Explains at some length the behavior of colored light, tying this to several articles that JH has written on the subject.

When he was staying with Headlam he arranged to show him round a chemical works. Wonders if the sketch JH made at the time of a method for reducing chemical fumes is still extant. Would be glad to receive a copy of it, and the name of the works.

Comments on a letter from WH in which he discussed experiments WH had made on the infection of cowpox, typhoid, and scarlatina.

Is little conversant in physiology so is unable to discuss GH's theories. Suggests some alterations to the text of the article.

Thanks for having been informed of the death of an acquaintance.

Has received a pamphlet from B about the apportionment of boroughs in a manner to eliminate the 'rotten' boroughs; JH critiques the pamphlet, especially its attempt at mathematical logic.

Rejoices to hear TH is a candidate for the Professorship of Astronomy at Edinburgh University. His astronomical work has been of great assistance to JH, especially his detection of the reasons for the error in the Greenwich Observations.

Responds to RP's concerns about the nature of light and the interpretation of some interference experiments. JH believes that the undulatory theory of light is the best supported by the experiments at this time.

Congratulates him on his discovery of the parallax of Alpha Centauri. Comments on this and makes suggestions for further examination.

Is now committed to the Cape journey, and will be occupied most of the time till then with the reduction of JH's nebulae observations. Comments on several other astronomical matters. [Letter is finished on board a steam packet on the way to Hamburg to visit JH's aunt, Caroline, dated 1832-6-9.]

Responds to JB's 1832-8-25 with comments about the optical properties of tourmaline. JH also talks about his astronomical work, including the collimator on his telescope and his double star work.

Reports on a meeting of the R.A.S., mostly talking about sun spots.

Reluctantly agrees to review a manuscript for a Mr. Adams.

Recommends buying optics for 7.5-inch telescope from Metz and Mahlers in Munich and having those mounted in London.

Compares in detail observations of several double stars made by several astronomers, and comments on differences; JH also describes a sighting of Biela's comet.

Has been considering what principle should be followed in the computation of the orbits of double stars. Gives his views.

The observational data from FS regarding Gamma Virginis are so significant that JH begs FS to continue to observe and send JH the results. Comments on a number of other astronomical observational matters.

Obviously a ring of planets is being discovered. Congratulations on the discovery. Is the reading based on one night's observations only? Gives it a female name, possibly Iris.

Gently rejects MP's offer to accompany JH to the Cape to act as JH's assistant. JH claims the voyage to be a 'pure family party of pleasure,' and if astronomy can not be well practiced at the Cape, the family may go on to India to visit the relatives of JH's wife, Margaret.

Comments on, and compares, WD's observations of several double stars with the observations of JH and other astronomers. In a postscript JH says 'The papers have told the truth for once—we sail sometime between Sept. and Dec.'