Praises RS for work on R.A.S.M.N. Will arrive in time for the R.A.S. council meeting. Has heard nothing of John Lubbock's paper or lecture, except through J. C. Adams. Fears that before the R.A.S. anniversary, it will lose one of its female associates, his aunt Caroline.

RS will receive two communications for the R.A.S., one from S. C. Walker on Neptune's elements, the other from Otto Struve on the interior satellite of Uranus. Walker's could go into the R.A.S.M.N., whereas Struve's ought be read at a regular meeting. Recommends reading of William Lassell's work on Neptune's satellite as it predates Struve's. Caroline Herschel died on the 9 [Jan.] at age 98.

Recommends that the form that a testimonial should take would be the presentation of a parchment bearing the seal of the R.A.S. rather than a bound book.

JH must arrange for the celebration of Bishop's Observatory. Needs information on its equipment, achievements, and staff, e.g., on W. R. Dawes's and J. R. Hind's observations. Will contact Hind.

Returns [Max] Weisse's manuscript. He must say something about it and so has swallowed 'whole hog' what RS had written about it. Will make a mess [in his R.A.S. address] of John Lubbock's work on perturbations.

Paramatta Observatory has been broken up and is now defunct.

Unable to chair the [R.A.S.] meeting on Friday. On various persons proposed as R.A.S. associates or honorary members. Has recently been busy reading newspapers: 'There seem to be 2 worlds going on at once and it is not easy to keep up with both.'

Read enclosure and judge what changes it will necessitate regarding 'S.'s [H. C. Schumacher?] position'. Wrote to 'S.' to tell him that as far as JH is concerned, JH is ready to act on any suggestion 'S' may make regarding the king.

Is leaving for Norwich to return on the 25th. Leave the forms with [John] Williams and JH will sign them. Will leave his letters to have the R.A.S. seal affixed. [Thomas] Taylor has died; can RS tell him who is likely to 'offer for the place' [Madras Observatory] and what its 'appointments' are.

RS's progress in establishing standards of measurement. Lists objections to earlier methods of measuring. Compares various materials for use in making bars for measurement standards.

Sends letter of Lord P [Palmerston, i.e., Henry John Temple] on 'Ch. Reventlow's [Count de Reventlow, Danish Ambassador to London?] case.' Comments on the present political situation and the causes for conflict, citing William Shakespeare.

H. C. Schumacher wants an application from the R.A.S. RS complied, giving reasons. 'Miss B.' [Elizabeth Baily] reluctant to write even the shortest formal note. Suggests JH announce her gift on taking the chair. Wants to 'jump' at [F. W. A.] Argelander's offer [to complete the British Catalogue]. Progress on his 'apparatus.' Has asked J. C. Adams to give the R.A.S. notice of the controversy about Neptune, in which U. J. J. Leverrier ('a very cantankerous fellow') has engaged. If Adams refuses, would JH respond?

R.A.S. voted to give its medal to William Lassell. Recounts the discussion of this among the members. G. B. Airy will be the next president. Applauds JH for the work he has done in this position. An 'olive branch' tendered to [W. S.] Stratford; he was made vice president.

RS, Vice President of R.A.S., writes to JH, President, about a series of Council and membership matters.

JH replies to RS's 1849-1-15.

Says he will guardedly write in his Outlines Astr. what he has to say about Neptune and the controversy surrounding its discovery. States that he eschews formulae.

Shall send a catalogue of double stars observed by [W. S.] Jacob. Gives some information about several measurements to establish standards.

About an astronomer for the Madras observatory. Suggests ways to reduce glare and so improve measurements [see RS's 1849-3-4].

Suggests some means of improving a paper submitted by JH; more on standard measures of length [see RS's 1849-3-4], and other R.A.S. business.

Appreciates additional time made available by RS to allow JH to finish paper properly.