No summary available.

Thanks JH and Charles Babbage for their paper on the magnetic experiments. Asks to have 20 extra copies of the paper on the rocket experiments made when it is printed. Speaks of travel expenses. Mentions [T. F.] Colby's opinions regarding the Spitzbergen measurements.

Encloses an outline of JH's paper on iron [? 'On the Separation of Iron from Other Metals,' RSPT (1821), 293-9].

Thanks HO for JH's election to the Royal Academy of Copenhagen. Comments on some chemical and magnetical experiments.

Errors in equinoctial time calculated by John Pond. Suggests limiting decimal places in value of equinoctial time to reflect this uncertainty. Making error uniform will make it awkward to alter future almanacs.

Resolved puzzle about sidereal year, which needs better definition. Error between true and nominal positions prevents TY adopting 'equinoctial time' for chronology investigations.

Comments on several experiments with spectra passing through glass films.

Asks JH about Dr. Balfour's account in Asiatic Researches about lunar effects on humans in India.

Comments on use of muriate of lime on plants. Also on existence of unexplained bands on film and on presence of red light beyond normal spectrum with light originating from certain sources.

Responds to receipt of sample impression of GP's memoir [see GP's 1825-12-3]. Comments on printing and paying arrangements, and to whom copies are to be sent. Comments on value of using an equatorial telescope as opposed to a meridian circle. [Some parts of the letter are illegible.]

Is making arrangements to meet with TH in London.

Writes to correct error JH identified in GP's memoir [see GP's 1826-1-18]. Also asks to have two additional passages added to improve memoir. Intends to come to England next winter. Is including a list of corrections for the memoir [list is missing].

Questions and comments regarding improvements in microscopy.

Discusses nebulae. Begs JH not to overwork himself. Hopes to live long enough to see JH marry; advises JH that if he can marry a 'good-natured, handsome, and sensible young lady, pray think of it, and do not wait till you are old and cross.'

Encloses a copy of a letter from the astronomer [George] Fisher, who strongly supports the practicability of work in Spitzbergen. Says the letter will be presented to the Council for its consideration in hopes that a special committee will be appointed. Urges JH to show the members the copy.

[Responding to WT's 1826-2-7], JH thanks WT for materials sent, makes suggestions regarding WT's upcoming trip to Geneva, and asks WT to deliver a book to [Alfred] Gautier.

Of JG's journey north and the woman who nursed him back to health [letter completed 1826-2-16 at Wandsworth].

Claims 'it never entered [his] head' that an appointed committee would be influenced solely by the need to defend its decisions. Restates his opinion that the subject should be properly considered.

Denies any knowledge of a R.S.L. Council meeting. Trusts the council will make its decisions based on public duty and science, not on the fact that the decision must be defended in later discussions. Has passed [George] Fisher's letter on to members as ES requested.

About JG's fatigue on his return home.