Has never seen the fair copy of William Herschel's polishing book. Will be pleased to assist Wilhelm Struve regarding the Standards. Will ask George Everest to call on him and discuss the Indian operations. How did Herschel perfect the adjustment of his object glass? Has been experimenting with the Josef Fraunhofer spots.
Does he want a scale ordered form George Dollond for Wilhelm Struve? Will not be in London when Struve arrives. Has written a paper on the Standards for the R.S.L. and will send JH a copy when printed. Comments on the comparison of Standards.
Capt. Kater is too unwell to write, but he would like to know whether JH is likely to claim the Navy Bills for his term as Commissioner of Longitude, as Kater will do whatever JH does in this matter.
She understands Davies Gilbert's report was from James South. JH's description of the telescope meets Kater's ideas. Kater has been much struck by William Parsons' (3rd Earl of Rosse) experiments on the formation of large mirrors. Wishes JH had called him when he was in town.
Returns the Edinburgh Review. Has written to the Morning Chronicle regarding G. B. Rodney's (1st Baron Rodney) naval maneuver. Sends three pamphlets.
Intends to preface each great division of his Cyclopaedia with a preliminary discourse by an author of repute. Would JH contribute one on Natural Philosophy? Can offer £250. Would also like an article on Sir William Herschel later on.
Encloses slips of the mss. as far as he has sent it and three extra copies. Will JH decide how to arrange it in chapters. Gives suggestions for the title page. Does he wish the letters F.R.S. to be added?
Encloses proofs of the copy of JH's Prelim. Discourse. JH's essay is giving him great pleasure. Comments on the view of understanding physics without the use of mathematics.
Has received the parcels of corrected slips and directed the printer to continue composing from the corrected slips. Has been requested by the editor of the Edinburgh Review to prepare an article on Humphry Davy. Can JH supply such an article as DL has no time himself?
Asks JH to advise about where in London to buy a good chronometer for a friend.
Details about the chronometer order [see JL's 1830-11-29].
Would like to rent the piece of land at Upton, lately occupied by Mr. Davenport.
Accept his best thanks for his article on Sound. Would be grateful for his discourse on Light. Will soon send his own dissertation on the Progress of Science.
Will be pleased to act as sponsor to JH's child. Could not stay as an inmate but will visit them from Windsor from Friday till Tuesday.
Regarding the printing of JH's memoir, which William Fitton has now taken to read: suggests it be printed in abstract first of all.
Informs JH that he has been put onto an R.S.L. committee to consider the continuation of observations in the Southern Hemisphere, and to announce a meeting of that committee and of the Glass Committee.
Has received the R.S.P.T. Also comments on several chemical matters, including isomorphism and crystallization.
Introducing a Mr. Lerebours, son of the optician at the Bureau des Longitudes, who is on a visit to England. Hopes JH has received the copy of JN's work on geometry, written in a new way.
By order of lords of Admiralty, notice is sent of royal appointment of JH and others to Board of Visitors to Greenwich Observatory. [Letter forwarded 29 Nov. from R.S.L. to JH by Davies Gilbert with compliments.]
Royal warrant appointing Board of Visitors to Royal Observatory, Greenwich.