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Must rearrange date of sitting for HP's preparation of a portrait of JH.
Encourages WS to spend time observing nebulae and double stars, especially the latter, 'since [James] South has given up observing, and [W. R.] Dawes is in habitual ill health.'
Has had no communication with Thomas Phillips regarding JH's portrait and they would approve of JH's choice of H. W. Pickersgill. Will call on Pickersgill when he is in town and arrange size of the portrait.
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In her absence JH has called on her. She would like to see him when convenient to arrange a new trustee for the marriage settlement.
Mentions [James] South's visit to Dorpat. Includes his observations of the past year. Concedes that JH saw Biela's comet first.
Asks JH to review a publication RS was preparing. Comments on James South's claim concerning supposed defects in the telescope made for him by Edward Troughton. Suggests JH intercede with the government to get it to support G. B. Airy's reduction of the Greenwich planetary observations.
Postpones visit of Lady [Margaret] Herschel to CW. Wishes to take CW's Symphonion to Slough. Has made favorable mention of CW's tuning fork experiments in paper on absorption [JH's 'On the Absorption of Light by Coloured Media...'].
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Further regarding the projected portrait of JH by H. W. Pickersgill.
Reports observing curious depositions of ice around the decaying stems of vegetables during frost. Speculates on the possible source.
Family news. Uncle Jos [Josiah Wedgwood II] has been returned to Parliament with a fine majority.
JH reports the birth of his son William James Herschel.
Congratulations on his addition to the family; hopes all are well. Would like JH to meet T. T. Grant, who has a new invention, which may prove of great utility.
Sending the Eloge on G. C. L. D. Cuvier. Plans to write a biographical memoir of Cuvier herself.
Comments on the optical experiments with 'Mr [Thomas] Malthus's eyes.' Reports that Richard Jones has received a professorship at King's College. Mentions WW's intention to investigate tides.
Acknowledges receipt of two letters from CD and a box of specimens.
Mentions attendance at BAAS meeting and a gift to him of a small living near Oxford. Some political news.
Congratulates CD on the work he has done – the specimens are of great interest. Gives advice on packing, labelling, and future collecting and suggests that – as a precaution – CD send home a copy of his notes on the specimens.
H. W. Pickersgill proposed to paint JH's portrait for free, to be given to St. John's College. Now finds JH must pay for picture. Will delay until another artist is chosen.