Discusses report of R.S.L. regarding observatories. [Charles] Wheatstone agrees with report on Kew except for tax paragraph. Discusses November 18 [1841] magnetic disturbance at Toronto.

[Hussey] Vivian supports E.S.'s efforts regarding a magnetic survey of North America. Has examined magnetic measurements made at Boston and Toronto.

Will give JH's report on Kew Observatory to Charles Wheatstone. Sends JH actinometer reports. Questions methods of observation and quality of observers. Discusses government support of scientific research.

Transmits message from [A. T.] Kupffer about setting up an observatory at Hammerfest and details about various apparati. Notes proposal for observatory in northern Siberia. Has ordered 250 copies of the Physical Committee Report.

Discusses at length and rejects JH's recommendation that communication in scientific projects take place solely by letter and theorization solely by individuals. Mentions subsequent variation in intervals between magnetic observations and disputes between G. B. Airy and Humphrey Lloyd, as well as other difficulties.

JH's return of order offered him was painful. Will report in Astronomische Nachrichten that JH denies meteorological theory attributed to him and that the 'Wiener Wirtschaftskalender für 1840' is based on JH's authority.

Asks JH to thank King Christian VIII of Denmark for the order, even though JH cannot accept it. Sends a mathematical puzzle.

Suggests new method of gold plating the telescopic mirrors to prevent oxidation. Mentions having tried to galvanize the mirrors with 'Galvana plastik.'

Thanks JH for his letter [1841-10-10]. Discusses difficulty of measuring distance between a star of primary largeness and a small telescopic neighbor star. Rejects theory that temperature influences observation results. Appreciates JH assessment of the correspondence between WS's work and that of [F. W.] Bessel. Complains confidentially that Bessel neglects to acknowledge WS's work on parallax, begun a year before Bessel's own. Assures JH of WS's continual efforts in observing new phenomena. Comments on JH's 'On the Revision and Rearrangement of the Constellations.'

Thanks for letter of 3 December and for encouragement. Informs JH that 30 observatories participated in observation of winter solstice. Is beginning to study humans in their different relations.

Sends works on meteorology and instructions for natural periodic phenomena. More proselytes in horary observations. Asks for JH's recommendations for those observing meteors in the other hemisphere.

Thanks JH for interest taken in periodic phenomena. Discusses train information and preferred hotel accommodations for JH's visit.

Continues horary observations suggested by JH. Also magnetic observations. Discusses observations of migration of birds. November has been cloudy so far and meteors cannot be seen.

About the length of a Board of Visitors' meeting, and about arrangements afterward.

With R.S.L. Council, is glad that compliance with JH's wishes regarding photographical inquiries has pleased JH.

Is grateful for JH's letter and commendation regarding application for a government pension; will endeavor to carry out his recommendations.

Gives his opinion of [George] Merz, stating that he has not done anything to 'distinguish himself from a mere practical follower of [Josef] Fraunhofer.' Requests that JH send encouragement to James Challis.

F. W. A. Argelander has requested the R.A.S. to pledge itself to publish one of his writings. RS notes that it is a rule of the R.A.S. not to do this, but rules can be broken if there is 'sufficient advantage.' Suggests Argelander's request be granted and that JH write him.

Urges JH to plead to Lord Palmerston on behalf of [H. C.] Schumacher. Suggests arguments JH might use. States that JH as 'chief of British astronomy by inheritance, by age & by service' is the ideal person to make this plea.

Thanks JH for the letter to Lord Palmerston on [H. C.] Schumacher's behalf. Comments on British politics.