Comments on the preparation of an article on light by JH for publication in Good Words.

Criticizes the manuscript of Mr. Hickson [?] about meteorology, the diameter of the sun, and conditions at the North Pole. JH recommends against publishing the work without considerable editing.

Thanks RM for his interest in a possible position for JH's son Alexander. It now appears that the position will likely go to someone else, but there is so much work to be done in the meteorological office that another person, such as Alexander, would be ideal. Perhaps RM could put in a word for him.

JH's son Alexander is up for membership in the R.A.S., and JH would appreciate RM speaking in favor if the occasion arises. Introduces JH's son John to RM and his wife. Comments on the possibility of still finding [David] Livingstone alive in Africa.

Passes along a report that someone took a 4-foot telescope to the top of Snowdon [mountain], from where he could see the eight satellites of Saturn and the rings of Neptune.

Explains, according to the laws of probability, how the arrows should have been distributed on the archery target at St. Leonard's, and compares that with the actual distribution.

A French civil engineer having proposed in the previous issue of the IO the idea of supporting roofs on the principle of the suspension bridge, JH reports that JH came up with this idea in 1836 and provides a sketch of such that JH made in that year.

Offers solutions to some of the problems in BP's Infinitesimal Calculus about which BP asked [see BP's 1865-10-28]. Raises a problem in probability theory regarding archery targets for BP.

Thanks her for photograph of EQ's late father [Josiah Quincy]. Glad [George] Bond knew he was awarded R.A.S. Medal before his death. Notes the generations of mankind are 'unequal.'

Thanks GR for letter and anecdotes. Discusses Uranus and Jupiter and the long years the inhabitants of those planets, if there are any, must experience.

Is glad that J. C. Maxwell has received the Aberdeen Professorship. Has forwarded 'your last' to the Principal. Is feeling better, but still needs crutches.

JH's daughter Maria is getting married. JH has been ill. The Iliad translation is almost finished.

Asks that AS show JH's son Alexander around Norwich when he arrives there. Reflects on changes in geology. Has finished hexameter Iliad translation.

Thanks WS for his Iliad translation. JH has just finished Book 3 of his own translation of the Iliad.

Comments on the political change within Italy. Answers questions about spectrum analysis, spectra of nebulae, and [solar] 'willow leaves.' Says the view of universe as a collection of billiard balls is problematic. Includes postscript from JH's daughter Bella describing family events.

Lists works received. Has been suffering severely from bronchitic attacks. Is translating Iliad into hexameter verse.

Assumes JH has not received the volumes sent over a month ago. Mentions international statistics briefly. Wishes to add an article about probability to a French translation of JH's 1850 review of AQ's book.

Has consulted with publisher of JH's 1850 review of AQ's book. Is flattered and sees no reason why AQ's enlarged work cannot prefix or append a French translation of JH's review. Publisher requests written acknowledgement. Asks AQ to attach a note, correcting his archery example.

Has received packet mentioned in 1865-8-14. Lists works received. Gives lengthy explanation of the error made in the target example. Asks AQ to append a note, stating that JH is aware of the fallacious answer.

Reports on H. G. Hennessey's paper [R.S.L. Proceedings, 13, 312-] on synchronous distribution of temperature over earth's surface. Feels bewildered by paper, and believes it could be condensed.