Angry at self and whole world except JW. Has been drunk and travelling. Met brilliant but 'not beautiful' woman. Wonders why he left Cambridge; requests news and offers advice.
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Angry at self and whole world except JW. Has been drunk and travelling. Met brilliant but 'not beautiful' woman. Wonders why he left Cambridge; requests news and offers advice.
Queries and news about friends at Cambridge. How is analytical movement proceeding and translation of [S. F.] Lacroix's treatise being received? Is writing a new algebra.
Comments on unfortunately aristocratic world, JW's description of Hamlet, current investigations and perhaps too deep involvement in scientific pursuits. Is correcting friend's novel (The Victim of Villainy or Travelling Tetrahedrons). Asks JW to find mineralogical specimen.
Asks to JW to check on books apparently sent [see JH's 1813-8-2 & 1813-8-6], which have not yet arrived.
Urges to send copies of [S. F.] Lacroix's work and École polytechnique journal. James Grahame is successfully studying law. Grahame's father is staying with JH and his presence makes JH 'better and wiser.' Has been thinking much. Hopes JW will check on printing of Memoirs of the Analytical Society. [Letter completed 1813-8-3.]
Gives further instructions on sending books [see JH's 1813-8-2]. Comments on 'refractory' nature of religious thought. Is not in love, but teases JW about frequent visits to Thackerays. Recounts current heavy involvement in music, asking [Thomas?] Greenwood for help with harmonies.
Obliquely, wishes luck and offers advice on exams. Asks for news of Cambridge scandals. Is entering law school. Encloses mathematical formula for which they had earlier searched.
Describes declining health but calm mind of JH's father. Visit with Charles Babbage cheered JH's depressed state. Wants to return to joy of speculation, but lacks energy. Writes and requests news about mutual friends.
Requests arrangements for JH's visit before and for Cambridge commencement. Asks whether JW would like to renew correspondence with James Grahame, and congratulates on JW's theological book.
Philosophizes about society, college, time passing, and the 'fog' of present life. Wants to know all that is going on at Cambridge. Sends fond greetings to friends. [Letter completed 2-22].
Warmed by drink and society of 'charming' girls, JH is thinking of Whittaker, and advises him to study less. JH is enjoying reading more than did in school. Sends other news.
Asks about Cambridge friends, and that JW check on various items JH left there. Sends news, especially on 'mineralogizing' with [I. H.?] Jephson and Charles Babbage. Comments on recent deaths of J. A. Deluc, and of Princess Charlotte.
Comments on decaying British domestic affairs. Deplores religion 'as established by law' in contrast with religion 'established by nature.' Has felt sombre lately. Comments on music as relief from mathematics.
Is overwhelmed with work in algebra, studying S. F. Lacroix's work, grinding and polishing mirrors for JH's father. Sends thanks to Whitfield family for songs. Comments on controversial Cambridge news. Sends news of friends.