Has no doubt that any improvements JH suggests should be published. [John?] Taylor has borrowed Holtzmann's pamphlet, which will be sent as soon as returned. Karl Holtzmann's formula for air appears quite out. Gabriel Lamé evades the question. If JH writes anything on his calorimeter hopes he will mention the various questions raised.
Judges the unfinished portrait of Francis Baily a faithful rendering, although he is portrayed without the glasses, which he usually wore. Fears the intractability of [W. S.] Stratford and its implications for the workings of the R.A.S. Council. On the dispute between [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop and how to resolve it.
Reports in considerable detail on magnetical and meteorological observation in Russia. Supports the idea of international conference of leaders in such work.
[Detached postscript] Asks JH's opinion of new apparatus that [William] Simms will soon put on paper.
Forwards reply from C. R. Weld explaining why Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations were not sent to English and foreign scientists involved in global survey.
Has received the books. Began with Karl Holtzmann's and finds the reasoning at fault. Comments on this. [Marked 'not sent.']
Is sending a 'Memoir' [on Francis Baily?] to WW. JH and wife but not daughter Caroline will be at Trinity Lodge in June. Comments on a paper by William Hopkins on glaciers.]
Elizabeth Baily would like him to write an inscription for her brother's memorial tablet. Francis Baily was buried in the land of his fathers at Thatcham.
Further regarding the various theories on the latent heat of steam. Agrees with JH regarding the magnetic observations. Hudson's Bay Company has sent a large bill for J. H. Lefroy's expenses, which the R.S.L. declines to pay. Fears that Edward Sabine is out of humor about something.
Will help with the dispute between [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop, provided certain things are understood by all the parties involved; enumerates these. Will speak as discretely as he can with [W. S.] Stratford.
JH's influence worked; J. W. Lubbock asked ES for list of recipients for Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations. Preparations for new Arctic expedition. Will give copies of JH's letter to F. M. E. Wilmot and J. H. Kay. New observatory at Colombo [Ceylon]. Problem defining seasons for observations at St. Helena. Reply from W. E. Weber [to JH's circular].
Responds to questions on magnetic circular sent out by JH [see JH's 1844-12-5]. Comments on continuing government funding for global system of magnetic and meteorological observatories. Suggests goals for future observers.
Thanks WP for sending drawings and descriptions of various nebulae observed with WP's giant reflecting telescope. Comments on various nebulae. Expresses the idea that some planetary nebulae are 'hollow elliptical or spherical shells with or without a central Star.'
Actinometers are 'counterordered.' Reply from H. W. Dove to JH's circular. Problem defining seasons for tropical stations. Concerned that some authorities are reaching decision to extend or to terminate magnetic observations before receiving and reading Toronto volume. Failure of R.S.L. to send Greenwich magnetic and meteorological observations to appropriate recipients. Details of J. H. Lefroy's magnetic survey for Hudson's Bay Company, and misunderstanding over who would pay for Lefroy's transportation. Efforts by F. M. E. Wilmot to obtain ship for survey of [Cape of Good Hope]. ES concurs with Treasury's suggestion that copy of Toronto volume be sent to each colony. Observations of nebulae by T. R. Robinson.
On behalf of Lady Herschel, JH thanks WW for the copy of WW's book [Indications of the Creator]. Chides WW for having written an elementary work.
Response to questions on magnetic circular sent out by JH [see JH's 1844-12-5].
Expresses thanks for receipt of Toronto magnetical and meteorological observations. Encourages continuation of British observations. Makes proposal for future work.
Now sees JH's point regarding the theory of steam. Comments on various experiments. Glad to see JH approves of repeating John Southern's experiments. Unable to go to Cambridge; his banking business requires unceasing attention. Doing all he can about the observations. Council will take up the East India observations.
More on the matter of [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop. Dawes deserves credit for the observation and reduction; Bishop for being 'founder & proprietor.' On JH's ability to mediate such situations, because he is so well liked. Confident in Bishop's 'good sense,' once he knows that he is being placed in JH's hands.
Explains to JH that WW's Indications of the Creator was written to counteract [Robert Chambers's] Vestiges of Creation. Comments critically on William Hopkins's glacial theory.