SIR JOHN F. W. HERSCHEL. Autograph Letter Signed to Professor [Henry] Malden, 32 Harley Street [London], 9 April 1854. 2½ pages, 7" x 4½".

One of the foremost British scientists of his day, John Frederick William Herschel, the son of Sir William Herschel, was primarily an eminent astronomer, but he was also known for his work in mathematics, chemistry, physics, photography, and philosophy of science. At the date of this letter, Herschel was also master of the Royal Mint. The problem he addresses in this letter indicates the high regard in which he was held in his day and his considerable public role and contributions.

In 1852, Herschel, along with Astronomer Royal G. B. Airy, Henry Malden of University College, London, and Henry Denison of Oxford, had been commissioned by the University of Sydney, Australia’s first university, to select the professors for its initial faculty. After legislation was passed to establish the University of Melbourne in 1853, Herschel was asked to assist that school as well, as this letter indicates.

Writing to Professor Malden, Herschel declares, “I am placed in the ______ possible difficulty by this application of the Melbourne University (who have remitted me 1200£ informing me that 3000£ more will be sent hereafter for purchase of books & payment of Expences.)

“I am very differently situated now from what I was at the time the Sydney University applied,” Herschel explains, “Government having deprived me of my Deputy – which allows me no time for any extraneous action which is not taken directly from the Public Service and which can very ill be so taken.

“Mr. Airy suggests,” Herschel continues, “the proposing of a preliminary meeting – ‘informally – to talk over our willingness and unwillingness and general arrangements’ and I have therefore written to him to say that I shall be at home (at 32 Harley St) at 2 PM on Wednesday next April 12 for the purpose and if you can make it convenient to join us we will ‘talk over’ the matter. I write also to Mr. Lowe and Sir Wm A Beckett to the same effect.” He has signed, “J F W Herschel.”

In the end, Herschel did work with the other men mentioned in this letter – G. B. Airy, Henry Malden, Robert Lowe (later Viscount Sherbrooke), and Sir William à Becket – to select the first faculty members for the University of Melbourne.

A letter of unusual content that is in very good condition. $750.00

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