Thinks that aluminum coating on telescope mirrors may work [see FK's 1856-10-9]; also suggests looking into flouric glass containing aluminum for lenses of low dispersion power.

Regrets that he cannot attend B.A.A.S. meeting and stay with HL; thanks HL for his paper on the undulating theory.

Is preparing a new edition of Outlines Astr., and would like to know from WL the status of each of the satellites of Uranus and Neptune.

Begs not to be chairman of the proposed Magnetic Conference Committee [see HL's 1857-10-19], but would serve on the committee.

Asks for details of WL's system of speculum polishing and telescope construction as JH is preparing an article on telescopes for the Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Sends procedures for preparation of the report of the Magnetic Committee for the meeting of the B.A.A.S., which JH cannot attend due to illness; asks some questions about achromatic lens theory.

Thanks HL for the response to JH's queries [see JH's 1859-9-4].

Comments on WL's information on telescope construction, and adds some of JH's own experience.

Chancellor of Exchequer [W. E. Gladstone] will arrange with Lord Palmerston [H. J. Temple] for JH's retirement as Master of Mint. Thanks for GH's support against 'external influences' during JH's term.

Recommends John Goldsmith for position of supernumerary clerk in Mint office.

Invites ES and his wife [at St. Leonard's] to visit . JH is impressed with ES's ability to develop a working plan for terrestrial magnetism observations. Is prepared to write a review article [about magnetism?] if invited, but JH refuses to write such articles and offer them 'for acceptance or rejection.'

Thanks ES for receipt of information about magnetic curves and the work of [A. D.] Bache. JH is glad to hear ES is back to active work again, but JH says he is too ill to go to the B.A.A.S. meeting [in Aberdeen].

Has incorporated ES's suggestions into the draft report about [the University of] Kasan.

Points out deviations from policies recommended in 1848 by Mint Commission. Supports consolidation of supervisory positions. Protests C. E. Trevelyan's idea that JH's scientific pursuits in spare time as Master of Mint must be directed to public projects.

Dismisses the lectures of a Mr. Parallax, who is going about the country lecturing against the basic views of science, and using JH's ideas in support.

Withdraws resignation [see JH's 1853-5-30] as Master of Mint. [JH annotation of 24 Feb. 1855: Letter not sent. Now regrets letting friends convince him to remain. JH has lived the past two years in 'the Shadow of death.']

Acknowledges the proof sheets of the new edition of the Physical Geography of the Sea. Will read them with the attention they deserve. Does not at present agree with the theories of MM.

Thanks for the fragment of poor [Ben?]. Comments on this and the composition of the metal of bells.

Sending details of his idea for a new projection of the sphere. If printed will need the maps re-engraved.

Comments on Robert Stephenson's theory regarding the presence of fossil plants in Arctic regions and on possible astronomical causes of such fossilization; gives some of his own theories.