On 23 Nov. in the evening, at what JH calls an irregular meeting of the R.S.L., J. G. Children was elected Secretary, to serve with JH, who had been secretary for some years. JH urges that the R.S.L. and its members must now rise beyond this shabbiness and move ahead.

In describing the way in which J. G. Children was elected to the secretaryship, JH says 'the matter was irregularly brought by the President before a meeting of eight or nine persons whom he chose to call a council' to meet for a few minutes 'to transmit some business connected with the Treasurer's accounts.' JH feels Humphry Davy's actions will not be excused even by Davy's best friends.

Has heard a report that [Humphry] D[avy] is not prepared to nominate Charles Babbage and that D[avy] would be glad if J. G. Children would become Secretary of the R.S.L. Nonetheless, WF hopes that Davy will change his mind.

Urges JS not to insist on a minor point of dispute about the title of a prospective member. JH feels it is inappropriate and will simply reflect against Charles Babbage, who proposed this person for membership.

Asks for JH's assistance in the acquiring of some astronomical equipment.

Kept busy by writing. Works with Teodoro Monticelli. Expects Captain [Richard] Copeland to visit.

Responds to receipt of sample impression of GP's memoir [see GP's 1825-12-3]. Comments on printing and paying arrangements, and to whom copies are to be sent. Comments on value of using an equatorial telescope as opposed to a meridian circle. [Some parts of the letter are illegible.]

Writes to correct error JH identified in GP's memoir [see GP's 1826-1-18]. Also asks to have two additional passages added to improve memoir. Intends to come to England next winter. Is including a list of corrections for the memoir [list is missing].

Has received a package of books from JH, some of which will be sent on as instructed. Is interested in the work of JH and James South on double stars. Also comments on parallax measure of the sun and on transits of Venus. Wants to respond to P. S. Laplace's theory of Jupiter and Saturn.

Is sending JH some of GP's work, some of it to be forwarded. Refers to a note by GP in some of F. X. von Zach's writings, which GP would like to have added to his memoir being published by the Astronomical Society. GP comments on the status of some of his own astronomical projects.

Still concerned about possible changes to GP's memoir [see GP's 1826-1-28] due to the work of P. S. Laplace. Comments on illness [?] of F. X. von Zach.

Thanks HO for JH's election to the Royal Academy of Copenhagen. Comments on some chemical and magnetical experiments.

Chemical constitution of meteorites. JH suspects lead-iron alloy. Believes this has not been proposed before. Send specimen for JH's analysis.

JH plans to explore volcanic districts of Auvergne and Vivarais, then along Rhine to Bonne and Andermatte. Has cancelled plan to cross to Staffa [Scotland] and explore there.

Asks JH about Dr. Balfour's account in Asiatic Researches about lunar effects on humans in India.

Comments on Josef Fraunhofer's work on double stars, on quality and color of light from different sources, refraction of different kinds of light, and solution of a problem in conic sections. Is going to Geneva and Modena soon.

Describes observations made as he travelled and people visited on journey from London to Ancona.

Talks about Josef Fraunhofer's failing health and his making of flint glass.

Is sending on two items directed to JH through WT.

Returns house keys. Smooth passage across Channel. Met James Grahame's brother-in-law, Mr. Robison, who is going to Paris to be married. James South arranged carriage for JH's travels in France. Servant James Child is well and observed four criminals executed in London before departing. News of Beckwiths.