Provides an account of JH's observatory arrangements, some interesting observations, and the effect of the weather on observing.
Forwarding two letters via Francis Beaufort. Has no political or scientific news as they are at present residing in a remote Austrian castle which they find very refreshing after the noise of Vienna. Longs to hear of JH's labors with the constellations.
Found his recent stay at the remote German castle very restful. Gives details of a large flight of crows and compares it to nebulae. Cure for sore throats. Hopes the South Easters do not disturb him. Intends spending the winter in Paris. Hopes that JH is preparing a two volume work on his scientific experiences.
Is in Berlin together with the astronomers J. F. Encke and F. W. Bessel. Relates their researches. The new Berlin Observatory is a magnificent affair. May have to travel home sooner than expected owing to the illness of his mother-in-law.
Breakfasted today with G. G. Stokes, met Charles Lyell, [W. J.?] Broderip, and [Robert] Brown and had a fine time. Halley's Comet is visible to the naked eye.
Encloses a queer pamphlet, which may amuse him, but it has put D. F. J. Arago and others into a towering passion. The public tends to forget one's existence if too long away from London, so hopes that JH will bear this in mind.
Has been busy correcting proofs of a little book to be printed by Cadell in Edinburgh which has occasioned the delay. Observed the eclipse at the Observatory with D. F. J. Arago. Comments on the work of Arago. French science and literature at a low ebb.
Enclosing some letters of introduction for Rio. Advises him to be there in the winter. Makes a duplicate set of his observations in case the ship sinks.
Outlines the election of J. D. Forbes and attributes his success to JH's letter. Regarding the work of Thomas Henderson. Pity JH has to waste time doing his own reductions. Paris observations. Saw the comet in Valparaiso. Magnitude of stars compared to the moon. Hopes he liked his own recent book. Pleased the sextant is of use.
Sends a small dispatch from J. D. Forbes. The barometer seems to have no connection with the weather this winter. Had a snow shower but could see no clouds in the sky. Preparing for the occultation of Mars.
Encloses a dispatch from Thomas Henderson, who is very pleased with his work and a word from JH would spur him on. Is more out of touch with science at Edinburgh than JH is at the Cape. Young engineer, J. S. Russell, has idea for swift towing canal boats. Doubtless he has seen Francis Baily's supplement on John Flamsteed.
Further information about boats in canals. Sends proof sheets of the article in question.
Is pleased to hear the Herschels are contemplating their return but regrets it will not be via Rio. J. D. Forbes is progressing well, may be in danger of overwork. Thomas Henderson too is doing good work at the Observatory. Gives results of lunar eclipses of Oct. 1837.
Francis Beaufort has shown him his copy of the 'Requiem' and would be pleased if JH would send him a copy. Mr. Harvey and himself have been observing nebulae on the clear nights. Is having a Munich object glass mounted. Will be in town towards the end of the month.
Wishes JH would lay hands on the memorandum concerning the Zenith observatory on Etna. Explains why JH's theories regarding a point in gunnery do not work in actual practice. Queries the measurement given by JH for the height of Etna.
Regarding the correct figure for the height of Etna, W. H. Smyth favors the half foot measurement. Regarding falls of stones from Vesuvius. Encloses calculations made by professor at Naval College. Remembers large balls of lava at Teneriffe.