Of health, family news, and the reception of JG's latest book [letter completed 1836-2-17].

News of family and friends.

Encloses a queer pamphlet, which may amuse him, but it has put D. F. J. Arago and others into a towering passion. The public tends to forget one's existence if too long away from London, so hopes that JH will bear this in mind.

Has been busy correcting proofs of a little book to be printed by Cadell in Edinburgh which has occasioned the delay. Observed the eclipse at the Observatory with D. F. J. Arago. Comments on the work of Arago. French science and literature at a low ebb.

Enclosing some letters of introduction for Rio. Advises him to be there in the winter. Makes a duplicate set of his observations in case the ship sinks.

Outlines the election of J. D. Forbes and attributes his success to JH's letter. Regarding the work of Thomas Henderson. Pity JH has to waste time doing his own reductions. Paris observations. Saw the comet in Valparaiso. Magnitude of stars compared to the moon. Hopes he liked his own recent book. Pleased the sextant is of use.

Since his arrival he has explored the suburbs and found some pretty parts. Thinks it would appeal to JH. Houses are rather expensive but could find one to his liking. Will inquire about the landing of his instruments.

Pleased to hear that all is progressing well with JH. Regrets the discordance in the Parramatta Right Ascensions. Observed an occultation of Gamma Virginis in April. Has seen the method of determining the nadir point of a circle. Cape reductions suffered a setback last season as he had to lecture on mathematics.

Is pleased JH takes an interest in the natives. Comments on the necessity of promoting the welfare of the native races. Hopes to found an International Society for providing assistance and advice to foreigners.

Compares JT's observations of stars very favorably with most others available to JH; explains how JH had helped Thomas Maclear improve the mounting on a telescope at the Cape observatory, together with comments on other equipment.

Comments on financial arrangements for John [Stewart] together with other business matters, and asks for an estimate for printing the results of JH's Cape observations.

Some geological samples have been lost on the way to England; JH comments on his ideas of the effect of the earth's hot core on the construction of the earth's crust.

Comments about AD's work in mathematical functions, and then refers to JH's reductions and other astronomical matters, including the need for reform of stellar nomenclature.

Has just received JH's two letters of 5 and 25 Dec. Will prepare duplicates of his letters and pendulum observations and send them to Francis Beaufort. Has still heard nothing about the Observatory.

Sends the meteorological observations for March; unable to send any magnetic observations as he has been unwell. The Observatory escaped serious damage during the hurricane. Has been observing the disappearance of the comet. Comments on nebulae seen near its tail.

Sends meteorological observations for September. Has ceased making a charge at the observatory for the checking of chronometers. Has lost income but gained work. Comments on the effects of gravity on the balance wheel of a chronometer.

Forwarding meteorological and magnetic observations for Sept. and Dec. 1835. Has had no letter from the Governor, but is given to understand he may spend £100 towards the erection of a tide gauge. Have had two violent floods.

Dr. Andrew Smith arrived yesterday in the Bay and landed in the evening; has not seen Smith himself yet.

Just arrived home from the meeting (which was convened to arrange landing of articles from the Expedition) and found JH's note. Is unable to return to England yet for various reasons. Sure Capt. Frederick Warren will be pleased to take any message to England for JH.

Charles Lyell wrote letter to JH recently. Now encloses with it letters of introduction to persons in Rio and abstract of paper by Charles Babbage. [Henry] Brougham's attacks on Thomas Young.