Welcomes JH back to England. Proof that AQ never ceased thinking of JH is that AQ never quit his horary observations. Has sent books to R.S.L. for JH. Has restarted his notices on meteors. Is determining their longitude in relation to Greenwich. [Richard] Sheepshanks brought AQ JH's portrait and bust.
Comments on some parts of CB's Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, especially on CB's mathematical estimating of the credibility of miracles. JH shows that such a process cannot work. [Letter finished 1837-10-25.]
Has secured a passage home for JH on the Windsor. Thinks he will be pleased with the accommodation. Will call on him shortly.
Introducing his son George, who is to be stationed at the Cape for some time. Would like JH to advise him when necessary. DL has become co-editor with Bulwer Lytton of a new quarterly and would like an article from JH on his work in the Southern Hemisphere. Work on the Cyclopaedia is progressing.
Has been astonished by the resolution of the meeting of the Kirk. Hopes JF will do something to calm down the parties.
Thanks for his note about the resolution of the Kirk. Gives his own views on the subject, which agree somewhat with those of JH.
Calcutta Museum will trade an elephant skeleton to the Cape Museum for a hippopotamus, rhinoceros, or tiger. Work on ancient Indian inscriptions and at the mint leaves JP little time for meteorological work. Miss Pattle draws Cape scenes and sends them to JP.
Agrees with George Airy that Mercury should be studied more closely. Discusses TM's researches of N. L. Lacaille's Northern Extremity.
Sends early nineteenth-century astronomical observations. Francis Baily receives £500 from Parliament to enlarge stellar catalogue. Otto Struve's observations of Gamma Virginis agree with JH's.
If the weather clears up would like to compare his observations of the eclipse with those of JH. Thinks of riding over on Sunday so that JH can question him on Klypfonteyn and N. L. Lacaille's station.
Problems determining exact times of lunar eclipses. Cites B.A.A.S.Rep. article by T. R. Robinson on change of color. Base line covered by water after recent storm.
Sending the chronometer.
Compares TM's observations of 'spots' and colors [on lunar surface] to observations by others. At next eclipse, TM will use drawing of moon's face with spots labeled on it. Did JH note occultation? Chronometer is slow.
Sends WH some plant specimens, and will send on any unique plants. JH has been asked for a description of the 'botanical climate' of the Cape, and asks WH's assistance with this.
A note to accompany some more plant specimens for WH to identify.
Many thanks for the beautiful specimen of Satyrium, which he has named in honor of Lady Herschel. Discusses various plants and the effect of climate. Is sorry to hear the Herschels are contemplating leaving the Cape.
Sends hourly meteorological observations for March, June and September. Comments on these and the climate of New England. Further details of the fall of meteors. Francis Baily has sent his article on the eclipse of 1836. Delivered JH's message to Nathaniel Bowditch. Other scientific news.
Found ten species of orchids on Table Mountain yesterday. Gives details of some and discusses their distribution.
Observing 2000 stars in a check of Giuseppe Piazzi's catalogue.
Reports the birth of John Herschel, JH's sixth child and third son.