No summary available.

Family news, questions of son Willy's position, frost in the garden, and JH met Louis Philippe.

Thanks GS for a number of his papers on railway bridge fractures, gravitation, and the spectrum.

M. McCann sent his paper to JH for communication to the R.S.L., which he did, but does not know the outcome of it. Was unable to report on it as his own knowledge was not modern enough.

Invites CW to come out to Collingwood next week when some other friends are coming, too.

Is pleased CW is coming [see JH's 1849-6-29]; JH asks CW to bring some of his apparatus to do polarized light experiments.

Has just been able to consult Sir William Herschel's papers. Regarding Yvon Villarceau's method of measuring the orbits. May be like his own, which he briefly outlines.

Found his letter on return from London. Would be pleased for UL to submit part of his letter of 19 Mar. to the Institute. Further comments on part of this letter.

Giving his views on the desirability of establishing a Midland Observatory.

JH is now very supportive of EL's intention of establishing a Midland Observatory following EL's 1849-11-12.

Encloses star observations. Comments on his instrumental system. Cannot find the rule for position when two stars are of equal magnitude. Neptune with the convicts is anchored in Simon's Bay, awaiting the answer from H. G. Grey (3rd Earl Grey).

Tells GA about the internal counterpoise system in use in some German telescope mountings, and includes a diagram; JH knows nothing about chilling speculum metal [see GA's 1849-3-7].

Gratitude for AK's services as executor for affairs of Caroline L. Herschel. Did not receive AK's Sept. 1848 letter. Give remaining money to [Caroline's servant] Betty, whose pending marriage surprised JH. Thank AK's mother for her letter of 3 Sept. to JH. Happy that AK's brother Georg returned safely from war in Holstein with honors. Hopes peace comes to Europe soon.

Efforts by Duncan Stewart to provide new career for brother Peter Stewart, whose mischief created economic ruin, left Duncan Stewart in difficult financial situation. JH is willing to relinquish EM's appointment to Haileybury College for JH's son John and to seek position for John at [Royal Military Academy,] Woolwich, if EM would transfer recommendation to Haileybury from JH's son John to Duncan Stewart's second son.

Learned of John Gorrie's mechanical ice-making method. Asks CM to send letter to JH recounting conversation of 11 Feb. 1848 in which JH told CM about JH's theory for making ice by compressing air. JH does not want to interfere with Gorrie's claim, but will submit CM's letter to Athenaeum and put on record, for sake of 'scientific history,' that JH was 'certain' that such a principle would work. Condolences for death of CM's partner.

Recommends Edward Sabine's work on terrestrial magnetism for Royal Physical Medal, and joint award of Copley Medal to WP and William Lassell for improvements in reflecting telescopes.

Received news today of JS's arrival in Bombay. Describes conflict as 'Armageddon.' Family news. John Stewart returned from China and leaves soon to meet Matilda [Grahame] in Paris. [Richard] Jones's concern for JS is genuine. Eneas Mackintosh obtained cadetship for JH's son John at Addiscombe.

Has passed YV's memoirs on the calculation of orbits on to G. B. Airy for publication; copies will be sent [see YV's 1849-4-1]. Notes that YV's methods are similar to those of U. J. J. Leverrier.

Some concerns about GA's intent of attaching magnetic and meteorological observations to the R.A.S.'s Astronomical Observations [see GA's 1849-3-28].

Returns a letter from Thomas Maclear to FB, and then JH expresses his concern about the state of health and work of Maclear.