Wishes to have mentioned to the Physical Section of the B.A.A.S. that JH has discovered that the extreme red rays [infra-red?] of the sun do not darken photographic paper, but tend to whiten it.
Is very insistent that JH receive clear title to Collingwood, with no encumbrances.
Regrets he was unable to meet him when in Hanover. Took no part in Guillaume Weber's operations at the Cape, but has become acquainted with them through Weber's volumes. Has pressed the Admiralty on the necessity of Magnetic Observatories at various places. Regarding AH's observations on the barometer.
Replies to TH's 1829-2-16, giving details of observations. Have not been printed yet. Household in a state as they have just moved.
Forwards some material from William Lamb [Lord Melbourne]; JH wants to stop any rumors that he is available for the presidency of the R.S.L.
Praises and comments on RJ's book on economics [Essay on the Distribution of Wealth]. Laments overly strong language used by William Fitton and Charles Babbage in criticizing R.S.L. Comments on JH having lost the election for R.S.L. presidency.
Comments on William Whewell's and Charles Babbage's writings, together with family news.
Expresses some concerns about the proposed painting of his portrait [see WJ's 1833-1-1].
Has had a letter from Wilhelm Struve regarding the Standard. Could HK bring it to the notice of the R.S.L., and advise JH?
Arranges a meeting with CW and Edward Sabine to prepare a report on magnetic proposals.
Has considered DL's request to the best of his ability and thinks that he will be able to write the preliminary essay in about six months' time. Regarding his friend Thomas Greenwood of the Inner Temple, will be able to put DL in touch with him.
Gives reason why he wishes to omit the F.R.S. from the title page. Gives layout of entry for the title page. Prints the slips into a book so would like them printed on one side only of the page.
Due to his impending departure from the Cape he has had little opportunity of seeing DL's son George. Does not think he will be in a position to write a popular article on his work in the Southern Hemisphere yet awhile. Several errors in his Treatise Astr., which he would like to correct.
Too ill to attend a demonstration by CW of one of CW's instruments [?].
Would like a statement from Edward Sabine and HL outlining the probable expense and materials required for the proposed expedition so that he can hand it to the government at the interview. Has written to G. B. Airy, who is not in favor of the proposed expedition, so will write again. Thinks it necessary for men of science to agree before presenting petitions to the government.
Returns manuscript and corrected proofs of one of JH's papers on double stars, with the rest of the paper going to Francis Baily.
Writes a letter of introduction for a friend [Dr. Robinson] of a friend to MF. Comments favorably on MF's electromagnetic research.
About the need to have the standard pound carefully measured so it can be compared with other standards of weight.
Some personal and some general astronomical news.
JH reiterates his support of a South Polar expedition.