Discusses construction of his 20-foot reflecting telescope, which he modeled after the 40-foot reflector at Slough. Discusses differences of gallery and asks for advice.

Discusses the construction of JR's telescope. Mentions a number of material changes that must be made if it is to be used for sweeping [see JR's 1826-9-30].

Heard election for position in London will not take place for several weeks. If JH can secure situation in Virginia for WR, WR will accept it.

Accepts dinner invitation. Hopes no emergencies arise that would prevent their visit.

If possible, send a magnetic needle and the prescription for mixing chrome green paint for Mrs. Somerville. Enjoyed visiting JH's mother.

Sends directions for chrome solution and the magnetic apparatus and instructions for its use, as requested [in WS's 1826-8-2]. Discusses experiments with magnets.

Encloses a copy of a letter from the astronomer [George] Fisher, who strongly supports the practicability of work in Spitzbergen. Says the letter will be presented to the Council for its consideration in hopes that a special committee will be appointed. Urges JH to show the members the copy.

Denies any knowledge of a R.S.L. Council meeting. Trusts the council will make its decisions based on public duty and science, not on the fact that the decision must be defended in later discussions. Has passed [George] Fisher's letter on to members as ES requested.

Claims 'it never entered [his] head' that an appointed committee would be influenced solely by the need to defend its decisions. Restates his opinion that the subject should be properly considered.

Thanks JH and Charles Babbage for their paper on the magnetic experiments. Asks to have 20 extra copies of the paper on the rocket experiments made when it is printed. Speaks of travel expenses. Mentions [T. F.] Colby's opinions regarding the Spitzbergen measurements.

Informs WS that the Astronomical Society has voted WS a gold medal for WS's observations of double stars. Says he is now observing nebulae. Confirms receipt of WS's fourth volume of observations sent by [E. C. F.?] Knorre. Asks WS to verify [Henry] Kater's observations on black zones in Saturn's outer ring.

Sent medal to WS. Tells WS it was awarded to WS and [James] South. Speaks of [Francis] Baily's medal presentation speech. Lists books sent to WS.

Announces a new step to all astronomers toward understanding the solar system due to work of [Thomas] Clausen of the Altona observatory. Clausen recognized that the comet discovered by Biela was the same as that of 1805 and 1772. HS gives details of circumstances.

Offers to participate in determining stellar parallaxes by finding the angle position of double stars. Apprises Henry Kater that he has never seen Saturn's rings separated. Includes micrometer measurements of Saturn and Jupiter.

Mentions a four month absence from Dorpat. Commends [James] South on his work on double stars yet states that South's distances for nearby stars are too large. Considers his measurements, previous to his [Josef] Fraunhofer telescope, significant, even if South refuses to accept them. Thanks JH for the difference in the longitudinal measurements between Paris and Greenwich.

Interested in JH's catalogue of dimmer double stars. Worries about determining parallax of very close stars. Points out mistake in JH's formula for determining 'the maxima and minima of the position angles.' Informs JH of German translation of William Herschel's writings, Wilhelm Herschels sämmtliche Schriften.

Thanks JH for material from AS of London. Mentions 'new comet.' Informs JH of being nominated to the list of foreign members in the American Philosophical Society.

As MF will be unable to attend the next meeting of the Glass Committee, he sends JH the analysis of the glass produced in one experiment, emphasizing its consistency and high quality.

Comments on the intent of remarks appended to a paper of MF's.

Although not known to JH, is writing under the auspices of Charles Babbage. Sends various works. Has honor of having proposed JH as correspondent to Royal Academy of Science of Brussels, unanimously supported. Would JH please seriously consider?