Went to London, and then returned for meeting of the Syndicate. Gives details of resolutions passed and also the one to which GP objects, viz body responsible for appointing observer. There is to be another meeting on Friday.
Meeting was not called by the Vice-Chancellor, so powers of the Syndicate are now at an end. Gives news of events at the University. Has had letter from J. B. Biot, who is to give a series of lectures on Newton's Principia.
Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Hopes Smith will lecture whilst visiting Cambridge. Recommends Dr [Martin] Davy as advisor for Smith. Update on Trinity College members' inclinations: Mr Powell intends to run for professorship and although his knowledge of botany is slight, as a former fellow many other fellows have promised their votes to him, however junior fellows more inclined to vote for Smith. Confident that Powell shall not succeed.
Observer for the forthcoming observatory is to be the Plumian Professor. Gives news of other professorships and gives opinion of JH's chances should he apply for any.
Requesting support for Adam Sedgwick in the forthcoming election for the Woodwardian Lectureship. Has been unwell himself.
Comments on the candidates and the process for filling the Woodwardian Lectureship at Cambridge; also some other Cambridge University matters.
Making arrangements for a visit to JH at Slough.
Asks JH to write a letter of recommendation for a mutual friend, and adds some Cambridge news.
About Charles Babbage's hopes for a position, and joint publication ventures.
About the joint publication of JH, GP, and Charles Babbage, and Babbage not doing his part.
Arrangements about a visit to Slough.
Business matters relating to the R.S.L. and the Astronomical Society.
Urges JH to become an active candidate for vacant Lucasian professorship.
Cambridge University has agreed to build a new observatory [Madingley Road] and now the matter of collecting subscriptions for it must begin.
Subscriptions to the fund to build the observatory [see GP's 1820-5-6] are coming in only slowly.
About the expenses and arrangements regarding the publication of JH's A Collection of Examples of the Application of the Calculus of Finite Differences.
About the expenses of their joint publication [see GP's 1820-11-16], rumors of a vacancy in the Lucasian professorship, and about the new observatory at Cambridge.
Urging JH to come to Cambridge to examine the plans for the new observatory.
About observatory plans and possible vacancies at Cambridge.
Cambridge news, GP's own activities, and comments on the progress of the observatory plans.