Thanks JH for scientific papers. Is writing about relations between inorganic matter, physical and vital forces, and microscopic plants. Praises [Giuseppe] Garibaldi and his performance.

Condolences on death of JH's daughter [Margaret] Louisa.

Cannot travel to London. Wishes she could return to her country and friends. Thankful for her health. Wants Herschels to visit Italy.

Has begun to write about science again after a long absence. Intended to revise small part of her On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences, but it became quite long. Wants JH's advice on it.

Introduces Signore Capellini, professor of geology at Bologna, to JH in letter. Asks JH to assist him in any way possible.

Thanks JH for criticism of manuscript. Sends revised introductory paragraph. Thanks him for kindness to Signore Capellini. Scientific interest in Italy grows as politics settle.

Thanks him for papers he sent. Has finished her last work. Disappointed that science is often devoted to war and weaponry.

Thanks for correcting proof sheets. Discusses JH's and [William] Grove's views on correlating physical forces. Tends to trust JH's views.

Thanks JH for saving her from publishing a fault-filled book. Describes eruptions of Vesuvius. Agnes [Greig] enjoyed visiting the Herschels. MS wishes she could see them again.

Congratulations on fine Dante translation. Met [John] Tyndall and enjoyed his company. Has made several changes in her book [Molecular and Microscopic Science]. Is 'quite well for her age.'

Congratulations on marriage of JH's daughter [Amelia]. Is writing her autobiography. Interested in solar eclipses, and says more will be known through photography and spectrum analysis.

Has made the changes JH suggested. Autobiography will be published posthumously. Met [Henry W.] Longfellow. Wishes the Herschels would visit because it might improve JH's health.

Sends Christmas greetings to family. Still has her intellect and is staying busy. Thanks Margaret Brodie Herschel for visiting Agnes [Greig].