Continuing to try to resolve the medal problem [see GA's 1847-2-9].

Has written G. B. Airy stating his approval of having JH's statement favoring awarding two R.A.S. medals read. Wants to be fair to U. J. J. Leverrier, and does not want to 'stultify' the existing council. Is enclosing a copy of his note to Airy.

Has written to G. B. Airy requesting that at the R.A.S. meeting, Airy show RS the note JH wrote to him. Announces 'LV's' [U. J. J. Leverrier's] election as an associate of the R.A.S.

Informs JE what would be the cost for transcription of the G. W. Leibniz letter requested by JE [see JH's [1846]-11-5]. Mentions controversy over discovery of Neptune.

Has discovered a flaw in the theory of actinometer observations. Realizes that JH's actinometer observations at the Cape may be useless and that observations made at Government and East India observatories should be suspended.

Expresses opinions about the medal fiasco at the R.A.S., and in so doing, also defends G. B. Airy. JH is very concerned about the mean attacks being made on various people over the Neptune discovery controversy. Makes especially strong statements in a PS written on Feb. 21.

Believes all actinometric measurements made are useless because they did not take into account the rate of expansion of the liquid, which is not constant.

Plans to write John Russell in an effort to secure a pension for Thomas Maclear; asks for R.A.S. and WS's support. Asks WS to obtain some facts relevant to pension request.

Asks WS if possible to enclose a note by Francis Beaufort to John Russell concerning request for pension for Thomas Maclear. Lays aside double star observations; continues work on orbit equation.

In response to a request, JH is not willing to part with any letters from his father, William, but will send one of William Herschel's notes to his sister, Caroline.

Asks WS to take the chair at the next meeting of the R.A.S [probably concerning the Adams-Leverrier dispute].

Notes that actinometer observations prove faulty due to problem with instruments. Asks that WS notify Indian observatories to join others in terminating such observations until JH finds method of getting around problem.

Thanks for sending his book on the Correspondence of James Watt. Hopes to give it the attention it deserves, but meanwhile comments on the water controversy of Henry Cavendish, Joseph Priestley, and James Watt.

George III defrayed all costs (£4000) for William Herschel's 40-feet reflecting telescope. JH began dismantling it in Dec. 1839. Lenses and equipment are in storage. Tube's internal structure of corrugated iron and framework's diagonal bracing were originated by WH.

Proposal of giving medals to both J. C. Adams and U. J. J. Leverrier by William Whewell turned down by R.A.S.

Thanks for AD's paper on probability of arguments and on the syllogism.

Thanks JM for a copy of the Correspondence of the Late J. Watt. In commenting on it, JH discusses at some length the doctrine of phlogiston as it relates to the discovery of the composition of water.

The books are on their way [see GA's 1847-3-30].

Returns WB's proofs. Compliments WB's successes in meteorology. Barometric waves may be caused by something 'complementary' in opposite seasons or hemispheres.

Has signed the certificate, and stated that FG is known to him.