Encloses letters from H. W. Dove, A. T. Kupffer, and L. A. J. Quetelet. Dove is not familiar with methods used in Toronto.
Wishes CH a happy 96th birthday. Reports that when Margaret Herschel's brother John Stewart was in Egypt, he saw a comet. JH remarks that 'there seems to be no end of the comets.'
Response to questions on magnetic circular sent out by JH [see JH's 1844-12-5].
Has not seen enough magnetical and meteorological observations to judge their effectiveness. Encourages British government to continue these, but perhaps reduce frequency.
Encourages board of directors to pay for publication of magnetic and meteorological observations made at four H.E.I.C. observatories. Names countries that participated in global survey.
Comments on writings of JD on the chemistry of plants [letter completed 1845-5-7].
Has been informed that William Parson's telescope resolves all the nebulae in JH's catalogue into stars.
Suggesting alterations in the wording for the memorial tablet to Francis Baily.
Solicitor General is to introduce a Bill for the better protection of 'things' in Museums. Does not include the National Gallery. The culprit in the Portland vase incident was an Irish student. Is JH dining at the R.S.L. Club on the 27th?
Encloses the corrections by his friend T. H. Key to the wording for the memorial to Francis Baily.
Receiving replies [to JH's circular] from English and foreign correspondents. George Peacock sent them invitations to B.A.A.S. meeting at Cambridge. Suggests defining tropical 'seasons' by monsoon activity. Board of Ordnance sent copy of Toronto volume to each British colony.
Is JH aware that the magnetic and meteorological observations now being made at Greenwich are to cease at the end of the year? As JH was zealous for these observations he may care to write to S. J. A. Compton (2nd Marquis of Northampton). It escaped his notice that S. D. Poisson and J. B. Biot referred to saturated steam. Return John Robison and Karl Holtzmann to Mansion House when he has read them. Has consulted Thomas Graham about repeating John Southern's experiments.
Is pleased that a bill [JH's comments seem to hint at corporal punishment for offenders] is to be brought to Parliament [see JH's 1845-2-10].
Has applied to the Council for the position and Michael Faraday has promised him support. Has also heard of a forthcoming vacancy in the Museum of Economic Geology. Is undecided which to apply for and would welcome JH's views.
C. P. Smyth, chief assistant at Cape observatory for past nine years, is capable observer and qualified to succeed Thomas Henderson as Royal Astronomer at Edinburgh.
Recommends Robert Hunt to fill the professorship at King's College, left vacant by the death of John F. Daniell.
[Form letter] Asks friends of Mr. Griffin, candidate for Librarian, to return to Cambridge for election vote on 3 Apr.
Agrees that vacancy in chemistry professorship left by J. F. Daniell's death at King's College should be filled by Robert Hunt, but W. A. Miller appears likely to get job.
JH misunderstood ES's method for organizing St. Helena meteorological observations. Problem defining seasons for tropical stations. Received more replies to JH's circular. Difficulty of making hourly observations in European observatories, where civilian assistants are employed. Does not agree with Humphrey Lloyd that self-registering instruments will soon replace observers. Invited [L. F.] Kämtz to [B.A.A.S. meeting at] Cambridge. Believes that Elias Loomis will become leading meteorologist in U.S.
Agrees with JH that the Government Observatories at the Cape and St. Helena require mature consideration. Greenwich observations are a different matter and were suggested by the R.S.L. Committee of Physics. Has directed the minute to be sent to JH. Has been studying the wet bulb question.