Is now committed to the Cape journey, and will be occupied most of the time till then with the reduction of JH's nebulae observations. Comments on several other astronomical matters. [Letter is finished on board a steam packet on the way to Hamburg to visit JH's aunt, Caroline, dated 1832-6-9.]
Has heard that JH is publishing an attack on JS's double star observations made in France. Is this correct?
Responds to JS's fear [see 1832-5-15] that JH has been preparing an attack on JS's double star observations by explaining in detail and providing extensive evidence that JH has no such intention.
Would he inform him of the date of the next visitation meeting. Will bring his own catalogue of double stars for the next R.A.S. meeting. Thanks for his paper on proper motion.
In preparation for foreign travel, asks JH about instruments and method for measuring radiation.
Giving the dates of the visitation day. Also the date of the next meeting of the R.A.S. Has been experimenting with pendulums.
Is sending letters from Thomas Henderson, the Cape Astronomer, also observations from St. Helena.
Sends Gamma Virginis observations. Devotes time to nautical astronomy; experiments with formulae for calculating occultations. Takes interest in eclipse of Jovian satellites.
Sends thanks and congratulations for paper verifying electric origins of all magnetism. Will give JF an actinometer with complete instructions. Includes some instructions for obtaining and using it. Sends regards to Mario Gemellaro, should JF go to Catania.
Sends observations of Gamma Virginis, which differ from those of WS and James South. Observed transit of Mercury. Has abandoned plans of going to Cape of Good Hope this year. Plans to visit Caroline Herschel in Hanover.
Is grateful for GA's encouragement to prepare JH's nebulae observations for publication before leaving for the Cape; it now seems clear to JH that he cannot leave before 1833; JH has had further communications from F. G. W. Struve about double stars [see JH's 1832-5-4].
Is grateful for JH's letter and offer of assistance. Will come to London earlier than expected so that he can call on him and discuss his problems before foreign travel. Would be glad of an introduction to Mario Gemmellaro and other scientists JH thinks would help him in his studies.
Aware that letter of 3 April did not reach the Herschels' home until after the engagement. Wishes to explain the apparent neglect.
Discusses the ale he sent. Hopes his hypothesis of the origin of the solar system did not offend JH.
Regrets belated reply to JH's pamphlet on double stars. Comments on the readings and compares them with some of his own.
Has received copies of his papers that he communicated to the R.S.L. for which he thanks him. JH's study on Natural Philosophy has been reprinted in the States. Has forwarded the second volume of Mécanique céleste, one for him and one for the R.A.S.
His son is shortly traveling to Calcutta and will be able to take any letter or parcel for Mr. Calder.
Commissioned to ask JH to select painter and to sit for half-length portrait to be placed in Old House at St. John's. Received JH's paper on the measures of double stars.
Excusing JH for returning to Slough suddenly before leaving for Hanover.
Recounts JH's travels to date, together with stories about some of the people he has met; also comments on cholera in various cities [letter completed 1832-6-13].