Regrets SC’s increasing deafness, but advises that aurists are humbugs.

Tells of illnesses in family and his own poor health. "I never know 24 hours comfort."

Thanks HS for sending [see HS's 1859-1-10] HS's Essays and his 'Recent Astronomy and the Nebular Hypothesis.' Regarding the latter, points out a geometrical error, expresses reservations about HS's and Auguste Comte's views of the nebular hypothesis, and argues against HS's theory of sunspot structure. Agrees with HS's idea that some nebulae may be nearer than commonly thought.