Details about JH's travel to St. Leonards to be with MH [see JH's 1845-1-15]; comments on the building of a 'Free Church' at Exeter.

Cannot attend the testimonial committee meeting, but recommends that for a R.A.S. testimonial, a well written parchment would be far more effective than a bound book.

Will write to Court of Directors to ask H.E.I.C. to publish observations from Indian observatories. Needs to know where observations are stored, whether Humphrey Lloyd has reduced them, ES's reasons for making this request, best method for preparing data, and probable expense. Must go to Slough tomorrow to do business with former tenant.

Requests information about actinometers in JF's possession, and provides further information regarding their use.

Describes how JH arranged for an opening [in the Indian Civil Service] for JH's son William James at the time when he will be the proper age [see JH's 1845-1-31].

Speaks of JH's visits on the previous day; later this day, JH is to visit Mr. Plowden about a position for son William James.

Question of procedure about considering the magnetic observations for publication.

Is horrified at the wanton destruction of the Portland Vase in the [British] Museum. JH suggests flogging as appropriate for such acts of vandalism [see JH's 1845-3-18].

JH comments on JL's 'memoir on the heat of vapours,' indicating JH's dissatisfaction with the experimental basis (the experimental work of J. L. Gay-Lussac) for the conclusions. JH offers improvements in the construction and operation of the ice calorimeter.

Has received the books. Began with Karl Holtzmann's and finds the reasoning at fault. Comments on this. [Marked 'not sent.']

Is sending a 'Memoir' [on Francis Baily?] to WW. JH and wife but not daughter Caroline will be at Trinity Lodge in June. Comments on a paper by William Hopkins on glaciers.]

Will help with the dispute between [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop, provided certain things are understood by all the parties involved; enumerates these. Will speak as discretely as he can with [W. S.] Stratford.

Thanks WP for sending drawings and descriptions of various nebulae observed with WP's giant reflecting telescope. Comments on various nebulae. Expresses the idea that some planetary nebulae are 'hollow elliptical or spherical shells with or without a central Star.'

On behalf of Lady Herschel, JH thanks WW for the copy of WW's book [Indications of the Creator]. Chides WW for having written an elementary work.

Wishes CH a happy 96th birthday. Reports that when Margaret Herschel's brother John Stewart was in Egypt, he saw a comet. JH remarks that 'there seems to be no end of the comets.'

Encourages board of directors to pay for publication of magnetic and meteorological observations made at four H.E.I.C. observatories. Names countries that participated in global survey.

Comments on writings of JD on the chemistry of plants [letter completed 1845-5-7].

Has been informed that William Parson's telescope resolves all the nebulae in JH's catalogue into stars.

Is pleased that a bill [JH's comments seem to hint at corporal punishment for offenders] is to be brought to Parliament [see JH's 1845-2-10].

C. P. Smyth, chief assistant at Cape observatory for past nine years, is capable observer and qualified to succeed Thomas Henderson as Royal Astronomer at Edinburgh.