The comet should bear Maria Mitchell's name. If [Francesco] DeVico 'grumbles,' RS could note that Madame Rümker also discovered the comet on [Oct] 3rd. 'What was there in it to attract the eyes of the female part of the creation so especially?'

Maria Mitchell 'shall have her due honor,' despite [Francesco] DeVico. Discusses problems with the R.A.S. awarding medals and honors, the loss to the R.A.S. of Francis Baily, and the issue of proposing foreign associates. Proposes a list of such to JH. Objects to DeVico, but is the head of a publishing observatory and has found comets. Urges caution in appointing Americans. On publishing R.A.S.M.N.

Likes RS's R.A.S. associate list. Must give the Americans a year or two more before it can be adequately ascertained who their top astronomers are. Sends a letter JH received from John Lubbock, who wants the opportunity in January to present new methods in perturbation theory. Responds to RS on the means of the R.A.S. recognizing significant contributions to astronomy.

John Lubbock entitled to bring his proposal before R.A.S., and to the best advice they can give, but the idea of explaining new views on physical astronomy strikes RS as 'objectionable' in principle. No one will understand his presentation. How to proceed with this. RS's work on the standard yard.

John Lubbock wishes only to explain his system, so there is no reason why the R.A.S. should not listen to him. Certain conditions must be met. Troubles with the R.A.S.M.N.

Adds list of names for consideration as foreign associates [of the R.A.S.], including Americans. Changes in John Lubbock's requirements for his project.

Praises RS for work on R.A.S.M.N. Will arrive in time for the R.A.S. council meeting. Has heard nothing of John Lubbock's paper or lecture, except through J. C. Adams. Fears that before the R.A.S. anniversary, it will lose one of its female associates, his aunt Caroline.

RS will receive two communications for the R.A.S., one from S. C. Walker on Neptune's elements, the other from Otto Struve on the interior satellite of Uranus. Walker's could go into the R.A.S.M.N., whereas Struve's ought be read at a regular meeting. Recommends reading of William Lassell's work on Neptune's satellite as it predates Struve's. Caroline Herschel died on the 9 [Jan.] at age 98.

Recommends that the form that a testimonial should take would be the presentation of a parchment bearing the seal of the R.A.S. rather than a bound book.

JH must arrange for the celebration of Bishop's Observatory. Needs information on its equipment, achievements, and staff, e.g., on W. R. Dawes's and J. R. Hind's observations. Will contact Hind.

Returns [Max] Weisse's manuscript. He must say something about it and so has swallowed 'whole hog' what RS had written about it. Will make a mess [in his R.A.S. address] of John Lubbock's work on perturbations.

Paramatta Observatory has been broken up and is now defunct.

Unable to chair the [R.A.S.] meeting on Friday. On various persons proposed as R.A.S. associates or honorary members. Has recently been busy reading newspapers: 'There seem to be 2 worlds going on at once and it is not easy to keep up with both.'

Read enclosure and judge what changes it will necessitate regarding 'S.'s [H. C. Schumacher?] position'. Wrote to 'S.' to tell him that as far as JH is concerned, JH is ready to act on any suggestion 'S' may make regarding the king.

Sends letter of Lord P [Palmerston, i.e., Henry John Temple] on 'Ch. Reventlow's [Count de Reventlow, Danish Ambassador to London?] case.' Comments on the present political situation and the causes for conflict, citing William Shakespeare.

Is leaving for Norwich to return on the 25th. Leave the forms with [John] Williams and JH will sign them. Will leave his letters to have the R.A.S. seal affixed. [Thomas] Taylor has died; can RS tell him who is likely to 'offer for the place' [Madras Observatory] and what its 'appointments' are.

H. C. Schumacher wants an application from the R.A.S. RS complied, giving reasons. 'Miss B.' [Elizabeth Baily] reluctant to write even the shortest formal note. Suggests JH announce her gift on taking the chair. Wants to 'jump' at [F. W. A.] Argelander's offer [to complete the British Catalogue]. Progress on his 'apparatus.' Has asked J. C. Adams to give the R.A.S. notice of the controversy about Neptune, in which U. J. J. Leverrier ('a very cantankerous fellow') has engaged. If Adams refuses, would JH respond?

R.A.S. voted to give its medal to William Lassell. Recounts the discussion of this among the members. G. B. Airy will be the next president. Applauds JH for the work he has done in this position. An 'olive branch' tendered to [W. S.] Stratford; he was made vice president.

Congratulations for Cape Results. Excellent memorial to William Herschel. [Engravings of JH's] portrait were distributed to famous astronomers in northern Europe. Fragile nature precludes shipping it to Italy, India, and America. Believes J. R. Hind and George Bishop have right to discovery of new planet [Iris].

[Detached postscript] Asks JH's opinion of new apparatus that [William] Simms will soon put on paper.