Is obliged by his note and will accordingly write to Richard Sheepshanks. Spot on the sun was very visible to the naked eye recently. Looks forward to seeing JH.
Even though he was Vice-Chancellor [of London University], he had no opportunity of becoming acquainted with the internal regulations of the colleges connected with the University. Regarding the education of young children. Sends some music for Lady Herschel. Would like them to pay him a visit.
Lady Lubbock has received a letter from a friend of JH's and it seems desirable that JH should know the contents. Can only communicate it verbally. Sends their congratulations on the forthcoming marriage of Miss Caroline Herschel.
Astronomer Royal and his wife are visiting the Lubbocks on Saturday; will JH join them for Saturday and Sunday? Will collect him if he likes. Louisa Herschel was the belle of the Bromley Ball.
Thinks there is nothing JH's son should be afraid of if the Directors will appoint him. Sorry to hear JH has been suffering. Lady Lubbock has been to St. Leonards.
Mr. Higham has had to retire due to ill health. If appointed JH's son will have nothing to do with the duties of actuary. Hopes to send something about the moon soon.
The Governors find that many of the senior members favor Mr. Stute for the appointment, so in the circumstances thinks it best that JH's son should not appear as a candidate.
Has got his paper on shooting stars. Comments on JL's theories of meteors. Pleased to hear a favorable account of Montague Lubbock.
Read his letter with great pleasure. Would like to publish it with JH's permission. Incapable of mental exertion himself. Son Neville just married and set up in business. The Lubbocks are going abroad for 3 or 4 weeks. Looks forward to visiting JH in September.
Looking forward to their visit to the JH's on the ninth. His own children are becoming versed in astronomy. Has sent JH's letter to the printer and will send him a proof later.
Sends a proof, which please return with the necessary alterations and additions. JH's daughter is quite well.
Has been looking at JH's treatise on meteorology, especially the part relating to the barometrical formula. It seems that JH missed JL's paper on refraction published in Transactions of the Astronomical Society, and is therefore not aware of the true nature of P. S. Laplace's atmosphere; comments on this.
Does not possess the Transactions of the Astronomical Society, which contains JL's paper. Had to limit the scope of his article so could not deal with the point mentioned in JL's letter. Comments on P. S. Laplace's formula.
About the barometric formula for the measurement of heights.
Of course JH is right; regrets he gave him so much trouble. Hopes his own construction of P. S. Laplace's atmosphere is correct. Hopes JH's daughter had a prosperous journey.
JH's conjectures are natural but Augustus De Morgan had nothing to do with JL's Treatise on Probability. JL wrote it in conjunction with J. E. Drinkwater Bethune, although the title page does not show the names of the authors. Understands what JH means about the moon but cannot see what will be gained. Sorry to hear of JH's mishap.
Can he recollect the origin of Table V in the Report of the Committee on Meteorology showing the elastic force of aqueous vapor? James Apjohn says JL calculated it but JL has no recollection. JL's mother is in a hopeless state.
Many years ago JH questioned him about the calculation of the perturbations in an inclined orbit, the satellites of Herschel [Uranus] for example. Has only recently seen the light. Is now confident that he can calculate the perturbations of any planet in any orbit. Gives details and would be glad of JH's comments.
Has received the books. Began with Karl Holtzmann's and finds the reasoning at fault. Comments on this. [Marked 'not sent.']
Asks JL to take on the preparations for the magnetic observations, including the instructing of ships' personnel.