Expresses JH's preferences with respect to the appointment of the Cape Observatory astronomer in terms of the choices available [Follow-up letter to JH's 1831-9-13].

Is grateful for BH's interest over the matter of travel to the Cape. Gives his own views on the intentions of Sir James Graham. Intends to see Graham personally and thank him for his interest.

Provides detailed observations made by JH on his ascent up Monte Rosa in the Alps.

Writes asking that James Grahame's father-in-law, Rev. Wilson, be retained as pastor of the Protestant church at Nantes.

Returns his packet of papers together with the letters of M. J. P. Flourens, [J. P.?] Müller, etc. Does not feel competent to judge papers such as MH's, which lie outside his field of knowledge. Should rid his mind of bias on the part of Council. Submit papers as from himself.

Pressure of business prevented him from replying earlier. Reserves his advice for matters that fall within his own researches. Thinks it would be advisable to obtain the opinions of several competent Fellows, not on the Council.

Thanks GB for the gift of a work on medicine, and then JH proceeds to comment at some length on various aspects contained in it.

In an article commenting on a pamphlet about the alleged decline of science in England, JH's name has frequently been taken in vain. JH writes to protest.

Asks that in JD's lectures at King's College, London, he remove an unfair and incorrect reference to JH.

Wants to ensure that a letter of JH's on the decline of science controversy is to be published in Brewster's journal.

Thanks JD for his letter [see JD's 1831-11-26].

Having now learned that the offensive article in the Edinburgh Review was by DB [see DB's 1831-12-1], JH writes in surprise that DB could have written what he did, and requests that JH's letter [see JH's 1831-11-25] be returned unpublished. JH will decide how to proceed.

Explains at some length the behavior of colored light, tying this to several articles that JH has written on the subject.

Comments on a letter from WH in which he discussed experiments WH had made on the infection of cowpox, typhoid, and scarlatina.

Has received a pamphlet from B about the apportionment of boroughs in a manner to eliminate the 'rotten' boroughs; JH critiques the pamphlet, especially its attempt at mathematical logic.

Responds to RP's concerns about the nature of light and the interpretation of some interference experiments. JH believes that the undulatory theory of light is the best supported by the experiments at this time.

Is now committed to the Cape journey, and will be occupied most of the time till then with the reduction of JH's nebulae observations. Comments on several other astronomical matters. [Letter is finished on board a steam packet on the way to Hamburg to visit JH's aunt, Caroline, dated 1832-6-9.]

Responds to JB's 1832-8-25 with comments about the optical properties of tourmaline. JH also talks about his astronomical work, including the collimator on his telescope and his double star work.

Compares in detail observations of several double stars made by several astronomers, and comments on differences; JH also describes a sighting of Biela's comet.

The observational data from FS regarding Gamma Virginis are so significant that JH begs FS to continue to observe and send JH the results. Comments on a number of other astronomical observational matters.