Discusses cotton that allegedly gives equal projectile with less recoil than gunpowder. May have important implications for breech loading rifle.

JH must inform Lt. Dayman of the actinometer observations to be done. Thanks JH for his actions regarding the Royal Medal. Wants to show Lord Angbury[?] a copy JH's letter.

U. J. J. Leverrier has written and asked that JH receive the [R.S.L.] medal for him.

Discusses possible meteorological and magnetic research possibilities in the colonies, particularly at Bermuda.

Discovered an agent that renders his paper tough and waterproof. Sends sample for JH's inspection. Treated paper is highly explosive and can discharge a gun.

Discusses his explosive matter [see CS's 1846-3-24], which can discharge rifles and cannons. Four ounces of his gun cotton demolished an old tower in town.

Thanks JH for kind letter. Asks JH to write letters of introduction to various people. Thinks [Roderick] Murchison will give good advice.

Thanks JH for interest in his gun cotton. Will demonstrate its use next week. Includes list of items he will need to perform experiments.

Will call at Collingwood. Wants to show JH some experiments and asks JH to have phosphorous and starch ready.

In London to demonstrate gun cotton. Wants JH to mention his name to influential members of government. Promises JH will be surprised at its 'wonderful effects.'

Delighted that her paper was read at Royal Society. Discusses discovery of new planet [Neptune], and the future. Asks about his work.

Circular announcing that [Theodor] Brorsen in Kiel has discovered a new comet. HS adds note that F. W. Bessel has died.

Description of Pulkowa observatory sent fourteen days before. Included a listing of the library. Otto Struve works on micrometer measurements of double stars. Complains about [J. H. von] Mädler's unprofessional attitude at Dorpat. Announces 'Neptune' as new planet's name.

Sends paper on naming of Neptune. Denounces elimination of [J. C. ] Adams's part versus U. J. J. Le Verrier's role regarding Neptune. Will forward Otto Struve's paper on the expedition between Altona and Greenwich and his own Positiones mediae stellarum fixarum.

Asks whether JH's committee will consider Belfast as a location for B.A.A.S.'s catalog of stars. Remembers clearly JH's quote about Neptune. Thinks JH should not yield to the French in calling Uranus so.

Accepts invitation to dine at Collingwood, and will also accept a Mr. Jeffrey's invitation.

Sends some books in response to JH's request for information about F. W. Bessel [see JH's 1846-12-20]; GA's daughter Hilda is very ill.

Has entered JH's name for Foreign Secretary of the R.A.S. and explains the circumstances. On his observations and method of observation of the recently discovered asteroid Astrea.

Responds in detail to JH's concerns expressed in his letters of 1846-12-25. Explains that in awarding R.A.S. medals regarding the discovery of Neptune, the Council wished to avoid slighting either U. J. J. Leverrier of J. C. Adams. Gives views of G. B. Airy, James Challis, and Augustus De Morgan.

Thanks for JH's encouragement. Sends three bills for publication expenses [regarding J. J. L. Lalande's Catalogue of Those Stars in the Histoire céleste française. Letter completed 1846-8-16.]