John Herschel, Great English Scientist, Accepts Membership in the Royal Dutch Academy, Calling His Research ""my humble claims to scientific distinction"": From the collection of Otto Fisher, assembled in the first half of the 20th century

John Herschel was the son of famed astronomer William Herschel and a prominent scientist himself. He originated the use of the Julian day system in astronomy, named seven moons of Saturn and four moons of Uranus, and made many contributions to the science of photography.

In 1858, the prestigious Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences awarded him membership for his contributions to science. Thomas Jefferson was a member as well.

Autograph letter signed, May 13, 1858, to Mr. Vrolik, Secretary of the department of the Science of Math and Physicals at the Royal Academy in Amsterdam. ""Sir, I need sincerely say that I feel very highly honored by the notice which the Royal Academy of Sciences of Amsterdam has been pleased to take of my humble claims to scientific distinction, in inscribing my name in their list of associated members and I have to request that you will convey to the Academy at the first fitting occasion my best acknowledgments on the occasion. It is certainly in a high desire gratifying to me to find myself thus identified with a body so eminent and which has deserved so well of science.

""I should have earlier acknowledged the recipient of this notice but that having been addressed to me vernally [what is vernally?] at ‘London' where I have not resided for the last four years. With this explanation I beg you to believe me..... JWH Herschel.""