Encloses some comments of Archibald Smith about C. F. Gauss's General Theory. Believes Smith plans to go on an expedition. Mentions two new magnetometers, the building of a Cape observatory, and the recommendation to the Parliament of Holland to build an observatory.

R.S.L. will deviate from its intellectual purpose whenever it meddles in practical observations. Proper role for R.S.L. is to suggest goals and methods and to reward discoveries. Recommends discontinuing meteorological observations at Somerset House; other stations now provide better data. If R.S.L. insists on establishing a meteorological register, JH suggests one like that of J. F. Daniell.

Is grateful for his paper on the solar spectrum. Hopes he will continue his experiments with light so that posterity may benefit, as would have been the case if Smithson Tennant had persisted with his efforts. Regarding some of the geological theories of the times. Hopes JH will come and stay with them. R. I. Murchison is on the continent.