No summary available.

JH's translation of first canto of Dante's Inferno (1868) is best HH has ever seen. Thanks for JH's commendation of HH's own translations [?]. More observations of soap bubbles.

Has just found that the bands of light from the comet are resolved by the spectroscope into bands that constitute a modified form of carbon. The spectrum of the comet was compared directly with a current of olefiant gas.

Comments on WH's spectroscopic examination of cometary tails [see WH's 1868-7-2].

Is grateful for his note. Has sent a paper to the R.S.L. on cometary phenomena and encloses a copy of the part in which he refers to JH's views. Would be glad if it were possible to explain the phenomena of tails.

Has been occupied with the wedding of his daughter [Amelia], so unable to read his paper before. Comments on the various theories regarding the tail of the comet. Regrets his statements do not agree with those of WH.

John Tyndall left London in a hurry, but he has urged the claims of JH's son [Alexander] as a professor at the School of Mines.

Much obliged for calling his attention to M. C. E. Du Four's paper, though he cannot reconcile the general reasoning. Comments on the effect of the Sirocco on the Föhn of the Alps.

Sends Captain [P. F.] Shortland's account of his recent soundings and temperatures of the sea. Comments on these readings in the light of theory. What does JH think of the matter.

Has heard from Mrs. Greig [wife of Woronzow Greig] that JH has consented to read the proof sheets of Mrs. Mary Somerville's work on molecular science. Sends the first 44 pages and would be pleased for any comments. Mrs. Somerville is in Naples.

Acknowledging the return of the proofs of Mrs. Mary Somerville's book. Is grateful for the revision and will forward the sheets to Mrs. Somerville for her to arrange and incorporate the suggestions.

Gratitude for gift of JH's translation [Dante?]. Pending marriage of Amelia Herschel to Thomas Wade.

On the temperatures of water in the oceans, and the freezing temperature of sea water.

Note accompanying shipping of a specially bound volume of JH's Cape Results. JH has noted on back of letter that volume will be returned as it arrived without plates or frontispiece.

Apology for errors in binding [see SE's 1868-7-3]; new volume being bound.

Thanks JH for the Dante translation. He and Charles Jenyns commend the translation. Sends a translation [into Latin] of [S. T. Coleridge's] 'Genevieve' for JH's comments.

Reports on and recommends publication of paper [R.S.P.T., 159, 1-] by Warren de La Rue, Balfour Stewart, and Benjamin Loewy containing heliographic positions and areas of sunspots observed in 1862 and 1863.

JT has suggested that JH's son [Alexander] be appointed to position in Royal School of Mines, but colleagues, unwisely, JT thinks, want someone more well-known.

Thanks JH for sending JH's work on Dante's Divine Comedy. Confesses not to be a Dante expert, but believes terza rima best for the poem in English.

Would like to visit JH at Collingwood.