Chair of Astronomy in the University of Edinburgh is vacant. Has had the son of Capt. W. H. Sm[y]th recommended as a suitable candidate. Would like JH's views on the suitability of Sm[y]th for the position.

Has applied to the Council for the position and Michael Faraday has promised him support. Has also heard of a forthcoming vacancy in the Museum of Economic Geology. Is undecided which to apply for and would welcome JH's views.

Solicitor General is to introduce a Bill for the better protection of 'things' in Museums. Does not include the National Gallery. The culprit in the Portland vase incident was an Irish student. Is JH dining at the R.S.L. Club on the 27th?

Further regarding the various theories on the latent heat of steam. Agrees with JH regarding the magnetic observations. Hudson's Bay Company has sent a large bill for J. H. Lefroy's expenses, which the R.S.L. declines to pay. Fears that Edward Sabine is out of humor about something.

Now sees JH's point regarding the theory of steam. Comments on various experiments. Glad to see JH approves of repeating John Southern's experiments. Unable to go to Cambridge; his banking business requires unceasing attention. Doing all he can about the observations. Council will take up the East India observations.

Is JH aware that the magnetic and meteorological observations now being made at Greenwich are to cease at the end of the year? As JH was zealous for these observations he may care to write to S. J. A. Compton (2nd Marquis of Northampton). It escaped his notice that S. D. Poisson and J. B. Biot referred to saturated steam. Return John Robison and Karl Holtzmann to Mansion House when he has read them. Has consulted Thomas Graham about repeating John Southern's experiments.

Agrees with JH that the Government Observatories at the Cape and St. Helena require mature consideration. Greenwich observations are a different matter and were suggested by the R.S.L. Committee of Physics. Has directed the minute to be sent to JH. Has been studying the wet bulb question.

The magnetic and meteorological observatories were never part of any other system. Is not certain whether the Visitors had anything to do with these observatories. Captain Herbert in an Indian journal has proposed a formula for the wet bulb thermometer. Has arranged for the notice to be sent to JH.

Responds to questions on magnetic circular sent out by JH [see JH's 1844-12-5]. Comments on continuing government funding for global system of magnetic and meteorological observatories. Suggests goals for future observers.

Response to questions on magnetic circular sent out by JH [see JH's 1844-12-5].

Response to questions on magnetic circular sent out by JH [see JH's 1844-12-5].

Forwards reply from C. R. Weld explaining why Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations were not sent to English and foreign scientists involved in global survey.

JH's influence worked; J. W. Lubbock asked ES for list of recipients for Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations. Preparations for new Arctic expedition. Will give copies of JH's letter to F. M. E. Wilmot and J. H. Kay. New observatory at Colombo [Ceylon]. Problem defining seasons for observations at St. Helena. Reply from W. E. Weber [to JH's circular].

Actinometers are 'counterordered.' Reply from H. W. Dove to JH's circular. Problem defining seasons for tropical stations. Concerned that some authorities are reaching decision to extend or to terminate magnetic observations before receiving and reading Toronto volume. Failure of R.S.L. to send Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations to appropriate recipients. Details of J. H. Lefroy's magnetic survey for Hudson's Bay Company, and misunderstanding over who would pay for Lefroy's transportation. Efforts by F. M. E. Wilmot to obtain ship for survey of [Cape of Good Hope]. ES concurs with Treasury's suggestion that copy of Toronto volume be sent to each colony. Observations of nebulae by T. R. Robinson.

Encloses letters from H. W. Dove, A. T. Kupffer, and L. A. J. Quetelet. Dove is not familiar with methods used in Toronto.

Receiving replies [to JH's circular] from English and foreign correspondents. George Peacock sent them invitations to B.A.A.S. meeting at Cambridge. Suggests defining tropical 'seasons' by monsoon activity. Board of Ordnance sent copy of Toronto volume to each British colony.

JH misunderstood ES's method for organizing St. Helena meteorological observations. Problem defining seasons for tropical stations. Received more replies to JH's circular. Difficulty of making hourly observations in European observatories, where civilian assistants are employed. Does not agree with Humphrey Lloyd that self-registering instruments will soon replace observers. Invited [L. F.] Kämtz to [B.A.A.S. meeting at] Cambridge. Believes that Elias Loomis will become leading meteorologist in U.S.

Lord Minto [Gilbert Elliot] forgot about publication arrangements. Lt. [Home?] and Lt. [?] Clark left Cape of Good Hope for Antarctica on 9 Jan. Reply from C. F. Gauss. German copies of Toronto observations were delayed in Cologne.

More on the matter of [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop. Dawes deserves credit for the observation and reduction; Bishop for being 'founder & proprietor.' On JH's ability to mediate such situations, because he is so well liked. Confident in Bishop's 'good sense,' once he knows that he is being placed in JH's hands.

Thanks JH for recommendation of C. P. Smyth. James South returns from Ireland; reports great observing conditions there.