Cites various celestial appearances as a basis for concluding that the Milky Way takes the form, not of a disk or ring, but of a series of convolutions. Urges that the nebulae form part of the Milky Way rather than being separate universes, as many had suggested. Asks JH to critique these ideas.

Encourages RP in his speculations about the nebulae and the structure of the Milky Way, which RP suggested is formed of a 'system of convolutions,' but raises objections to RP's views. Discusses idea that the Milky Way contains miniatures of itself and that beyond it may be a hierarchy of universes comparable to the Milky Way.

Elaborates on his hypothesis that all forms of nebulae are part of the Milky Way and on his 'twisted-stream theory' of the Milky Way's structure. Favors view that dark matter is relatively common in space and that it extinguishes light from distant objects. Proposes method of measuring stellar diameters.

Discusses Olbers's Paradox, raises objections to RP's argument for the existence of dark celestial matter, and points out problems in RP's method of measuring stellar diameters.

Accepts JH's objection to his method of measuring stellar diameters. Quotes an argument he had published suggesting the existence of a hierarchy of systems in an infinite universe. Discusses his studies of the relation of proper motions to the sun's motion. Asks JH's permission to publish JH's idea that some nebulae may be 'miniature' of the Milky Way.

Asks JH's views on a system of constructing and annotating a set of celestial maps RP was preparing. Requests JH's public endorsement of those maps.

Thanks JH for suggestions concerning a star atlas RP was preparing. Informs JH of his progress in making that atlas.

Discusses his progress preparing star maps. Stresses that such maps can suggest theories of the arrangement of stars and nebulae. Mentions various papers and maps RP was then publishing