An in-depth exploration of the remarkable life and multifaceted work of Sir John Herschel (1792-1871), a Victorian polymath whose influence spanned across astronomy, mathematics, physics, geology, chemistry, and beyond. As the son of the esteemed astronomer William Herschel and nephew to the pioneering Caroline Herschel, Herschel himself became a towering figure in natural philosophy.

This conference recording covers John Herschel’s extensive contributions, including his ground-breaking 1831 Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural Philosophy, which shaped the philosophy of science and impacted a generation of thinkers, including Charles Darwin. You’ll hear expert talks exploring various facets of Herschel’s legacy—from his scientific endeavours to his roles in art, literature, and politics. Discover what it meant to embody the spirit of John Herschel in Victorian England, and how his work continues to resonate today.

Speakers: Stephen Case, Emily Winterburn, Steve Ruskin, Charles Pence, Tony Crilly, Omar Nasim, Gregory Good, Kelley Wilder, Edward Gillin, Mike Edmunds, Charles Draper