Has long advocated the right to contract. Has no fear that the metrical system will become compulsory. American named J. W. Nystrom wishes to introduce a unit of 16. Comments on the Bible being 'every word of it is God's word.'

Professor W. J. M. Rankine lent JN JH's paper on the meter, yard, and foot. Would JH present a copy to the Institution of Engineers in Scotland? JN is president at the moment and hopes to introduce this subject. Hopes that JH will publish any further ideas he has on the subject.

Was pleased with JH's weighty and judicious rebuke. Sends a copy of a letter he wrote to the Times concerning religion and the natural sciences.

Submits some observations concerning the experiment mentioned in JH's last letter [1864-9-25]. Discusses in detail his results of an experiment concerning the impossibility of a stable equilibrium. Decides stable equilibrium exists only in vertical position, not in horizontal. Sends another copy of his latest paper. Mentions a printing error in his memoir concerning molecular attraction.

Encloses lithographs of some of his drawings of nebulae, and two tracings of [?] 2241. Has presented his large equatorial to Melbourne and invited the Astronomer Royal [G. B. Airy] to Malta to observe through the telescope before it is dispatched to Australia. Would also welcome a visit from JH.

Would like JH's permission to make public JH's letter of 1826-11-14 in defence of the conduct of the late Humphry Davy.

Thanking him for his catalogue of nebulae. Gives amendments to his own readings of the observations of nebulae.

Mrs. Polko was gratified by JH's translation of Frederick Schiller's poem. She would like a photograph and autograph of JH now, and wonders if he would like a photo of her brother Edoard Vogel? HK would like some additional copies of JH's translations.

Received JH's letter of 1864-10-14 'with grief almost inexpressible.'

Is grateful for the photograph (which he considers bears a resemblance to Edoard Vogel) and also the extra copies of his translation, which he will transmit to friends in Germany.

Is grateful for his kind and flattering notice of his sonnet. Encloses Edoard Vogel's photograph.

Has just received JH's 'Catalogue of Nebulae.' Has placed his skeleton tube in the cradle of his equatorial. Comments on this and gives sketches.

Sir Henry James does not wish to be connected with the new expedition to Sinai until the work of the previous one has been cleared. Will approach the Royal Geographical Society with his scheme. [H. S.] Palmer is the man to go on this expedition.

Resolution reappointing JH and others to Balloon Committee for further experiments.

Is preparing a lecture on photography and wonders if JH was the inventor of the hyposulfite fixing process.