Has despatched a letter on a subject of concern to JH to the editor of the Saturday News, but now feels it is too feeble. Is mostly feeling too ill to write or think for long.

Writes to thank WR for the paper on the thermodynamic theory of waves he sent; JH is too ill to respond or even to deal with the analysis in the paper. Nonetheless, JH does make some suggestions for WR's consideration.

Cannot address Earl de Grey [G. F. S. Robinson] concerning members of Royal Commission without a request from the Earl. Cannot, therefore, write on behalf of JS [see JS's 1870-3-8].

Asks whether WS has photographs of the sun for 21 and 22 April. Notes how curious sunspot activity has been. Doubts that such is reconcilable with the notion of 'meteoric in-falls.'

Is returning March heliographs. Discusses the appearance of the spots. Has not received the April heliographs.

Wants to compare Mr. Titterton's photographs of the spot groups to [Warren] de La Rue's. Has tried to determine if some localities regularly have spots.

The research shows no particularly 'maculiferous' area on the sun, but WS may, as WS requested, present 'data' to the R.A.S. Has noticed two new spots on helioautographs on 20 and 27 April.

Sends diagrams showing three new couplets of sunspots. The sun is entering a new phase of activity. Sends drawings made with a glass pen by his son Alexander.

Discusses the movement of the 'great group' of sunspots over the last six months. Asks WS to sign a certificate for his son [John].

Thanks WS for August 29 photographs. Is sending JH's son's [John's] certificate. Pities the 'fallen Emperor' [Napoleon III].

Does not know what commitment of John Herschel (JH's son) would be for December 1871, but encourages GA to communicate with him [see GA's 1871-3-13].

Some comments about the proposed title change [see GA's 1870-7-31].

Apologizes for not writing often. Has been ill. 'Moderate' use of 'Coca de Peru' [cocaine] helps. Is working on a 'General Catalogue of double stars reduced to 1830.0.' Acknowledges works received.

Inconceivable that JH merely writes 'J'accepte' (I accept) in response to the great honor AQ bestows upon him by dedicating his book to JH. Congratulates AQ on his 'fresh contribution to statistical knowledge.' Has just completed his catalogue of approximately 10,000 double and multiple stars.

Reiterates his congratulations to AQ for his work on statistics. Believes AQ will have many readers. Mentions that JH is now eighty years old.

Thanks for work on diamagnetism and magne-crystallic action [Researches on Diamagnetism (1870)], which JH is excited to read. Mentions long-abandoned plans for magnetization experiments. Envies those who can see JT's 'magic' experiments at Royal Institution.

Thanks for paper on action of rays 'of high refrangibility' on gases and vapors. Attempts to understand reflection of wave motion on particles with diameters 'incomparably smaller' than length of wave.

ES has been forwarded letter explaining why 'great telescope' at Melbourne will not work and suggesting construction corrections, on which JH, who believes such 'a priori condemnation' unjustified, comments herein.

Cannot attend Eclipse Committee meeting but suggests that an observer carefully look for planets interior to Mercury's orbit, which would, if existing, reach conjunction during total solar eclipses.

Approves of ES's actinometric methods, but wonders about absorbent power of alcoholic liquid. Laments 'sad conclusion' to career of 'Hansa,' and hopes her companion is more successful.