Digital audiences can now travel through time to read about Herschel’s work in his own words and those of his correspondents. They can delve into first-hand accounts of Herschel’s mapping of the southern hemisphere skies and his contribution to the development of photography, including inventing the blueprint. They will also find his early mathematical work, and even his contested translation of Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad.
Royal Society historian Louisiane Ferlier says: “Sir John Herschel’s dedication to correspondence is remarkable. From fascinating discussions of some of the most important discoveries and scientific theories of the 19th century, next to mundane and often touching personal chitter chatter, this treasure trove of letters provides a window into the inner workings of Victorian science. It’s like having your ear at the door of scientists at work, hearing whispers of science quite literally in the making.”
John Herschel was the son of William Herschel – the discoverer of Uranus – and nephew of comet-watcher Caroline Herschel. One of the most significant figures of Victorian science, he was at the centre of a global network of correspondence, exchanging letters on a variety of subjects with the foremost practitioners in each field, acting as a science diplomat and administrator. He served as Secretary of the Royal Society from 1824 to 1827.
The newly digitised collection contains stories and musings behind much of Herschel’s work as well as those of his fellow scientists and literary acquaintances. Among more than 1,300 star-studded correspondents are: Mary Somerville (with whom he shared a love of poetry); Julia Margaret Cameron (who recounts in detail her very first failed photographic experiments); Charles Darwin (whose visit to Herschel in South Africa provided part of the inspiration for On the Origin of Species); and Charles Dickens (his neighbour with whom he settled a friendly feud). Other well-known names include scientist Michael Faraday, inventor and engineer Charles Babbage, writer and philosopher John Ruskin and naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt.
Gary Price (gprice@gmail.com) is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area.
He earned his MLIS degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Price has won several awards including the SLA Innovations in Technology Award and Alumnus of the Year from the Wayne St. University Library and Information Science Program. From 2006-2009 he was Director of Online Information Services at Ask.com.
