Due to the death of George Birkbeck, the Committee of Management of the London Mechanics Institute would like JH to become President. [Note by JH: declined.]

Sends pamphlet for JH from Philadelphia. Author [E. P.] Mason died at the early age of 22. Believes he used a Herschelian telescope. Has been a mild winter in Boston.

Commenting on ancient star maps, and noting that not all ancient stars can be identified now. Further talks about ancient meanings of heavenly bodies together with much lore including astrology, astronomy, and mythology. [Many parts of this letter illegible.]

Comments on the death of a mutual [?] acquaintance. Adds additional information about ancient constellations [see CP's 1841-10-29]. Complains about editors, publishers, and others who do not take CP's work seriously. [Many parts of this letter illegible.]

About some aspects of the magnetic survey, and who shall pay for it.

Announces his invention of the 'calotype', and his application for a patent. Questions JH on his address to R.A.S., objecting to idea that universe is infinite.

Preparing his calotype paper for publication. Looking for a summer house, somewhere interesting to photograph.

Reports receipt of a communication, which argues that all elements are merely isomers of one substance. Expresses support for such a view.

Some details of improvements in the calotype method.

Sends JH sample of chemicals and paper to make calotype himself.

Has read WT's paper before the R.S.L. and now complains they will not print it in the R.S.P.T. as they understand it has appeared elsewhere.

Reports on paper by Samuel Brown to the Royal Society of Edinburgh on the conversion of carbon to silicon, and other transmutations. Reports on discovery of new element, ozone, and complains further about R.S.L. Council.

Agrees to meet JH and Edward Sabine on Saturday. Kew Observatory was given to R.S.L., but R.S.L. has not yet taken possession of it. [JH annotation: election of General Morrison to R.S.L.]

Magnetic observatory is still not operational one year after FW's arrival. Thomas Maclear is now in 'Zwartsland' [Zwartkops?]. FW shares quarters with C. P. Smyth and William Mann. Hopes to begin observations next week at Cape Town and Simon's Bay; G. G. Lewis will make observations at Grahamstown. Problems with meteorological instruments. Proposes magnetic survey of entire colony. [JH annotation: Enquire what FW meant about measurement conversions, malfunctioning needle, and broken tube in 19 Feb. 1841 letter to Humphrey Lloyd.]

M. F. B. Dausse visited FW several times to study instruments and copy meteorological observations. Dausse urged FW to share these with D. F. J. Arago, who is concerned at delay in publishing survey results. Please notify R.S.L. that Arago's official request will arrive soon. Encloses copy of FW's 15 Apr. 1841 letter to Arago. New rain gauge. Problems with anemometer and dipping needle. Will visit Cape Agulhas with Thomas Maclear to make magnetic observations.

Grateful for kind reception that JH gave to GM's son, who attended Exhibition to demonstrate GM's telescopes.

Asks whether JH will be prepared to present the committee report on N. L. Lacaille's stars at the B.A.A.S. meeting on 29 July.

Asks whether JH will be prepared to give the committee report on systems of simultaneous magnetical and meteorological observations at the B.A.A.S. meeting on 29 July.

JH, G. B. Airy, and Thomas Henderson are appointed to oversee the publication of the reductions of the calculations of N. L. Lacaille's stars. They will have £105 at their disposal.

JH, William Whewell, George Peacock, Humphrey Lloyd, and Edward Sabine are appointed by the B.A.A.S. to study systems of simultaneous magnetical and meteorological observations. They will be granted £100.