Received JH's letter with pleasure; delayed replying as hoping to comment. Theories have been shown to Charles Lyell, William Whewell, etc. Gives his own comments on JH's theory. Installed Whewell as President of the Geological Society. Pleased JH is to become a subscriber to RM's book, which moves slowly along. Received a collection of fossils from Fernando Po recently.

JH's letter has appeared in print in Charles Babbage's Bridgewater Treatise. Comments on the books of Babbage and William Whewell. C. R. Darwin has read his paper on Coral Reefs. RM is to be General Secretary of the next B.A.A.S. meeting. [William?] Ayrton was elected F.R.S.