JH's improved health would allow him, if asked, to chair the Chemical Section at the B.A.A.S meeting. Notes that JH, G. B. Airy, William Whewell, and George Peacock have been appointed to a committee to cooperate with the B.A.A.S. committee dealing with the continuation of terrestrial magnetism observations.
Dined yesterday in company with David Livingstone who would like to visit JH at Collingwood. Has been much impressed with Livingstone.
Queries on what meridian the year began. Returned a book to the R.S.L., which had been away for many years. Believes the R.S.L. Library was expurgated between 1734 and 1740.
Further regarding the meridian on which the year began and various times throughout the world.
Regrets he will be unable to visit JH. Had a great desire to see him after the success of JH's suggestions for his last expedition.
Would like a copy of his 'Peep into Other Worlds' as he has written a similar pamphlet. Has a pamphlet for JH about the philosophy of playthings and future life. Has been trying to obtain J. P. Espy's work on circular storms without success; does he know of a copy?
Has read JH's article 'with great pleasure.'
Is grateful for the encouragement he has given L. W. Me[e]ch. This Institution is endeavoring to collect information on the climate of North America and he is entering the field of meteorology for the first time. Sends some papers and would be glad of his comments.
Is glad to sign certificate. Complains about tendency of Alexander von Humboldt, whose volume Mrs. Sabine is translating, to ignore other scientists' work.
Requesting clarification of nature of work of joint committee of R.S.L. and B.A.A.S.
Discusses ellipticity and results of [G. B.] Airy and [F. W.] Bessel. Also, [Alexander von] Humboldt's magnetic results.
Announces that the R.A.S. will print a map showing the path of the 15 Mar. 1858 eclipse.
No summary available.
Lists facts from various astronomical catalogues, such as the number of fixed, double, and binary stars. Discusses parallax. Thanks her for second edition of Physical Geography.
Finds no inaccuracies in statement made to TA about Hollier's trust fund. Knows of no incumbrances on reversionary interests of W. H. B. Hollier.
Calls attention to vol. 3 of Toronto observations, where Edward Sabine, [T. R.] Robinson, and HL expressed their views on continuing magnetic observations. Emphasizes importance of discovering physical and mathematical laws that govern magnetic phenomena. Sufficient data already exist for this. Recommends continuing hourly observations for five more years at seven foreign observatories (listed). [JH note: Routing slip to B.A.A.S. committee, instructing each member to read and forward HL's recommendations.]
Riddles, Latin nursery rhymes, and an eclipse description.
'Making perhaps my last attack' on Gamma Virginis. Night air is increasingly detrimental to health.
Wishes to put WS's final version of Gamma Virginis orbit in new edition of his catalogue. Asks questions about Mediterranean.
About possible changes in the second edition of JH's Outlines Astr. due to the writings of another astronomer, Ignatio Porro.