Description:
HERSCHEL, SIR JOHN FREDERICK WILLIAM. (1792-1871). English polymath, astronomer and photography pioneer; son of the astronomer Frederick William Herschel. ALS. ("JFW Herschel"). 2pp. 4to. N.p., N.d. [1822 or later]. To GEORGE BURGESS WILDIG(1784-1853)].
"I have delayed a long while answering your letter, but the whole matter appearing to be likely to take an unsatisfactory turn, I did not know exactly how to proceed. The fact is that the present Astronomer Royal is exceedingly averse to the new appointments – so much so that it is very doubtful whether the change proposed in the system of the observatory will ever be made – or at least ever be acted on with any confidence. Under the circumstances all that I could do was to throw in a caveat in your favor should the alterations ever take place, and be of a satisfactory nature – by mentioning your wishes to the President of the R[oyal] S[ociety] in confidence and should I hear more about the matter will not fail to give you intelligence, and if… Read More
