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Regarding L. F. Menabrea's papers, thinks he is a good mathematician. Is not so sure about Augusta A. King's (Lady L[ovelace]) notes.
Introducing his eldest son and his son's newly married wife.
Sending a lump of a substance quarried near Edenderry; has found some very similar in a quarry of his own. Can send some more specimens. Congratulations on his Baronetcy. Has been prostrated with bronchitis.
Comments on the relationship between the plane of the earth's orbit and the obliquity of the ecliptic.
'Confidential' Insists that CL honor JH's decision regarding R.S.L. office and drop subject.
Begs CL and Edward Sabine to cancel their plan to interview JH for office [Presidency] in R.S.L. To continue will cause JH 'inexpressible pain.'
Thanks CL for the gift of a new edition of CL's Principles of Geology. JH comments on a number of issues, in a very long letter, including the replacement of extinct species by other species, CL's solution of the problem of the variation of climate, and the evolution of language. JH speculates at length on the isothermal activity under the earth's crust that may result in volcanoes or the formation of new land masses, and describes a considerable number of geological examples that JH sees as supporting CL's ideas.
Ideas expressed by JH in his previous letter to CL (see JH's 1836-2-20) about secular variations of isothermal surfaces of the interior of the earth were similar to ideas expressed by Charles Babbage in a paper to the Geological Society. This was drawn to JH's attention by CL and by R. I. Murchison. JH argues that he did not know of Charles Babbage's paper, and goes on to point out how JH's ideas differ. Concludes with mention of having re-discovered the sixth satellite of Saturn, not seen since its discovery by JH's father, William.
Inquires of CL about the suitability of George Robert Waterhouse for a natural history post in the British Museum. Congratulates CL on his successful trip to the United States.
Received some proof sheets this morning of the Appendix to CL's book on the Antiquity of Man. Has read through the book with great interest. Comments on various points. Will have to revise their ideas on the length of human existence. Has had another letter from Twisleton so supposes he must try and write on science in schools. Have had sickness for the first three months of the year.
Writes to introduce JH's son William James and his new bride to the Lyell's. Both JH and his wife, Margaret, are suffering from illness.
Comments on the revolution of the apsides of the earth's orbit and its effect on glacier theory; further comments on the earth pyramids of Botzen [see CL's 1865-1-31], and associated phenomena.
Writes to CL about JH's response to James Croll's paper. Includes an extract from JH's letter to James Croll [see JH's 1865-2-6].
Does not gainsay the influence of distribution of land and sea on the climate. The change of eccentricity is also a powerful influence. Comments on this. Sees that CL's book is published. Is it too late to send his drawings of the earth pyramids?
Thanks for his Elements [of Geology]. Evidence from the Arctic shells is decisive. Sends drawings by book post. Comments on these drawings. Near Arezzo are similar phenomena in a soft sandy limestone. Measured the tallest column at Riten and found it 74' 10" from stone cap to base.
Some comments on the variation of the eccentricity of the earth's orbit, and the geography of Mars.
Comments on why JH gave 239 degrees F as the temperature of space. Geological specimens may be given to the Geological Society or to the Jermyn Street Museum.
Comments on a table of U. J. J. Leverrier on the eccentricities of the earth's orbit.
Further comments on the theory of glacier formation, urging causes beyond merely astronomical ones.