Decimal Association will not publish answers to questions by Lord Overstone [S. J. Loyd] until next session. Seeks consent of JH and other members to publish these sooner.
Raises a question regarding the size of an infinitely small quantity. Argues that 1850 is the last year of the first half of the nineteenth century.
His paper on double stars is required for press so would be grateful if it could be sent along. The society is short of papers for reading so any JH can produce would be very welcome.
Encloses the proof of the first part of his paper, with queries. Regarding the seal used. Volume of the memoirs have been published. There are important matters for the next Astronomical Council.
Returns his paper and would be glad to receive an abstract. JH has been removed from the Council of the R.A.S. in deference to his wishes. King of Denmark has offered a gold medal for the discovery of a comet.
Has sent off his observations by the coach. Account of the Oxford meeting is in Tilloch's Magazine, now amalgamated with David Brewster's Edinburgh Journal. Will be able to include the new catalogue of stars in the forthcoming volume if JH desires it.
Hopes to have JH's catalogue for the first meeting of the R.A.S. Anything about the comet would be welcome. Regarding one of Franciscus Vièta's mathematical theories.
Has received the catalogue and it will be sent to the press. Is grateful for JH's offers. Does he know anything of Bullialdi's (Ismael Boulliau) Astronomica philolaica? Refers to Franciscus Vièta's Harmonicum coeleste. 25 copies of JH's latest paper has been forwarded.
Thanks for his paper on nebulae. Scarlet fever has been very prevalent this season. R.S.L. in financial straits. Paper on John Flamsteed has caused friction between James Ivory and the R.A.S. Government has promised financial aid to Edinburgh Observatory.
Sending a letter by Francis Baily. Anniversary of the R.A.S. takes place on Friday. Capt. [Walter?] Forman has had a rise in the world. Observations of Henry Foster fills volume VII of the memoirs.
Sending him the Calculus of Functions, which he may retain, and also some maps of the stars published by Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge. The R.A.S. is preparing a picture of Francis Baily and has added JH's name to the subscription list. Supposes he has fixed a date for his return. Regarding 'Warren's jet blacking.'
Will be a great reception for JH when he returns. Is working on a theory of probabilities. Francis Baily is the man for mapping the entire heavens. G. B. Airy is to test JH's topsy-turvy observations of Orion.
Possible to purchase 12 postage covers for 11d in the Strand. Points out an apparent error in one of JH's books on sound. How does an open pipe vibrate? Regarding the private character of J. L. Lagrange.
Regarding JH's telescope. Includes a rhyme on it.
Points out an error JH has made concerning J. E. Bode's law. What is the proper notation for the satellites?
Thanks for the gift of the book. Thomas Longman is now the editor of Lardner's Cyclopaedia. Latitude of the pole star incorrect in Charles Knight's publications. Regarding truth.
Thanks for his reductions of Schiller's observations. Many people believe the claims made in the 'Moon Hoax'. Is writing a book on the use of the globes.
Sending two formulae.
Regarding the workings of Insurance Companies and Benefit Societies. Recommends an actuary. Hopes JH will come down for the Anniversary meeting.
Has just had a tract on Friendly Societies from J. W. Woolgar. Answers some queries regarding the work of such societies.