Obtained first rate measures of the double star on 31 May, but since then the atmosphere has been hazy and so unable to send any further measures. Thinks it worthwhile to observe all the stars in Cassiopeia and Ophiuchus.
Elements of the new comet observed at Regent's Park.
In case he has not received a letter from Berlin he sends details of the planet of U. J. J. Leverrier.
Regarding a botanical garden at the Cape and suitable staff. Would like to join with JH in a memorial to the Colonial Office.
Has heard nothing from him regarding the Cape garden. Wrote to the Colonial Office advising that the Cape garden should be similar to that at Ceylon. Hopes he agrees that Wynberg is the most likely spot.
Thinks it a good idea to send a memo to the Colonial Office on the question of a Cape botanical garden. Has consulted W. H. Harvey on the question. What a curious plant is found on the coasts of Africa.
When on board the Excellent at Portsmouth he was deafened by the firing of a gun and has since suffered from 'singing' in his ear. Can JH recommend a relief? His daughter would like an engraving of JH.
Hopes his friends will support the publication of his Barometrographia, which will be exhibited at the forthcoming B.A.A.S. meeting.
Will distribute the prospectuses of LH's book as desired, but regrets he will be unable to subscribe for a copy himself as its price is too expensive for his means. Pleased to hear of his good health.
RH's experiments are extremely interesting and deserve to be pursued. Comments on experiments made by Michael Faraday and others relating to the formation of crystals in a magnetic field and the effect such crystals have on polarized light.
Has been pursuing his magnetic experiments with crystals and will be publishing a memoir on them. Comments on these experiment. Is there a difference in the mass of the earth at the poles?
Is giving a series of lectures at the Collegiate Institution. Has made some interesting discoveries recently and has deposited a paper with Faraday for communication to the R.S.L. Comes to the conclusion that chemical action can be suspended by magnetic force. Comments on this.
Has often thought of the inactive condition of iron and has made some notes before he received JH's comments. Has overcome all JH's objections to the intrinsic difference in the two poles. Comments on some of these experiments.
Regarding Benjamin Peirce's Elementary Treatise on Sound. Can lend him his own copy if JH has no copy.
Has sent the book. Gives an outline of his own work and ideas he has for the improvement of the piano. Would like JH's comments.
Continues JH's defense of Laplace's writings on probabilities [see JH's 1845-12-22].
A note to accompany a working out in convenient form an example of Laplace's probability ideas. [Enclosure not found.]
Talks about considerations to be taken into account when building telescope specula, especially large ones.
Thanks for his kind letter. Congratulations on another addition to his family.
Hopes all his family are well. If JH proposes to attend the Trustees meeting of the British Museum on Saturday, will he breakfast with RI and Dr. T. R. Robinson of Armagh?