About a suggested magnetism conference, Francis Baily's illness, and some remarkable observations by F. W. Bessel.

Making arrangements to stay with GA when JH comes for a meeting.

A note of acknowledgment for receipt of books, which JH has forwarded.

Critiques John Taylor's essay [see AW's 1844-9-26]. Views AW's position on currency measures as too vehement; urges caution. JH conceived similar plan years before. Gives reasons for disowning it. Protests JH's being painted as perpetrator of injustice simply because JH rejected AW's arguments.

Is spending time in court, and all the rooms are filled with tobacco smoke, which bothers JH.

Reacts strongly to substantial errors in unauthorized biography of JH. Suggests it be burned. [JH annotation: 'Not sent. Answered none of their letters and refused to take in 2 or 3. A regular piece of French insolence.']

Delighted by Prince Albert's benefaction to [WB]. Curious results by [Robert Hunt] may lead to 'chemical discoveries of a new order.' Gratified by attention given JH's testimonial for Hunt.

Parcel arrived safely. Will examine it with interest.

WB's wave models show that barometer observations will reveal atmospheric dynamics like astronomical observations revealed planetary orbits. Encourages WB to seek simple method of temperature corrections applicable to all barometers. Offers possible mechanism. Send results to B.A.A.S quickly. Will send WB's letter to [Magnetical and Meteorological] Committee.

Sent WB's paper and models to [B.A.A.S. meeting in] York, to be included in report of [Magnetical and] Meteorological Committee.

Willing to chair B.A.A.S. meeting next year, provided no other duties are imposed on JH's time and that no one else desires that office.

Omitted important detail yesterday in JH's description of self-compensating barometer. Columns must be variable, not constant.

Thanks JD for sending JD's Mémoires de chimie, which JH praises lavishly as a contribution to organic chemistry of 'great importance and originality.'

Talks about stiffening a vertical circle, or tube; explains that southern constellation remodelling has been very minimal.

Requests AD's views on the benefits deriving from the worldwide system of magnetic and meteorological observatories. Various publications coming from these observations will be sent to AD.

[Writing as an addendum to a letter on magnetic observatories circulated by Edward Sabine], JH states that various publication concerning magnetic observations will be sent to CG.

[Responding to JL's 1844-12-30], declines JL's request that JH write a series of articles on meteorology, because of JH's need to work on the manuscript for JH's Cape Results. Hopes eventually to write on meteorology.

Discusses critically a theory put forth by J. C. Houzeau on the 'effect of aberration arising from proper motion in changing the apparent orbits of double stars.'

Has been converted to some of WW's philosophical views. Accepts WW's invitation to stay at Trinity Lodge during the 1845 B.A.A.S. meeting in Cambridge. W. R. Dawes has taken a house in Kent.

Seeks WW's advice on a proposal that an international magnetic congress be held in conjunction with the 1845 B.A.A.S. meeting in Cambridge.