[Born 1790. Still living.]
The worthy son of a celebrated sire. Educated at Cambridge, where he
easily distanced all who competed with him for the honours of that seat
of learning. Like his father, Sir John has devoted himself mainly to
astronomical pursuits; but he has penetrated with ardour into every
field of science, and illuminated by his genius all the ground he has
trodden. He is a consummate mathematician, an accomplished chemist, a
profound philosopher, a master of his native language, and of style. In
1834, he proceeded to the Cape of Good Hope, for the purpose of making
observations in the southern celestial hemisphere, and continued there
for the space of four years. His “Preliminary Discourse on the Study of
Natural Philosophy,” is amongst the most beautiful, eloquent, and useful
of modern publications. His treatises on Sound and Light show a profound
application of the highest order of mathematics to physical subjects of
the most subtle, delicate and ethereal character. Herschell, more than
any other man of this day, has contributed to uphold and increase
England’s scientific renown; his learning and accomplishments are
universal, and his constant zeal in the diffusion of knowledge amongst
all classes,--amongst the very humblest as well as the very
highest,--constitutes a right to our gratitude and respect equal to that
established by his philosophic labours and infinite acquirements. Sir
John Herschell is Master of the Mint. Sir Isaac Newton held the post
before him.
[From the marble by E. H. Baily, R.A. 1848.]