fill the chairs of professors of classics, mathematics and experimental philosophy and chemistry. There are consultations with Sir J.F.W. Herschel, H. Malden and, briefly, W.H. Miller; testimonials for J.G.B. Marshall and J. Smith; and brief stories and resumés of the careers of the applicants.
Dates:
1851 - 1852
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Papers on the Julian invasion, 1748 - 1852
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/466
Scope and Contents
Material relating primarily to Airy's paper on Julius Caesar's invasion of Britain and his path through South-East England. Airy asserted that Caesar landed at Pevensey, but this was challenged in a paper by F.B. Martin, which stated that he landed near Ramsgate. There is considerable correspondence on this topic, with a nautical chart of the Dover Straits; a map of the Goodwin Sands; and the 'Proceedings of the Society of Antiquities'. Other subjects covered include the geography of the...
Dates:
1748 - 1852
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Papers on the Standards Commission, 1848 - 1857
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/339
Scope and Contents
Official correspondence and rough and neat minutes of the Standards Commission, with summons to meetings. The volume includes all correspondence on the distribution of the standards authenticated by Act of Parliament, the changing of the manner of charging the customs duties from per 112 lbs to 110 lbs, and correspondence with the Treasury on accounts and printing. There are also letters from astronomers, including Sir J.F.W. Herschel, J.F. Encke and T. Maclear.
Dates:
1848 - 1857
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Papers on tides and waves, 1838 - 1843
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/503
Scope and Contents
Correspondence, diagrams and calculations on tides and waves for the 'Encyclopaedia Metropolitana'. The correspondents include H.J. Rose, J. Challis, W. Hopkins, D.F.J. Arago, F. Beaufort and J.F.W. Herschel. The papers include a world map (Mecator projection) showing magnetic variation and dip, and a notebook titled 'Tides for Encyclopaedia Metropolitana, Examination of Books'.
Dates:
1838 - 1843
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Papers on weights and measures, 1838 - 1867
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 62/4
Scope and Contents
Letters and papers regarding weights and measures, comprised of a printed paper by Keating Trenor on English, Asiatic and American Standards; an undated covering letter and questionnaire by G.B. Airy concerning the Weights and Measures Acts; a copy of a letter from P.M. Roget to G.B. Airy, 19 December 1838, regarding the weights used in various countries; a printed copy of two letters from Trenor to the Editor of the 'Mark Lane Express' regarding the false standard of value and false corn...
Dates:
1838 - 1867
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Private correspondence, 1819 - 1830
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/807
Scope and Contents
Airy's miscellaneous private correspondence, volume 1, including letters concerning many private and scientific subjects, with much on the Dolcoath experiment. There are letters from Babbage, Bayne, Bromhead, Buckland, Clarkson, Coddington, Croker, Davy, Everest, Groswell, Hastler, Hawkes, Herslow, Herschel, Higman, Hustler, Malkin, Musgrave, Parkes, Peacock, Powell, Sedgwick, Sheepshanks, Smyth, South, Thackeray, Trail, Whewell and Woodsworth, with an index to the correspondents at the...
Dates:
1819 - 1830
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Professorial applications to Melbourne University, 1854
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/335
Scope and Contents
Applications for the professorships of classics, mathematics, nautical science and modern history at the recently opened Melbourne University. The applicants include J.A.C. Oudemans and B. Stewart, and there are resumés of the careers of other candidates. The papers include correspondence, including a letter from Lord Lyndhurst to Airy, and correspondence between Airy and Sir J.F.W. Herschel, who was a fellow interviewer of prospective applicants. There is also a paper describing the...
Dates:
1854
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Sheepshanks' correspondence on standards, 1838 - 1855
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/356
Scope and Contents
Richard Sheepshanks' correspondence with Airy, F. Baily, Sir J.F.W. Herschel, T. Maclear and W.H. Miller concerning standards and the Standards Commission.
Dates:
1838 - 1855
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Fonds
Sir J.F.W. Herschel: Poems and Miscellaneous Papers
Fonds
Reference Code: GBR/0012/MS Add.7617
Scope and Contents
A folder of fragments of poems by Herschel and a second folder containing 'classical and literary scraps of verse' by various authors. A few of the items are in Latin.
Dates:
1850 (circa)
Conditions Governing Access:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Found in:
Cambridge University Library
Item
Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1835 - 1990
Item
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 96/8/11
Scope and Contents
From the Series:
A collection of loose portrait plates, chiefly of astronomers, printed from engravings, drawings and photographs. The portraits are arranged alphabetically by surname of the sitter. Alongside astronomers, sitters include physicists, mathematicians and other scientists of note. The collection also includes a single portrait of King Charles II, an RGO staff photograph, and a book of portraits of astronomers.
Dates:
1835 - 1990
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Theories of the Moon and planets, 1853 - 1854
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/81
Scope and Contents
Theories and observations of the Moon and planets, including correspondence with J.F.W. Herschel on correction of lunar nodes; a letter from U.J.J. Le Verrier on the movement of solar perigee; letters on the printing of J.F. Encke's new method of calculating the perturbations of the minor planets, with the original written in German; a letter titled 'Encke's Comet'; letters from J.C. Adams on the secular equations of the Moon's mean longitude; a printed sheet of the diameters of the Sun,...
Dates:
1853 - 1854
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Theories of the Sun, Moon and planets, 1835 - 1848
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/79
Scope and Contents
Theories and observation of the Moon, planets and satellites. There is correspondence on lunar theory, including letters from P.A. Hansen on his 'New Inequalities of the Moon'; letters from T. Henderson on errors in the calculations of J.K. Burckhardt for the Moon's diameter; and 'Extracts from Ephemeris of the Moon for the moment of the passage of her Centre, through the Meridian in Altona, calculated upon M. Damoiseau's Tables for every day of the year 1833'. The volume also includes...
Dates:
1835 - 1848
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Transactions with the Royal Society, 1862 - 1865
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/392
Scope and Contents
Papers relating to transactions with the Royal Society, including correspondence with its members. The material includes nominations for new members; papers on the Royal Society relief fund; papers by Airy on the difference in properties of hot and cold rolled malleable iron in regard to receiving and retaining induced magnetism ('On the strains in beams'; 'The diurnal inequalities of terrestrial magnetism', 1841-1857; and 'First analysis of 177 magnetic storms'); and a paper titled 'Did Sir...
Dates:
1862 - 1865
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
File
Visitation papers, 1868 - 1871
File
Reference Code: GBR/0180/RGO 6/16
Scope and Contents
Letters concerning Airy's proposal to reduce the number of impressions of the Greenwich Observations, 1868.Letters relating to the Visitation of the Royal Observatory by the Board of Visitors, 6 June 1868.Preparatory notes for the report of 8 June 1868, including some calculations.Report of the Astronomer Royal to the Board of Visitors, 6 June 1868.Preparatory notes for the report of 5 June 1869, including some calculations.Report of the Astronomer...
Dates:
1868 - 1871
Conditions Governing Access:
From the Management Group:
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
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