Tells CB that everyone is anxious to have CB allow his name to stand for the Secretaryship of the R.S.L. JH lists many names of people who have all said they would vote for CB.

In describing the way in which J. G. Children was elected to the secretaryship, JH says 'the matter was irregularly brought by the President before a meeting of eight or nine persons whom he chose to call a council' to meet for a few minutes 'to transmit some business connected with the Treasurer's accounts.' JH feels Humphry Davy's actions will not be excused even by Davy's best friends.

Refuses to become a partisan in this conflict [see CB's 1854-12-13]. JH would only become involved if he felt he could be a peacemaker.

[Letter entirely 'in cipher' (code) except for 'Dear Babbage.']

Chemical news: decomposition of 'sulphuret of carbon' by J. J. Berzelius and Alexander Marcet. Analysis of 'azotane' and discovery of 'iode' by Humphry Davy. Congratulations on results of CB's examination.

Feigned reproach for CB's return to 'the Analytics.' Inquires about CB's 'Devonshire Ghost at Chudleigh.' Results of JH's chemistry experiments. Derides scientists who promote theory of 'akasch' as the one and only form of matter. Met Alexander Marcet in Greenwich.

Gratitude for CB's friendship. Chemical supplies and instruments. Describes synthesis of 'Sulphurane' [S2Cl2] and other experiments. Theories of combustion and acids. [Letter continued on 1813-9-21:] JH avidly studying law, against father's wishes.

CB has founded 'a calculus totally new and immensely powerful.'

Attending E. D. Clarke's mineralogy lectures. JH's analysis of dioptase.

Welcome back to London. Explain CB's demonstration of 'theorem in transcendental arithmetic.' JH's observations of 'new acid' [hyposulfurous] and optical phenomena in 'chrystals of nitre.'

Cannot meet CB in London this week. Has verified composition of [hyposulfurous] acid. Encloses crystal of 'sulpho=sulphite of lime.'

Fifth [1817] edition of Thomas Thomson's System of Chemistry shows previous discovery of JH's 'new acid,' but its reported composition is wrong.

Made apparatus for showing rings between 'two Tourmalines.' JH's process for making hyposulfurous acid. Praises W. H. Wollaston's analysis of CB's 'Tonquinate.'

Sent JH's paper on mother-of-pearl and paper on hyposulfurous acid to David Brewster. Tell Brewster of JH's discovery of optical structure in crystals of bicarbonate of potash. Would Brewster accept paper from JH enlarging the definition of crystals?

CB is 'incurable castle-builder.' Denies that JH falls easily into love. Eradicating 'one hastily conceived & silly passion' has deadened JH's heart. Any future love must follow a long acquaintance and friendship.

[Theophila] Gwatkin will accept Georgiana Babbage's invitation. Will set date after Gwatkin returns from Baylin. Asks CB to be trustee in JH's marriage settlement.

Received another notice from General Reversionary & Trust Society regarding H. J. Hollier. JH asks again to be replaced as trustee for Mary Anne Hollier trust.

Tells CB about a visit by JH and Wolryche Whitmore to the Duke [of ?] to present the case for more government funds for Charles Babbage's calculating machine.

Speculates on extinction of species by natural (not miraculous) causes intermediate to Creator. JH's theory of shifting crust over Earth's surface and its subsequent transfer of pressure. Seeks geological primum mobile for volcanoes based on continual deposition and melting of strata. 'All records of former worlds must ultimately perish.'

Asks CB to to look very carefully into financial affairs relating to JH's impending marriage [to Miss Gwatkin]. Begs CB not to tell JH she has written.