Asks the Physical Committee (Chair, JH) of the R.S.L. to note the concurrent disturbances of magnetometers and the appearance of aurora borealis, and to make a long term study of this relationship.

GG's book [Journals of Two Expeditions of Discovery in the North-West and Western Australia, 2 vols. (London: Boone, 1841)] is creating a sensation in London. Pleased to learn from it of the range of mountains named after JH. Hopes GG will carry out some study into the Aboriginal dialects. Standards of weight and measure should be sent to all Colonies. Important to have a magnetic survey of all colonized and colonizable parts of Australia.

Points out an error in the instructions for magnetic observers provided for the Antarctic expedition.

Has just received the enclosed communication from Sir Hilgrove Turner, lately Governor of Bermuda. Believes JH is the only person who can deal with it.

All N. L. Lacaille's observations have been reduced and a complete catalogue sent to Francis Baily to be incorporated into the catalogue of the R.A.S. Hopes Baily is recovering his health.

Thanks for mentioning HH's book [Medical Notes and Reflections (1839)] in JH's review of William Whewell in latest issue of Quarterly Review. Sends copy of its second edition.

Invites JH to dinner if possible, or later if not at present possible.

Has been considering the reasons for the great depression of the barometer in November 1840. Thinks JH may be interested in the enclosed essay. Would be pleased if it could be read to the Royal Society.

Supports the remeasurement of N. L. Lacaille's geodetic arc in South Africa, giving a number of reasons for his support.

Comments on the operational and organizational details of the magnetic and meteorological observatories, and on the supervisory committee's [the Physical Committee of the R.S.L.] responsibilities.

Is grateful for referring him to Capt. Ludlow. Has now moved himself to Falmouth. What does JH think of the chances of success of a popular book on photography? He is contemplating the idea. Hears that J. B. Biot considers the production of colored drawings impossible, but is not convinced himself. Encloses description and drawing of a very clever instrument.

Has not lately done much work in photography, except to work with paper treated with vegetable substances.

Returns with grateful thanks the example of photographs recently sent him. They open up a new field of curious processes. Will not have much time this summer for photographic experiments as he is carrying out a series of investigations into the air of mines. Has been experimenting with the cyanurets.

Her brother has sent JH's letter and she will be only too pleased to send her poems for whatever purpose he requires them.

Further about the map printing problem [see FB's 1841-4-6].

Sending some papers he should have returned earlier. Anxiety regarding his brother is relieved by the acquittal of Captain Levick. Will possibly return to England now.

Enjoying a couple of days idleness. Regrets to hear about the proposed new road. Suggests ways of preventing it if on JH's land. Proposes a February visit.

Sends back the slips. Does not approve of the phrase transcendentalists. Regrets that the subject forms a review; it is worth a treatise. Is working hard on his book. Would like to raise some rose trees for Lady Herschel.

Willy [Herschel] is doing well and is looking much healthier. Has hired a pony for him to ride. The family doctor has given him a good examination.

Will bring Willy [Herschel] to town tomorrow. Comments on his health. Has been trying to buy the Shetland pony for him.