Discusses recent magnetic disturbances and their publication, as well as sending reports on them to G. B. Airy, Humphrey Lloyd, C. F. Gauss, and others.
Due to the death of George Birkbeck, the Committee of Management of the London Mechanics Institute would like JH to become President. [Note by JH: declined.]
Discusses the question of whether the position of the moon has an influence on weather and whether either JH or his father have made this claim.
Comments on balloon ascent report, photographic paper made with vegetable colors, and the need to provide a polarizing crystal to J. B. Biot.
Heard of WB's bout with typhus. Interest in atmospheric waves should ensure publication of WB's article in Athenaeum. Will write editor on WB's behalf. Awaits completion of atmospheric curves for B.A.A.S. Congratulations on recently acquired office.
Discusses advantages and disadvantages of 24 versus 36 hour series in meteorological observations. R.S.L. officially endorses 24 hours, but AQ should continue 36 hours if best for him. Does not possess the Comptes rendus of French Institute and cannot therefore see No. 413. Will attempt to procure sight of it. Asks AQ to return [P. F.] Verhulst's work to him. Expresses respect for AQ's work. Asks for understanding if JH does not answer every letter promptly.
Thanks HO for his effort on JH's behalf [see JH's 1841-10-10], and then describes some of his photographic experiments.
Encountered storm and lost the Tigris and 20 men. Would like a preface on this subject from JH for his own forthcoming book.
Arranges a meeting with CW and Edward Sabine to discuss Kew [magnetic] observations.
Agrees to meet JH and Edward Sabine on Saturday. Kew Observatory was given to R.S.L., but R.S.L. has not yet taken possession of it. [JH annotation: election of General Morrison to R.S.L.]
No summary available.
Wishes not to be re-elected as chair of R.S.L. Physical Committee, feeling that JH's distance from London and other occupations impede Committee's efficiency.
Sends some extracts from the Acts. Regarding the enforcement of the rates. To Lady Herschel: Should have let him know when they were in town. Believes Mrs. Jones is going on well at Brighton. Sets out for Cambridge to see William Whewell tomorrow. Hears rooms of Henry VIII have been opened for parties.
Regarding the advisability of purchasing a patent in the photographic process.
Asks about the claim that JH professes that the moon affects the atmosphere and about possibly related research. Received paper on constellations for Astronomische Nachrichten.
Asks the Physical Committee (Chair, JH) of the R.S.L. to note the concurrent disturbances of magnetometers and the appearance of aurora borealis, and to make a long term study of this relationship.
Points out an error in the instructions for magnetic observers provided for the Antarctic expedition.
A letter accompanying a 'fair copy' of the Report of the Standards Commission; GA indicates he has incorporated the views of all members of the Commission.
No summary available.
JH replies (to RS:HS 15.389) that neither JH nor his father held that the moon influenced the atmosphere, though JH does connect a full moon with a clear sky. [Eliza] Hamilton, sister of W. R. Hamilton, has published some poetry that is not well known, but deserving. Cannot accept foreign order.