Thanks for medal of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Regrets Admiralty's giving whole of grant to [Charles] Brooke, when [Francis] Ronalds's photographic processes seem at least as satisfactory. Will join SC in supporting Ronalds's claims.

Asks WH to forward Dr. [Mortimer] O'Sullivan thanks for two sermons on preparation of the world for the reception of Christianity.

JH has revised his account of the moon's motions given in JH's Treatise Astr. in preparation for JH's Outlines Astr.

Is glad that WH is trying in his Lectures on Quaternions to clarify principles of quaternions. Suggests that WH define highly abstract terms.

Praises RS for work on R.A.S.M.N. Will arrive in time for the R.A.S. council meeting. Has heard nothing of John Lubbock's paper or lecture, except through J. C. Adams. Fears that before the R.A.S. anniversary, it will lose one of its female associates, his aunt Caroline.

RS will receive two communications for the R.A.S., one from S. C. Walker on Neptune's elements, the other from Otto Struve on the interior satellite of Uranus. Walker's could go into the R.A.S.M.N., whereas Struve's ought be read at a regular meeting. Recommends reading of William Lassell's work on Neptune's satellite as it predates Struve's. Caroline Herschel died on the 9 [Jan.] at age 98.

Recommends that the form that a testimonial should take would be the presentation of a parchment bearing the seal of the R.A.S. rather than a bound book.

JH must arrange for the celebration of Bishop's Observatory. Needs information on its equipment, achievements, and staff, e.g., on W. R. Dawes's and J. R. Hind's observations. Will contact Hind.

Returns [Max] Weisse's manuscript. He must say something about it and so has swallowed 'whole hog' what RS had written about it. Will make a mess [in his R.A.S. address] of John Lubbock's work on perturbations.

Paramatta Observatory has been broken up and is now defunct.

Unable to chair the [R.A.S.] meeting on Friday. On various persons proposed as R.A.S. associates or honorary members. Has recently been busy reading newspapers: 'There seem to be 2 worlds going on at once and it is not easy to keep up with both.'

Read enclosure and judge what changes it will necessitate regarding 'S.'s [H. C. Schumacher?] position'. Wrote to 'S.' to tell him that as far as JH is concerned, JH is ready to act on any suggestion 'S' may make regarding the king.

Sends letter of Lord P [Palmerston, i.e., Henry John Temple] on 'Ch. Reventlow's [Count de Reventlow, Danish Ambassador to London?] case.' Comments on the present political situation and the causes for conflict, citing William Shakespeare.

Is leaving for Norwich to return on the 25th. Leave the forms with [John] Williams and JH will sign them. Will leave his letters to have the R.A.S. seal affixed. [Thomas] Taylor has died; can RS tell him who is likely to 'offer for the place' [Madras Observatory] and what its 'appointments' are.

Remarks in response to GA's 1848-10-4..

Thanks GA for his contributions to some material JH is compiling; asks about date of Board of Visitors meeting.

Thinks the building changes proposed [see GA's 1848-1-21] are fine; explains JH's position on the whole matter.

JH begs to differ with GA and Isaac Newton on the moon's motions [see GA's 1848-10-13]; warns GA against accepting J. H. Seyffert's work as accurate.

Surprised by GA's unhappiness with George Merz [see GA's 1848-2-17]; suggests GA seek information from Thomas Maclear at the Cape, who is getting a new telescope from George Merz.