Herschel, Sir John Frederick William, 1792-1871 (Knight, astronomer)
Dates
- Existence: 1792 - 1871
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 2 Collections and/or Records:
Herschel Manuscript Catalogue of Stars
A fair copy of a Catalogue of Stars Visible on the Horizon of Calcutta, drawn up by J. W. F. Herschel to accompany the ten feet reflecting telescope sent to his relations including medical doctor, Duncan Stewart, eldest brother of Lady Margaret Herschel, employed by the East India Company, 1825-1855.
Sir J.F.W. Herschel: Poems and Miscellaneous Papers
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.