Item Letter 9 - Autograph letter, signed, from Herschel to Rev. John William Whittaker

Identity area

Reference code

Herschel/Box 1/Letter 9

Unique identifier

GB 275 Herschel/Box 1/Letter 9

Title

Autograph letter, signed, from Herschel to Rev. John William Whittaker

Date(s)

  • 7 July 1814 (Creation)

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4p. paper

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Name of creator

(1792-1871)

Biographical history

Astronomer; son of Sir William Herschel; senior wrangler and first Smith's prizeman, 1813; subsequently fellow of St John's College, Cambridge; MA 1816; helped to found Analytical Society, Cambridge, 1813; secretary to Royal Society 1824-7; president of Astronomical Society, 1827-32; created baronet, 1838; president of British Association, 1845; master of the Mint, 1850-5. Major contribution to astronomy through the discovery and cataloguing of many double stars, work on 'light' and early work on photographical process. Buried in Westminster Abbey.

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Scope and content

Apologises in a florid manner for not writing sooner. Notes the monarchist leanings of the general public, states that he has been busy with scientific experiments involving goose livers. Will visit the Lakes as soon as time will allow. States that he is involved in a wide array of projects. Asks for samples from a slate mine near to Whittaker

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