Angry at self and whole world except JW. Has been drunk and travelling. Met brilliant but 'not beautiful' woman. Wonders why he left Cambridge; requests news and offers advice.
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Angry at self and whole world except JW. Has been drunk and travelling. Met brilliant but 'not beautiful' woman. Wonders why he left Cambridge; requests news and offers advice.
Philosophizes about society, college, time passing, and the 'fog' of present life. Wants to know all that is going on at Cambridge. Sends fond greetings to friends. [Letter completed 2-22].
Warmed by drink and society of 'charming' girls, JH is thinking of Whittaker, and advises him to study less. JH is enjoying reading more than did in school. Sends other news.
Comments on decaying British domestic affairs. Deplores religion 'as established by law' in contrast with religion 'established by nature.' Has felt sombre lately. Comments on music as relief from mathematics.
Comments on unfortunately aristocratic world, JW's description of Hamlet, current investigations and perhaps too deep involvement in scientific pursuits. Is correcting friend's novel (The Victim of Villainy or Travelling Tetrahedrons). Asks JW to find mineralogical specimen.
Urges to send copies of [S. F.] Lacroix's work and École polytechnique journal. James Grahame is successfully studying law. Grahame's father is staying with JH and his presence makes JH 'better and wiser.' Has been thinking much. Hopes JW will check on printing of Memoirs of the Analytical Society. [Letter completed 1813-8-3.]
Gives further instructions on sending books [see JH's 1813-8-2]. Comments on 'refractory' nature of religious thought. Is not in love, but teases JW about frequent visits to Thackerays. Recounts current heavy involvement in music, asking [Thomas?] Greenwood for help with harmonies.
Asks to JW to check on books apparently sent [see JH's 1813-8-2 & 1813-8-6], which have not yet arrived.
Obliquely, wishes luck and offers advice on exams. Asks for news of Cambridge scandals. Is entering law school. Encloses mathematical formula for which they had earlier searched.
Describes declining health but calm mind of JH's father. Visit with Charles Babbage cheered JH's depressed state. Wants to return to joy of speculation, but lacks energy. Writes and requests news about mutual friends.
Queries and news about friends at Cambridge. How is analytical movement proceeding and translation of [S. F.] Lacroix's treatise being received? Is writing a new algebra.
Is overwhelmed with work in algebra, studying S. F. Lacroix's work, grinding and polishing mirrors for JH's father. Sends thanks to Whitfield family for songs. Comments on controversial Cambridge news. Sends news of friends.
Asks about Cambridge friends, and that JW check on various items JH left there. Sends news, especially on 'mineralogizing' with [I. H.?] Jephson and Charles Babbage. Comments on recent deaths of J. A. Deluc, and of Princess Charlotte.
Requests arrangements for JH's visit before and for Cambridge commencement. Asks whether JW would like to renew correspondence with James Grahame, and congratulates on JW's theological book.
Asks for money pledged for publication of Memoirs of the Analytical Society, which has made no profit. Will be attending testimonial at Cambridge for JW [who has resigned position there].
Shocked by death of [Professor E. D. Clarke], JH supports [J. S.] Henslow as candidate to succeed Clarke. Apologizes for incorrect charging of JW for Analytical Society Memoirs [see JH's 1822-2-23]. Asks JW to find out whether William Whewell will write article on physical astronomy.