Hears with pleasure of the peace reigning at the Cape between the Caffres. The Boers are a different proposition and JH agrees with GN's policy. J. R. Innes called in on his way to Scotland. Weather in England is gloomy, like the political events.
Will be receiving the official news soon that JH has been nominated Knight Commander of the Order of Dannebrogg. New magnetic observatory to replace the old one. Is grateful for JH's excellent song about the telescope.
Explaining how JH may express his thanks at being made a Knight Commander. HO has also been made a Knight Commander. Will see that he now spells his name Ørsted.
Glad to inform JH that there are no fees or expenses involved in being made a Knight Commander. Has had little leisure himself for scientific pursuits due to being Rector of the University.
Due to the death of George Birkbeck, the Committee of Management of the London Mechanics Institute would like JH to become President. [Note by JH: declined.]
Sends pamphlet for JH from Philadelphia. Author [E. P.] Mason died at the early age of 22. Believes he used a Herschelian telescope. Has been a mild winter in Boston.
Commenting on ancient star maps, and noting that not all ancient stars can be identified now. Further talks about ancient meanings of heavenly bodies together with much lore including astrology, astronomy, and mythology. [Many parts of this letter illegible.]
Comments on the death of a mutual [?] acquaintance. Adds additional information about ancient constellations [see CP's 1841-10-29]. Complains about editors, publishers, and others who do not take CP's work seriously. [Many parts of this letter illegible.]
About some aspects of the magnetic survey, and who shall pay for it.
Recommends that William Whewell be appointed Master of Trinity College.
Expresses his great appreciation for informing JH of the honor being conferred by making JH a Knight Commander of the ancient and venerable order of Danneborg.
Asks HO if he can discover, without mentioning JH's name, what it might cost JH to be formally enrolled in Denmark for the honor he has received [see JH's 1841-6-20].
Thanks HO for his effort on JH's behalf [see JH's 1841-10-10], and then describes some of his photographic experiments.
Recommends awarding Royal Medal to [William Parsons] Lord Oxmantown for paper on large reflecting telescopes.
Reliability of measuring instruments used in scientific and public surveys. Approves George Peacock's suggestion to revise survey tables for use by non-scientist surveyors. Schools should teach only legalized systems of weights, measures, and money.
JH is captivated by science of photography. Has blundered onto 'Calotype leaving out [W. H. F.] Talbot's principal ingredient!!' [Note added by daughter Isabella Herschel:] Papa is in hurry. Greetings to family.
Replies to [?]'s questions about 'Mr. Bethune's suggestions' concerning terminology to be used for standards of weight and measure. Agrees with G. B. Airy that term 'land' should be used with 'land chain' unit.
Announces his invention of the 'calotype', and his application for a patent. Questions JH on his address to R.A.S., objecting to idea that universe is infinite.
Preparing his calotype paper for publication. Looking for a summer house, somewhere interesting to photograph.
Reports receipt of a communication, which argues that all elements are merely isomers of one substance. Expresses support for such a view.