Gratitude for CB's friendship. Chemical supplies and instruments. Describes synthesis of 'Sulphurane' [S2Cl2] and other experiments. Theories of combustion and acids. [Letter continued on 1813-9-21:] JH avidly studying law, against father's wishes.
CB has founded 'a calculus totally new and immensely powerful.'
Attending E. D. Clarke's mineralogy lectures. JH's analysis of dioptase.
Welcome back to London. Explain CB's demonstration of 'theorem in transcendental arithmetic.' JH's observations of 'new acid' [hyposulfurous] and optical phenomena in 'chrystals of nitre.'
Cannot meet CB in London this week. Has verified composition of [hyposulfurous] acid. Encloses crystal of 'sulpho=sulphite of lime.'
Fifth [1817] edition of Thomas Thomson's System of Chemistry shows previous discovery of JH's 'new acid,' but its reported composition is wrong.
Made apparatus for showing rings between 'two Tourmalines.' JH's process for making hyposulfurous acid. Praises W. H. Wollaston's analysis of CB's 'Tonquinate.'
Sent JH's paper on mother-of-pearl and paper on hyposulfurous acid to David Brewster. Tell Brewster of JH's discovery of optical structure in crystals of bicarbonate of potash. Would Brewster accept paper from JH enlarging the definition of crystals?
CB is 'incurable castle-builder.' Denies that JH falls easily into love. Eradicating 'one hastily conceived & silly passion' has deadened JH's heart. Any future love must follow a long acquaintance and friendship.
[Theophila] Gwatkin will accept Georgiana Babbage's invitation. Will set date after Gwatkin returns from Baylin. Asks CB to be trustee in JH's marriage settlement.
Received another notice from General Reversionary & Trust Society regarding H. J. Hollier. JH asks again to be replaced as trustee for Mary Anne Hollier trust.
Believes that John Davy's letter to the Philosophical Magazine was suggested by James South. To defend himself, CB now needs JH's permission to publish some of their correspondence.
Commiserates with JH in his illness, and says CB is ill also and confined to his house. Seeing JH's letter in the Philosophical Magazine [see JH's 1864-12-20] seems to CB to obviate completely the need for any further response.
Draws JH's attention to an article in the most recent Philosophical Magazine.
Tells CB about a visit by JH and Wolryche Whitmore to the Duke [of ?] to present the case for more government funds for Charles Babbage's calculating machine.
Speculates on extinction of species by natural (not miraculous) causes intermediate to Creator. JH's theory of shifting crust over Earth's surface and its subsequent transfer of pressure. Seeks geological primum mobile for volcanoes based on continual deposition and melting of strata. 'All records of former worlds must ultimately perish.'
Sends deeds already signed by J. J. Guest. JH should sign and return them. [Annotation by unknown hand: Mrs. Hollier's marriage and settlement.]
As trustee of marriage settlement of CB's sister [Mary Anne Hollier], JH is asked to sign enclosed order. Reports distribution of money to sister and to H. J. Hollier.
Received JH's directive to send dividend to Mary Ann Hollier. Other money is invested in property at Cardiff, owned by Mr. Hollier. CB in bad health. Questions authorship of Vestiges [of Creation].
Sends deciphered code. Explains how CB solved it. [CB note dated 24 Mar. 1846: Technique for deciphering code.]