Thanks JH for Gamma Virginis observations, which are finally in accord with his. Sends observation of the double stars JH suggested watching. Works with Richard Sheepshanks. Francis Baily delivers details on Edinburgh meeting of philosophers. Sends news from Niccolo Cacciatore, who has returned to the Observatory in Naples.
Extract from JH's journal on voyage to Cape of Good Hope, showing barometer and thermometer readings from 23 Nov. 1833 (Lat. 33˚20' N) to 5 Jan. 1834 (Lat 31˚30' S). Compares these to ER's thermometer and R.S.L. standard thermometer. Will accompany ER to [Cape] observatory next week. Please conduct barometer and temperature observations on ER's return trip [to India].
Comments on social matters, and on what JH has been observing.
Sends some packages and his Transactions. Sent through [Peter?] Stewart the first volume of Col. Mark Beaufoy's Observations. Sends copies of the Athenaeum, which contains details of the Edinburgh meeting. Will be placed on the list to receive free copies of the Athenaeum.
Thanks RJ for having helped J[ohn] Stewart, [JH's brother-in-law], to a job; offers to try to get some South African statistics for the Statistical Society, and along the way comments on South African political life. JH describes life at the Cape, and the beauties of the skies.
Thanks for the perusal of J. A. Lloyd's paper. Has written to him on the subject of the pendulum. Had only one letter from the Elizabeth. No satisfactory news of [Andrew?] Smith's expedition. Unable to make any circumpolar observations due to the deviation of the transit instrument.
Developed a method that greatly simplifies Joseph Lagrange's integration of the 3n differential equations of motion of the second order by reducing all calculations to the application of 'one principal function.' Applies the method to planetary motion.
Abstracts of barometrical pressure in various parts of the earth. Has used James South's equatorial with Richard Sheepshanks's clockwork attached. Constitution of Paris Observatory being changed. D. F. J. Arago's experiments on glass and metal. Humphrey Lloyd's experiments on reflected light. Edinburgh's Observatory site likely to be changed. John Pond (Astronomer Royal) has been asked to resign. Thomas Maclear's Cape circle. Reasons for the delay in delivery of R. A. Cauchoix's telescope to Cambridge. House of Lords and Commons burnt down.
Situation at the Cape of Good Hope. JH's astronomical observations.
Acknowledges receipt of some parcels, and then discusses in some detail JH's financial situation, including the fact that JH's aunt, Caroline, has refused the annual portion of rent from Slough. JH expresses concern for the safety of Mr. Calder, and concludes with some family news.
Would like JH's comments on a plan for a water supply for Cape Town.
Has just received the Stellenbosch diary, which he is sending on to JH. Hopes this will be of some use, but is unable to make up the deficiency.
Sending some barometric comparisons. Had a narrow escape from Table Mountain fog. Has been quail shooting. P.S. If JH would like to see some quail shooting, join him this or tomorrow evening.
Compares readings of JH's and ER's barometers to those of Cape Observatory and of R.S.L. Observations of sea surface temperatures made by JH during voyage to Cape of Good Hope. Returns manuscripts.
JW's 'tabular scheme,' employing Price's method, is only a first attempt and yields life probabilities too low for Cape Colony, where births exceed deaths. Will submit recent data next week.