Thanks to [Francis] Ronalds for supply of paper. Comments on ES's discovery about direction of change in earth's magnetism, relating it to sun's and other electric currents. In this light, discusses auroras. Mentions abolishing of R.S.L. scientific committees and possible successor to John Caldecott.

Thanks Mrs. Sabine for translation of third volume of Alexander von Humboldt's Kosmos. Admires its author. Questions references in notes. Discusses meeting for Wintringham Committee.

Mentions cirrus cloud formations foreshadowing aurora. Is unable to attend R.S.L. committee meetings and concerned that 'outlying' members be able to relay opinions through letters.

Cannot attend meeting of grant committee tomorrow. Favors grant to print observations made at Armagh Observatory by T. R. Robinson, but with conditions. Protests any grants to public institutions. Mr. Forbes's proposition is too premature to act on it.

Cannot offer advice regarding geo-magnetism. Suggests ES ask [C. F.] Gauss for assistance.

Remarks on a correction in manual regarding some fluctuation of heating and cooling.

Disagreement with W. H. Sykes over whether to publish observations by General [Cullen?] that Sykes claims have never been reviewed or read [to R.S.L.]. Encloses copy of JH's reply to Sykes.

Stopped compilation of comet orbits because it had already been done. Would provide money from donation fund to distribute copies of this information.

Discusses auroral observation. Will reply to [John] Lefroy's letter soon. Wants grant proposals sent to outlying R.S.L. members for comments. Cannot attend Kew Committee meeting.

Recommends use of photography to prepare records of sunspot activity. Makes suggestions on how this could be done most effectively.

Comments on a proposed grant to publish T. R. Robinson's Armagh observations.

Writing article [for Encyclopaedia Britannica] on meteorology. Asks questions regarding work of [H. W.] Dove and [Thomas?] Taylor regarding cyclone and storm theory. Discusses barometric fluctuation.

Thanks ES for his paper. Sun spot activity should increase in 1857. Discusses his own earlier ideas concerning relationship between sun spots and Aurora Borealis.

Discusses advantages of different magnetic charts. Grateful for [P.] Plantamour's observations. Satisfied with [J. R.] Wolf's period of 11.11 years for solar spots.

Heard ES recommended JH write an article for Edinburgh Review on terrestrial magnetism. Asks what he should read to write this article. Photographs ES sent of sun not promising.

Willing to write article if Quarterly [Review] will publish it, if he may take his time writing, and if ES will provide aid regarding meteorology and magnetism.

Thanks ES for receipt of information about magnetic curves and the work of [A. D.] Bache. JH is glad to hear ES is back to active work again, but JH says he is too ill to go to the B.A.A.S. meeting [in Aberdeen].

[Extract] Learned that JH was appointed by R.S.L. to committee to cooperate with B.A.A.S. to promote continuance of terrestrial magnetism survey. Asks ES to send committee summary of results already obtained and ES's opinion of how best to conduct future observations.

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.

Is glad to sign certificate. Complains about tendency of Alexander von Humboldt, whose volume Mrs. Sabine is translating, to ignore other scientists' work.