Some geological samples have been lost on the way to England; JH comments on his ideas of the effect of the earth's hot core on the construction of the earth's crust.
No summary available.
Received JH's letter with pleasure; delayed replying as hoping to comment. Theories have been shown to Charles Lyell, William Whewell, etc. Gives his own comments on JH's theory. Installed Whewell as President of the Geological Society. Pleased JH is to become a subscriber to RM's book, which moves slowly along. Received a collection of fossils from Fernando Po recently.
JH's letter has appeared in print in Charles Babbage's Bridgewater Treatise. Comments on the books of Babbage and William Whewell. C. R. Darwin has read his paper on Coral Reefs. RM is to be General Secretary of the next B.A.A.S. meeting. [William?] Ayrton was elected F.R.S.
Has now received JH's letter of the 5th. John Phillips will give JH the exact terms of the grant from the B.A.A.S. Will call at Slough to see the Herschels on his way to town. Deeply regrets that JH is not interested in the position at Cambridge, but M. J. Johnson will go far.
Regarding tickets for Lady Herschel's gallery. There has been some fracas with Charles Babbage over the distribution of these tickets.
Has read RM's note to the Morning Post correcting error in the report on the dinner [in JH's honor]. Wishes money had not been mentioned in RM's reply. Is grateful for all RM's work in arranging for the dinner.
Explaining why he wrote the letter to the Morning Post. Has heard that JH is about to be offered a baronetcy. Must also ask him about the future Presidency of the B.A.A.S.
Urges JH to attend next Geological Society meeting, meet [Carlo Andrea, Conte de] Pozzo di Borgo, and see RM's new ordnance maps.
Charles Babbage believes that RM prevented Babbage from becoming president of B.A.A.S. Denies this. Hopes JH can keep Babbage 'from overloading the cup of misfortune.'
Writes in great haste, thanking RM on behalf of Lady Herschel for taking 'trouble,' especially for 'Literary Tributes' apparently sent for Lady H's album.
The Silurian System is now at the binders, and he is now relaxing and doing Christmas visiting. Proposes to write to the editor of the Annals of Philosophy giving details of the vase to be presented to JH to mark his Cape sojourn. Can also send the literary effusions to Lady Herschel if she desires them.
Glad to see RM's geological labors on The Silurian System completed.
Has a few pounds surplus from the subscription for JH's vase and wonders if it could be used to supply a plinth for the pedestal. Does JH agree? Perhaps Lady Herschel can supply the wording.
The Bishop of London favors the idea of JH becoming Savilian Professor of Astronomy. What are JH's views on the subject? William Buckland would rejoice.
JH's letter settles the case of the Savilian chair. Gives news of suitable houses for the Herschels that are likely to come up for sale.
Declines RM's request that JH become a candidate for Oxford's Savilian Professorship [see RM's 1839-3-27]. JH plans to move farther from London.
The Times has published an attack on the B.A.A.S. and stated that JH has left the B.A.A.S. Would JH write to the Times to contradict this statement. RM is to continue as General Secretary for a further year. [Note from Herschel to see Times of yesterday (3-3-39).]
Requesting JH to write the next Anniversary address for the meeting of the B.A.A.S. as there is no local person capable of producing one.
Did not vote for RM's friend at the R.S.L. because JH missed the meeting. JH will also miss the next meeting of the Geological Society, as he is returning to Collingwood.