Wishes not to be re-elected as chair of R.S.L. Physical Committee, feeling that JH's distance from London and other occupations impede Committee's efficiency.

Encloses letter on and discusses extent of government aid for proposed Hammerfest magnetic observatory and various alternatives with regard to it.

Outlines advantages of placing magnetometers for Hammerfest Observatory at Edward Sabine's disposal, so that he can instruct those going to Toronto and the Cape in their use.

Recommends that William Parsons be awarded Royal Medal for 'Account of Experiments on the Reflecting Telescope.'

On mode of conveyance of WH's sister's verses and the autographs for JH's acquaintance.

Requests autographed copy of WH's sister's poems, wanting to send them to an acquaintance who translated some of JH's work. Expresses a theory about cause and effect. Mentions minutes of Royal Irish Academy, a reform of the constellations, and WH's three axes of the universe.

Thanks RS for the news of Francis Baily; requests an update on his condition. Criticizes 'reduced map' prepared by [James] Basire. Has drawn up a catalogue to go with his paper, as RS requested, arranged in regions. Praises William Whewell's choice of a bride.

Reports the birth of Amelia Herschel, JH's eighth child. Forwarding to CH an article describing the telescope of William Parsons.

The reductions for JH's Cape Results are progressing. JH's mapping work has been 'carried over the whole surface of the heavens' this year.

Thanks RH for his 'extensive and instructive view on the present state of photography.' Found many interesting results in experimenting with vegetable substances. Surprised by RH's discovery that bi-chromate of potash is a photographic substance; JH nearly achieved this result.

Unable to give any specifics concerning Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre's new photographic process. Discovered that old paper specimens produced a much better representation of the spectrum in its natural colors than those obtained at the date of JH's paper; these results are 'light on a dark ground,' which makes JH more hopeful that colored photography will someday be perfected. Has experimented with vegetable substances.

The Herschels bought a Christmas tree this year; JH reports that his children loved it and that 'they will be sure to keep up the custom which is a very merry one.'

Has not unpacked William Herschel's letters that JH secured from the R.S.L.

Summarizes James Clark Ross's expedition to reach the Southern Magnetic Pole; JH reports that Ross has discovered that the pole lies several degrees more south than Carl Gauss had calculated.

Agrees to proposed meeting date [see GA's 1841-1-16], and encourages GA to come with a draft final report prepared.

A note to accompany proposals for the Standards Commission to consider [see GA's 1841-2-17]; twenty pages of proposals are appended.

Has received material sent by GA [see GA's 1841-3-20]; comments on the report and JH's unavailability for meetings of the Standards Commission in the near future.

Comments on additional proposals for consideration by the Standards Commission [see JH's 1841-3-20 or later].

Does not expect to come to the meeting [see GA's 1841-5-18], but sends comments on altered sections of the draft report.

Believes no error should be legally tolerated [see GA's 1841-5-24] in selling goods; thus the seller always provides a trifle over the due quantity.