Dr. Andrew Smith arrived yesterday in the Bay and landed in the evening; has not seen Smith himself yet.
Regarding the collections of anatomical specimens assembled by Mr. Verreaux and the possibility of its disposal if sent to London.
Has been observing Halley's Comet —'altogether the most beautiful thing I ever saw in a telescope.' Comet has tripled in diameter during the last week.
Congratulations on the birth of JH's son Alexander. Has a man preparing the old Ramsden Equatorial as the calculations from the repeating circle are so troublesome. Observations of the comet this morning were excellent.
Of health, family news, and the reception of JG's latest book [letter completed 1836-2-17].
Past difficulties and faults with running of Royal Observatory. Hopes Halley's Comet has been observed. Further information on the telescope presented to Cambridge Observatory by Hugh Percy (3rd Duke of Northumberland). James Challis has succeeded GA at Cambridge. Proposed new railway near Royal Observatory and its effect on observations.
About an anomaly in one of JH's lists of observations.
Calculates the location of the comet [Halley's].
Wonders if JH has received AQ's letters and works sent to the Cape. Sends more. Has been doing meteorological observations. Will send some if JH wishes. Mural circle and transit instrument finally in place. Problems with equatorial; therefore missed Halley's Comet.
Has just received JH's two letters of 5 and 25 Dec. Will prepare duplicates of his letters and pendulum observations and send them to Francis Beaufort. Has still heard nothing about the Observatory.
Reports the death of family members. Reveals news of new Pulkowa observatory. Has completed his work on micrometer measurements, resulting in 10,500 observations. Includes lists of aspects of his works.
Presents JH with R.A.S. medal for Catalogue of Nebulae.
Replies to WH's letter on 'Scotodynamics.' Cannot follow WH's analysis of velocities of vibrations and disturbances, but finds it symbolically beautiful and powerful. Notes that diploma [?] arrived and was sent to Hanover. Thanks WH on behalf of Caroline Herschel, who sent a letter acknowledging the honor bestowed on her by Royal Irish Academy.
Forwarding meteorological and magnetic observations for Sept. and Dec. 1835. Has had no letter from the Governor, but is given to understand he may spend £100 towards the erection of a tide gauge. Have had two violent floods.
Comments on the papers of evidence placed before the Aborigines Committee, and expresses himself vehemently about the sin of having penal colonies.
Many thanks for the portrait; it shall soon have a resting place. Will not rest until the comet observations are en route to England. T. G. Taylor does not observe himself. There was a beautiful occultation of three stars last night.
Reports the birth of his fifth child, Alexander Stewart. Has made some excellent observations of Halley's Comet. Asks CH to inform Carl Gauss that JH has not received Gauss's magnetometer nor is JH certain of how to use it.
Comments on the accusations made about himself before the Aborigines Committee.
Unable to send the Parramatta observations as the vessel is leaving too soon. Has just returned from a meeting to consider [William?] Ritchie's new optical glasses. George Dollond speaks well of them.
Speculates on extinction of species by natural (not miraculous) causes intermediate to Creator. JH's theory of shifting crust over Earth's surface and its subsequent transfer of pressure. Seeks geological primum mobile for volcanoes based on continual deposition and melting of strata. 'All records of former worlds must ultimately perish.'