Has discovered a flaw in the theory of actinometer observations. Realizes that JH's actinometer observations at the Cape may be useless and that observations made at Government and East India observatories should be suspended.

Discusses use of 'force' versus use of 'power' in translating [Alexander von] Humboldt's Cosmos. Says science has outgrown 'force.' [See 1847-10-8]

Cannot offer advice regarding geo-magnetism. Suggests ES ask [C. F.] Gauss for assistance.

Stopped compilation of comet orbits because it had already been done. Would provide money from donation fund to distribute copies of this information.

Discusses auroral observation. Will reply to [John] Lefroy's letter soon. Wants grant proposals sent to outlying R.S.L. members for comments. Cannot attend Kew Committee meeting.

Writing article [for Encyclopaedia Britannica] on meteorology. Asks questions regarding work of [H. W.] Dove and [Thomas?] Taylor regarding cyclone and storm theory. Discusses barometric fluctuation.

Thanks ES for his paper. Sun spot activity should increase in 1857. Discusses his own earlier ideas concerning relationship between sun spots and Aurora Borealis.

Discusses advantages of different magnetic charts. Grateful for [P.] Plantamour's observations. Satisfied with [J. R.] Wolf's period of 11.11 years for solar spots.

Heard ES recommended JH write an article for Edinburgh Review on terrestrial magnetism. Asks what he should read to write this article. Photographs ES sent of sun not promising.

Willing to write article if Quarterly [Review] will publish it, if he may take his time writing, and if ES will provide aid regarding meteorology and magnetism.

JH's improved health would allow him, if asked, to chair the Chemical Section at the B.A.A.S meeting. Notes that JH, G. B. Airy, William Whewell, and George Peacock have been appointed to a committee to cooperate with the B.A.A.S. committee dealing with the continuation of terrestrial magnetism observations.

Must hold to 1/290 as measure of ellipticity. Committee agrees to recommend continuance of magnetic observations if JH will continue to do what he has done in the past.

Sends G. B. Airy's remarks concerning ES's last communication. Discusses future of observatories. Asks ES to indicate which observatories he feels are most important.

Discusses desirability of middle latitude stations in North America. Impressed by the work of [A. D.] Bache.

JH cannot attend Aberdeen [B.A.A.S.] meeting due to severe illness. Will try to sketch draft of response to application to British and foreign governments for cooperation in magnetic projects.

Requests information concerning a letter to the Treasury, which ES had asked JH to write, regarding funding for [meteorological] stations in Vancouver, Shanghai, Newfoundland, and the Falkland Islands.

Will accompany ES to Kew Observatory. Serving as legatee for the recently deceased Elizabeth Baily, sister of Francis Baily.

Reluctant to recommend undertaking major scientific projects in colonies at government expense. Believes situation there will work itself out.

Against changing location of Royal Observatory [from Greenwich], but will defer to opinion of [G. B. Airy] Astronomer Royal. Airy is most competent to judge situation. Still ill.

Too ill to work on anything besides nebula catalogue. Discusses recent meteorological phenomena, period of solar spots, and great pyramid.