Has received a pamphlet from B about the apportionment of boroughs in a manner to eliminate the 'rotten' boroughs; JH critiques the pamphlet, especially its attempt at mathematical logic.

Spent a pleasant time with G. B. Airy at Cambridge. The 'Melville' ship sails from Portsmouth on Thursday and he has been promised a passage to the Cape in it. Proposes to call on him tomorrow to discuss certain things.

Responds to RP's concerns about the nature of light and the interpretation of some interference experiments. JH believes that the undulatory theory of light is the best supported by the experiments at this time.

Is now committed to the Cape journey, and will be occupied most of the time till then with the reduction of JH's nebulae observations. Comments on several other astronomical matters. [Letter is finished on board a steam packet on the way to Hamburg to visit JH's aunt, Caroline, dated 1832-6-9.]

Responds to JB's 1832-8-25 with comments about the optical properties of tourmaline. JH also talks about his astronomical work, including the collimator on his telescope and his double star work.

Compares in detail observations of several double stars made by several astronomers, and comments on differences; JH also describes a sighting of Biela's comet.

Was pleased to receive the elements of Gamma Virginis. Congratulations on his knighthood. J. J. Lister called on him recently and would like to see JH.

The time he proposes to visit them is very suitable and J. J. Lister will be there. The substance found in JH's telescope is very interesting. Hopes his mother is still well.

Has received the chronometer and will return it to Lister, together with his remarks on apertures. Charles May has found another individual suffering from color blindness. A friend has successfully made a reflecting microscope.

Sends items by F. W. Bessel and G. A. Plana. Will be dispatching boxes to various European towns next week and will be pleased to include any items from JH. His observations made recently show interesting results. Comments on these results and the influence of the bore.

Queries regarding a corroded clock face, and description of harvest bugs. Has an intermittent river in their district. Has now set up the Munich telescope and would be pleased to show it to JH. Does he want Amici's mirrors?

The black broth that the Spartans liked must have been mushroom ketchup. Suggests way of obtaining a portable dome. Sends drawing and description of the harvest bug. Is pleased to hear of his projected Cape expedition. Is carrying out observations of the moon.

Came with the intention of paying JH money, but finds he is out; what shall he do? Can he also advise him about the map for the R.A.S.?

Considers his letter a particular favor [possibly giving the news of the death of JH's mother]. May be able to meet Lady Herschel in the Spring.

His wife is ill and is now at Brighton. Has just received JH's parcel. Is pleased JH likes William Whewell's article. Adam Sedgwick has refused a living.

Is gratified that JH has consented to sit for his portrait. Let him know the artist he has selected and they can arrange sittings.

Entirely approves of his choice of Thomas Phillips for his portrait. Has already painted Hugh Percy (3rd Duke of Northumberland).

Has probably already received a letter from the Lord Provost inviting JH to become a candidate for the chair of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh. Outlines the duties. Hopes he will also accept the presidency of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Has been prevented from answering his letter earlier by increased illness. If he returns to town he will have pleasure in meeting H. C. Schumacher. Believes the pound must be made of bell metal. Thought JH was on his way to the Cape, but sees his letter was written from Slough.

Obliged for the present of his papers. Will keep them until the catalogue arrives. The improvements in his 20' telescope are interesting; comments on this. Will obtain the troy pound as soon as Parliament meets.