Has returned from London. A preprint of JS's and JH's paper on double stars has been delivered to François Arago. Is finding many errata in their paper. Has received a letter from Josef Fraunhofer and the paper [on double stars] of Wilhelm Struve.
The Academy has decided to award JH and JS its astronomy prize for their paper on double stars.
Contacts with Alexis Bouvard and P. S. Laplace. Criticizes an astronomical paper by [Robert] Woodhouse.
Copies of the Éloge, which JF sent, are still at the Customs house so he is unable to comment on it. A list of his father's works is to be found in the Index to the R.S.P.T. Gives a list of all the discoveries and inventions of his father.
Expressing the thanks of the Académie for JH's gift of Observations...on 380 Double and Triple Stars.
About JG's history of the United States, the first part of which is now finished, and forwarded with this letter.
More about JG's writings [see JG's 1825-5-16].
Just returned from his first lecture. Account of his journey from Norwich to Walthamstow, met by [Thomas] Forster and wife. Account of his first lecture. Attending Linnean Society Council and meeting this evening. Will send Pleasance's brother, Robert, newspaper with account of the meeting against slavery.
[Letter incomplete: folio[s] presumed destroyed]
Busy correcting sheets, completing his index, and holding lectures. The lectures very crowded and seem "much approved". His travel arrangements. Received letter from [Edmund] Davall's eldest son, married and settled at Vevey, [Switzerland], and recommending his younger brother to Smith, who wishes to come to England; will write to prevent his coming. Another letter from George Hibbert about the gardener who is to go to Jamaica. [Thomas] Forster had an epileptic fit, he has been keeping them secret for 20 years. Staying next at [Edward] Forster's, Hale End, [Essex]. [James] Bicheno to become new Linnean Society secretary; [Joseph] Sabine made more of it that was just or true.
Called at Longman's: first two volumes of "English Flora" have just paid their expenses with half the stock sold, the remaining 800 copies to be all profit. Reviews his own lecture from yesterday. Bishop of Chester's [Charles Blomfield (1786-1857)] and Butler's debate at the Institution: both expose "much weakness" in the orthodox cause. Gave a speech at Linnean Society after list of subscribers to his bust was read. His strength, rheumatism, and cholic improved but cannot avoid perspiration at night. His Bristol lectures have been set to begin 13 June.
His laborious Monday: collected plants for his lecture, accompanied by Mrs Edward Forster; gave his lecture; attended a fraught Linnean Society audit and Council due to the quarrels with [Joseph] Sabine, but conciliated after [Alexander] Macleay and himself lectured [David] Don [(1799-1841), botanist]. Anniversary meeting and dinner well attended, though Sabine did not attend; conflicts between [James] Bicheno and [John] Lindley [(1799-1865), botanist]. Is to attend, with Forster, the annual meeting of Chimney Sweepers, who want to outlaw use of children in the profession. Next staying at Miss Lloyd's lodgings at Chapel Place. Sitting for [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] on return from Bristol. His dentist is Mr Cartwright. Professor [Thomas] Martyn has mouth cancer. Edward Taylors moving to London.
Professor [Thomas] Martyn ill with a cancer in his mouth and on his face but refuses to seek medical advice. Doubts his ill daughter-in-law will derive any benefit from trying the baths at Aix-la-Chapelle, [Germany], and wishes they would return to England so she could try Mahomed's vapour bath and shampooing in Brighton, [Sussex]. Intends to spend July and August in Leamington near Warwick, and Cheltenham, [Gloucestershire]. Invites Smith to visit in June.