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.

Sends a small dispatch from J. D. Forbes. The barometer seems to have no connection with the weather this winter. Had a snow shower but could see no clouds in the sky. Preparing for the occultation of Mars.

Encloses a dispatch from Thomas Henderson, who is very pleased with his work and a word from JH would spur him on. Is more out of touch with science at Edinburgh than JH is at the Cape. Young engineer, J. S. Russell, has idea for swift towing canal boats. Doubtless he has seen Francis Baily's supplement on John Flamsteed.

Further information about boats in canals. Sends proof sheets of the article in question.

Is pleased to hear the Herschels are contemplating their return but regrets it will not be via Rio. J. D. Forbes is progressing well, may be in danger of overwork. Thomas Henderson too is doing good work at the Observatory. Gives results of lunar eclipses of Oct. 1837.

In a postscript, Basil Hall says that he plans to bring his camera when the Hall's come to visit so that he may photograph what remains of the great 40-foot reflector.

Writes asking that James Grahame's father-in-law, Rev. Wilson, be retained as pastor of the Protestant church at Nantes.

P.S. Has received her letter regarding travel home via Rio and will endeavor to find out the answers and send letters of recommendation later; is now in Paris. Hopes to send a copy of a small book he has written. Hoped to include something from D. F. J. Arago but it has not arrived yet. The French are unpunctual.

Regarding the attitude of the Council of the R.S.L., particularly that of P. M. Roget, to the publication of his papers, and the award of medals to other persons who have done similar work to his own.

Sending a letter and some volumes for his perusal. No need to reply.

Returns his packet of papers together with the letters of M. J. P. Flourens, [J. P.?] Müller, etc. Does not feel competent to judge papers such as MH's, which lie outside his field of knowledge. Should rid his mind of bias on the part of Council. Submit papers as from himself.

Pressure of business prevented him from replying earlier. Reserves his advice for matters that fall within his own researches. Thinks it would be advisable to obtain the opinions of several competent Fellows, not on the Council.

Thanks GB for the gift of a work on medicine, and then JH proceeds to comment at some length on various aspects contained in it.

Some time ago he sent JH a parcel of books and letters. Wonders if they ever reached him. Now sends some letters that shows how his work is appreciated on the continent.

Regrets his letter should have given offense but wrote it with the intention of claiming his rights at the R.S.L.

In an article commenting on a pamphlet about the alleged decline of science in England, JH's name has frequently been taken in vain. JH writes to protest.

Introducing Franklin Lushington who is going to New Holland on a surveying expedition. The ship carrying him will call at the Cape for instructions. Has written to the Governors here to induce them to adopt the Greek style, not the Gothic for the Houses of Parliament.

Received the enclosed in August from Teodoro Monticelli but did not know how to forward it to JH. Would he return the letter when finished with.