A long statement against a very nasty article in the Mechanics Magazine on the priority controversy surrounding the discovery of Neptune.

[The discovery of Neptune having been just announced], JH calls attention to JH's recent suggestion to the B.A.A.S. that such a discovery was imminent; states that in 1842 JH had discussed the idea of a trans-Uranian planet with F. W. Bessel, and that [J. C.] Adams of Cambridge had carried out an investigation comparable to that of U. J. J. Leverrier.

Announces, to WL, the discovery of a new planet beyond Uranus, gives co-ordinates, and urges WL to look for satellites 'with all possible expedition.'

Will place J. F. Encke's request before the Council, but sees no difficulty in copying the letters at Somerset House. Is waiting for the return of George Peacock (Dean of Ely) before summoning council.

Has been on the Continent, which accounts for the delay replying to JH's letter of June. Regrets he cannot give an answer to JH's queries regarding the constitution of the ether. Fears his hypothesis on the density of the ether is not clear as it has misled JH. Has read Michael Faraday's papers with eagerness.

Description of Pulkowa observatory sent fourteen days before. Included a listing of the library. Otto Struve works on micrometer measurements of double stars. Complains about [J. H. von] Mädler's unprofessional attitude at Dorpat. Announces 'Neptune' as new planet's name.

Sends paper on naming of Neptune. Denounces elimination of [J. C. ] Adams's part versus U. J. J. Le Verrier's role regarding Neptune. Will forward Otto Struve's paper on the expedition between Altona and Greenwich and his own Positiones mediae stellarum fixarum.

Thanks JH for suggestions concerning optics. Will soon build a model telescope. Asks a series of questions concerning the construction of telescopes.

Thanks for sending J. R. Hind's letter about the new planet. Erected his equatorial on Saturday. Gives some of his observations on Saturn. Has sent William Lassell a prism by Georg Merz.

The B.A.A.S. grants £70 for the publication of the catalog of J. J. L. Lalande and N. L. Lacaille.

Has sent the book. Gives an outline of his own work and ideas he has for the improvement of the piano. Would like JH's comments.

Asks whether JH's committee will consider Belfast as a location for B.A.A.S.'s catalog of stars. Remembers clearly JH's quote about Neptune. Thinks JH should not yield to the French in calling Uranus so.

Do not let catalogues make WS uneasy. Government money is available to pay printer. Will try to bring out N. L. Lacaille's work before 25 Sept. if JH can obtain [Thomas] Henderson's papers and WS's notes for the preface. Will not interfere with [T.R.] Robinson's committee.

Details of WL's observations of a ring and satellite of U. J. J. Leverrier's planet.

Just returned from nine weeks on the continent. Met Miss Caroline Herschel, who mentioned a catalogue of John Flamsteed's stars to which she had attached some notes.

Is thinking of writing an account of the new planet.

Received his letter enclosing Edward Sabine's a few days ago on returning home. Busy at College; otherwise would have written. Could have attended a meeting of Committee of Physics had he known. Discovery of the new planet is a triumph. Has he heard of the attempt to destroy the telescope of William Parsons (3rd Earl of Rosse)?

Questions related to JH's 1846-9-26 having been asked by RR, JH writes to answer these questions.

Requesting help in procuring person for the staff of the South African College.

No summary available.