Has been impressed by the new governor and thinks the colony will benefit from his prudent judgment.
Comments on letter received. Regrets replies about 'the Muriate of Chrome.'
Proceedings with the Circle went on as well as expected; fixed the additional microscopes with plaster of paris. Sends the P.M.that contains F. W. Bessel's paper on the repeating circle. Opposition of Mars will require the use of the circle in the last of the present month.
Reports that he viewed Halley's Comet from 1836-1-25 to 1836-5-10. Now studying sunspots and solar radiation. Comments that the sun has more spots than JH previously thought. Has been busy during the December solstice determining the constant of solar radiation.
Tried unsuccessfully to observe Encke's Comet; succeeded in observing Halley's Comet, which JH discusses. Mentions JH's graphical method of treating orbits of double stars, JH's plans to return to England, moon maps, and sunspots.
Encloses observations made by some of his pupils who have now formed a physico-mathematical society.
Is sending WT some botanical specimens through Andrew Smith, whose scientific abilities JH praises. Asks WT to assist Smith in England. Encourages WT's work in mathematics and in 'photology.' Reports on JH's astronomical observations and theorizes about sunspots.
Has been requested by Gideon Mantell to write JH a letter of introduction for a Lieut. H. I. Thomas, a friend of Davies Gilbert. Thomas wishes to be the bearer of any letter or parcel CL may have. Believes that a copy of the President's speech he sent may be lost in the post. Thinks that JH's theory of subterranean isothermal lines interesting. Dined with the Somervilles last Sunday.
No summary available.
Comments on disagreements in stellar observations and on sun spot activity; and requests observations of a specific star.
Wants to borrow TM's carpenter. Found a faint planetary nebula.
Miss Pattle and C. R. Prinsep, Secretary of Government Proceedings, are going to Cape of Good Hope and will bring JP's Journals of the Asiatic Society to JH.
Cannot send the Brisbane list by the end of the week. Will not expect J. K. Gibbs until the cart is finished. Returns solar spots.
Sending a letter via Capt. Basil Hall. Is surprised JH did not mention the starry showers of 12 Nov. in his last letter, D. F. J. Arago is investigating them. J. B. Biot has published an extension of [Denison?] Olmsted's theory. Humphrey Lloyd has produced an interesting book on the undulatory theory. What measure does JH employ for the force of the wind? Has got William Whewell's anemometer. Influenza prevalent. William Farish has been succeeded by Robert Willis.
Notes discrepancies between TM's and Thomas Brisbane's observations.
Sends a small dispatch from J. D. Forbes. The barometer seems to have no connection with the weather this winter. Had a snow shower but could see no clouds in the sky. Preparing for the occultation of Mars.
Communicated JH's letter of 30 Sept. [1836] to the Albany Institute. Hopes JH received meteorological register of observation points in U.S., which are increasing in number. Sent meteorological reports to societies and individuals JH requested. Describes barometer and temperature measurements in wells and barometer extremes in great December storm. W. C. Redfield of New York says duration of observation periods recommended by JH is too short.
Regrets having to send the observations on so many sheets; those in red ink will be re-observed. John Steuart has given him a note about spots on the sun. Sends Mr. Stebbing's letter and would like JH's comments when he sees him.
Will be a great reception for JH when he returns. Is working on a theory of probabilities. Francis Baily is the man for mapping the entire heavens. G. B. Airy is to test JH's topsy-turvy observations of Orion.
Thanks JH for drawing of JH's house. Sends drawing of JL's Hartwell Observatory and publications from the observatory.