Asks WW to write letters of introduction for [James] Innes, an educator from the Cape. Comments on WW's Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, expressing reservations about its a prioristic approach.

JH has given away his sweeping telescope to [Johann] Hausmann and the 5-ft. Newtonian reflector to the R.A.S. to be preserved 'long after I and all the little ones are dead and gone.' The skies have been excellent for JH to observe variable stars and to connect the northern with the southern magnitudes. Proved that Alpha Orionis is both a variable star and a periodical star.

Explains efforts at using a makeshift apparatus for 'fixing the spectrum.' Discusses current confusion and ultimate hope surrounding JF's meteorological recommendations. In a postscript, notes observations of meteors in Persei.

Returns papers dealing with the treatment of Andries Stockenström by Sir George Napier.

Provides information [see GA's 1840-8-13] based on equipping the Breslau Observatory; also comments on lawyers, meteor showers, and photography.

Is trying to reduce the ill feeling between GN and Andries Stockenström relating to the governing of the Cape colony; JH feels hampered by limited information.

G. B. Airy needs HL to send him the information used to set up colonial magnetic observatories.

Conduct of GN [governor at Cape of Good Hope, 1837-43] toward Andries Stockenström was unimpeachable. Stockenström's letters to JH show favorable view of GN. GN was not responsible for Stockenström's removal.

Congratulates AS on AS being made baronet; wishes him well on re-joining his family at the Cape. Hopes that the problems between AS and Governor George Napier were due only to 'incompatibility of positions.'

Thanks RH for a sample of Daguerreotype paper. Comments on some aspects of the action of 'thermic' rays and 'chemical' rays in photography.

Acknowledges receipt of meteorological observations from EH. P.S. [dated 1840-8-28] reports on August meteor showers observed by JH.

Sends WT a copy of the solar spectrum in which each color is represented clearly in a 'positive' picture. JH sees this as giving hope for color photography.

WB's tables [of barometer observations] are beautifully executed. Will submit them to B.A.A.S. Notes dissimilarity of British and Irish data.

Reduction of all stars in N. L. Lacaille's Coelum australe stelliferum is finished. Thomas Henderson's assistant is arranging these into catalogue. This data was sent to Francis Baily.

A note of thanks for the eleventh volume of the Cambridge Observatory observations; JH is sorry that he missed JC in Oxford during the summer.

Meteorolite given to JH by [Thomas] Maclear has been lost. Asks JR for assistance in locating it.

Is sending comments on GA's proposals [see GA's 1840-10-13]; JH has been asked about obtaining a heliometer from Munich; seeks GA's opinion on the quality of the brass workmanship in Munich.

Provides detailed comments on GA's circulated material on standards [see JH's 1840-10-30]; tends toward maintaining basic units but finding decimal relationships between them.

About the urgent need to prepare a report on the magnetic observations, and that HL is the most logical person to give direction to it.

Thanks for letting JH know about honor accorded at 'the Anniversary' [Meeting]. Offers condolences on JL's 'late severe loss.'