Discusses the construction of JR's telescope. Mentions a number of material changes that must be made if it is to be used for sweeping [see JR's 1826-9-30].
Looked for JS to talk with him about the secretaryship of the R.S.L., specifically discussing Charles Babbage's position. JH would prefer to have JS nominate Babbage.
Tells CB that everyone is anxious to have CB allow his name to stand for the Secretaryship of the R.S.L. JH lists many names of people who have all said they would vote for CB.
[Addition to Mary Baldwin's letter.] Health of JH's uncle. Travels through volcanic country of Vivarais. Asks CH to purchase for JH 10 copies of the first volume of William Herschel's works, recently translated into German. Sent to CH six copies of JH's 'Account of a Series of Observations Made with a 20-feet Reflecting Telescope' (1826) via Mr. Golterman, and six copies of JH's 'On the Parallax of the Fixed Stars' (1826) via Capt. Müller. James South received Copley Medal this year. Asks about comet near sun on 18 Nov.
Comments on a paper on achromatic eyeglasses submitted by GA to the R.S.L.; also on a paper of William Whewell's on the operation of a pendulum.
Is not able to accede to HD's suggestion that JH interview J. G. Children. JH now feels that given HD's views, JH must withdraw Charles Babbage's name from nomination for secretary of the R.S.L.
Urges JS not to insist on a minor point of dispute about the title of a prospective member. JH feels it is inappropriate and will simply reflect against Charles Babbage, who proposed this person for membership.
In describing the way in which J. G. Children was elected to the secretaryship, JH says 'the matter was irregularly brought by the President before a meeting of eight or nine persons whom he chose to call a council' to meet for a few minutes 'to transmit some business connected with the Treasurer's accounts.' JH feels Humphry Davy's actions will not be excused even by Davy's best friends.
On 23 Nov. in the evening, at what JH calls an irregular meeting of the R.S.L., J. G. Children was elected Secretary, to serve with JH, who had been secretary for some years. JH urges that the R.S.L. and its members must now rise beyond this shabbiness and move ahead.
Dr. [William] French withdrew candidacy for Lucasian Professorship. JH again attests to Charles Babbage's qualifications for that position, which includes seat on Board of Longitude.