MACLEAR&HERSCHEL. LETTERS&DIARIES AT THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE IN SOUTH AFRICA

About the product 8vo; original blue cloth, lettered in gilt on spine, with gilt publisher's monogram to upper cover; no dustwrapper; pp. xiii + (i) + 248, incl. index; plates; some illustrations in text. Very good condition."The arrival at the Cape of Good Hope, early in 1834, of Sir John Herschel and Thomas Maclear initiated for them a period of intense scientific endeavour. Herschel was graced by a name which, from the astronomical discoveries of his father, Sir William Herschel, was already a household word. The younger Herschel was arguably the most famous scientist ever to spend a significant portion of his life in the beneficial clime of the Cape. Much has been written about Herschel's scientific work at the Cape. The picture is far from complete, however.. This gives some justification for the publication of what is in fact the majority of the letters written by Herschel during his residence at the Cape. For Maclear the situation is quite the reverse. Completely unknown on his arrival at the Cape, he had steadily to build up fame on the foundations of industry and public service. By the time of his death in 1879 his repute was such that his passing moved even the Cape Parliament to a salutation.. Yet the nature of the man is hardly known in the country of his adoption, and his contributions are largely forgotten in his chosen profession. Although a full-scale biography is required to do justice to Maclear, the diaries and letters reproduced here will go some way towards establishing his character." Maclear&Herschel. Letters&Diaries at the Cape of Good Hope 1834-1838 (Books)