Seems clear that JH's 'falling star' [see JH's 1845-4-29] was the same one reported by a correspondent of GA's as having been seen in Nottingham; in a postscript JH is not so sure.

Accepts GP's invitation to visit him at Ely Cathedral after the B.A.A.S. meeting at Cambridge. Asks advice on whether it would be proper for JH to read his address at the meeting.

Alerts WW, who was coming to visit the Herschels, that scarlet fever has arrived at JH's household. Comments onWW's writings about glacial theory.

Invites Whewells to visit for a luncheon. Thanks WW for and comments on WW's publications on glaciers. Comments on Richard Jones.

On the subsuming of one scientific society by another; comments favorably on the Memoirs of the Cambridge University Philosophical Society and asks AD to help fill in JH's missing items.

Remarks on observation of new comet. Discord in R.A.S. follows Francis Baily's death. C. P. Smyth will leave Cape after being appointed Astronomer Royal to Scotland. Glass for Cape equatorial tested. JH has no success appealing for continuation of Colonial Survey. Southern constellation reform compromised.

Critiques JD's paper on plant chemistry, contrasting 'luminous, colorific, calorific, & chemical or photographic' rays. Physics of light. [Letter continues two months later.] JH is done with photography. Has no desire to claim priorities in that field. Entrusts future to JD and others.

Comments about engaging a gardener, concerns about Peter Stewart, and waiting for council and committee meetings [of the R.S.L.?]. The Physical Committee meeting was deferred because of a transit of Mercury.

Doubtful over WS's angle for Gamma Virginis; urges precision in measurement. Hopes to obtain moon map from R.A.S. during next visit to London. Unable to solve Aristarchus puzzle.

Gives reasons why telescope for Cape Observatory should be as perfect as possible. Doubts that its 'finder' is adequate.

On JH's Cambridge oration for B.A.A.S. Asks RM about weaknesses in paper, and character of people to be addressed, so that JH will not offend them. JH hopes to read speech, distrusting own extemporaneous speaking abilities.

News about JH's son William James, JH's doings, and JH misses MH and Collingwood very much.

Comments about spending time with JH's son William James; then describes dinner at the Archbishop's palace.

Includes copies of AQ's reply to circular sent previously [1844-12-5]. Requests additional information by 1845-6-15 and, if possible, AQ's presence at the meeting on 19 June.

Writing on behalf of the B.A.A.S. Magnetic and Meteorological Committee, JH invites CG to submit a reply to the materials sent to him.

B.A.A.S. meets 18 June at Cambridge. Send contributions to report of Magnetical and Meteorological Committee to JH by 13 June.

Thanks for PS's Physical Description of New South Wales. Praises that publication.

Membership dues, voting privileges, and need for discussions after reading of papers [probably at B.A.A.S. meetings]. Suggests announcing at each adjournment what the next topic will be. Considers prohibiting any discussion following medical papers.

Comments on SC's suggestions regarding the proposed changes in the projected new charter for the R.S.L.

Is trying to organize a meeting of the Magnetic Committee before the meeting of the B.A.A.S. in Cambridge, to deal with reporting and committee membership.