Avoid forcing metric system on India. Hopes Commission will adopt 'geometrical system of [A. T.] Kupffer and others. Winter weather. Family health and news. Alexander S. Herschel gave lecture at Leeds; reports many Japanese students at Glasgow. JH predicts that industrious Japanese may supplant Europe and America in next century. Details of JH's humorous plan for 'telegraphic personal transfer' [teleportation] to accelerate travel. Rash of bombings by mail in London. Attacks on police.

Considering severe famine in Orissa province, JH believes that WJH's request for leave to return to England is untimely, particularly because WJH's superior is also leaving. Letter from [C. F.] Montresor speaks highly of WJH's expertise in irrigation. Suggests that WJH stay and help.

Reports his opposition, shared by JH, to Britain and India adopting the metric system. Discusses WH's wife, Emma, WH's brother John, a coming solar eclipse, and a theory of gravity.