Both William Whewell and George Peacock agree to using the magnetometers, forms, books, etc, but do not agree to the provision of actinometers [for the equipping of terrestrial magnetism stations??].

Received HR's book on navigation. Says it will be very useful. Makes several remarks and objections concerning the list of principal fixed stars.

Meteorolite given to JH by [Thomas] Maclear has been lost. Asks JR for assistance in locating it.

Attests to the honorable personal character of Captain Andries Stockenström. Wishes the circumstances of his dismissal could be remedied.

Apologizes for not having written, but has been 'harassed with desultory and importunate calls on [his] name.' Commends WS on accomplishments at Pulkowa and performance of Repsold instruments. Congratulates WS on his son Otto Struve. Received WS's figures on Halley's Comet. Comments on bright stars of variable nature. Estimates 35 or 36 magnetic observatories in the world.

Herschelian Telescope Song in English and Latin, translated by [T. I. M.?] Forster into Latin. Requiem of 40-foot reflector sung at New Year's Eve 1839-40.

Discusses when and how often R.S.L. committees, particularly the physical committee, should meet.

R.S.L. will deviate from its intellectual purpose whenever it meddles in practical observations. Proper role for R.S.L. is to suggest goals and methods and to reward discoveries. Recommends discontinuing meteorological observations at Somerset House; other stations now provide better data. If R.S.L. insists on establishing a meteorological register, JH suggests one like that of J. F. Daniell.

Thanks for 'small, but intense' volume sent.

Letter designed to accompany report of R.S.L. Joint Committee of Physics and Meteorology. Discusses plans for magnetic observatories and for James Ross's expedition.

Is displeased by R.S.L. Council's seemingly rash resolution with regard to idea of permanent magnetic observatory.

Reports on William Parson's paper [see RSPT, 130 (1840), 503-] on large mirrors for reflecting telescopes. Suggests omitting comments on William Herschel's mode of polishing, but recommends paper for publication.

Thanks for letting JH know about honor accorded at 'the Anniversary' [Meeting]. Offers condolences on JL's 'late severe loss.'

Explains efforts at using a makeshift apparatus for 'fixing the spectrum.' Discusses current confusion and ultimate hope surrounding JF's meteorological recommendations. In a postscript, notes observations of meteors in Persei.

Reports on and suggests improvements in but recommends publication of a paper [see RSPT, 130 (1840), 325-] by Robert Hunt on iodine's effect in rendering 'argentine paper' sensitive to light and thus useful for photographic purposes.

In light of minutes of R.S.L. Council meeting, outlines vision of permanent national physical observatory and, more importantly, an experimental institute or college. Hopes Edward Sabine will be interested.

Formally reports on paper by Baden Powell on theory of dark bands found in solar spectrum. G. B. Airy agrees with JH's report.

Comments on several different reports; also on some experiments that lead JH to think much of the radiant energy of the Sun is absorbed in the atmosphere.

JH has apparently insulted JL by crediting JL's colleagues but not JL with improvements in lunar and planetary theory. JH explains how this happened, that JH's good intentions went awry.

On what is to happen at the expiration of a three year period assigned for the undertaking of certain magnetic observations.