A note to accompany one of CH's writings, together with some comments on comet sightings.

The Lucasian Professorship will shortly become vacant. Hopes JH will become a candidate for this chair, once occupied by Newton.

Declines being considered for the Lucasian professorship at Cambridge, stating his convictions 'that I shall do more for science as an independent amateur than as a Professor of any particular branch or department of it.' Proposes Charles Babbage as candidate. [Also includes draft of letter to George Peacock requesting his support for Babbage.]

William Whewell has promised to spend six weeks with him and he hopes that JH will also be able to come for a time.

Acknowledging the letter informing him of his election to the R.S.L.; unable to attend on 9 Nov. but will attend at the first opportunity after that date.

Has been waiting for a letter from Basil Hall regarding the availability of his pendulums, but has heard nothing. Surprised at the error in William Lambton's calculations. What does he think of the method of finding the figure of the earth by measuring the parallax of the moon? Is writing in bed. Has been polishing a mirror for T. J. Hussey.

Bad weather has prevented him from observing the transit of the comet. Has purchased a refractor similar to the one at Dorpat.

Expressing his gratitude for the kindness received from JH while staying in England. Thanks for the Memoir he has received.

Asks for the use of an invariable pendulum and a clock from the Board of Longitude so that G. B. Airy and William Whewell can carry out experiments to measure the change in gravity and the mean density of the earth, in a Yorkshire coal mine.

Reports the death of Giuseppe Piazzi.

Comments on use of muriate of lime on plants. Also on existence of unexplained bands on film and on presence of red light beyond normal spectrum with light originating from certain sources.

May choose one of each of the new specimens of Boracite crystals; the remainder send to C. D. E. König at the British Museum, together with the enclosed letter. Is now recovering from his sickness.

Wishes to print the observations WP presented to the R.S.L. in his forthcoming Journal. Can JH assist him; has obtained permission from Humphry Davy.

Looked for JS to talk with him about the secretaryship of the R.S.L., specifically discussing Charles Babbage's position. JH would prefer to have JS nominate Babbage.

Tells CB that everyone is anxious to have CB allow his name to stand for the Secretaryship of the R.S.L. JH lists many names of people who have all said they would vote for CB.

Writing on behalf of her husband, Charles, who is away, GB expresses her thankfulness for JH's kindness, and believes Charles will agree to be nominated for secretary of the R.S.L.

Informs JH of the need for a short R.S.L. Council meeting.

Is not able to accede to HD's suggestion that JH interview J. G. Children. JH now feels that given HD's views, JH must withdraw Charles Babbage's name from nomination for secretary of the R.S.L.

Is anxious to talk to JH about the matter of Charles Babbage's election. Believes Babbage being out of town is best, thereby leaving matters in the hands of his friends.

FB has seen P. M. Roget and Stephen Groombridge, who both give their support to Charles Babbage's election. FB is very concerned about the lack of an R.S.L. Council meeting when most council members would attend.