Suggests reasons for doubting the distribution of bright stars that RP had reported. Responds to RP's query concerning a statement in Outlines Ast. Encourages RP's hypothesizing on star distribution.

Asks AD's advice on an application JH received the previous day. Comments on JH's health.

Comments on ability of eye to adapt to prismatic glass in corrective spectacles for double vision [see JH's 1869-10-31]. Heard of bad health of DS and John [Stewart]. JH is fighting bronchitis.

Thanks WH for materials WH sent, including information about scientific activity in Vienna and papers on meteorites. Recounts some of the history of the Analytical Society. Discusses meteorites and also Homeric references to iron.

Thanks for his pamphlet on 'Trade Unions and the Cost of Labour.' Comments on this.

Examples from Iliad and other sources to show that military offensive tactic called 'Vertical Fire' did not originate with [L. N. M.] Carnot, as Mr. Mallet claimed in recent issue of Budget.

No permanent optical solution to DS's double vision. Remarks on description by DS's son of cavalry duty in Ireland and Canada.

Inquires about other sunspot observations made by JH.

Asks whether WS has photographs of the sun for 21 and 22 April. Notes how curious sunspot activity has been. Doubts that such is reconcilable with the notion of 'meteoric in-falls.'

Writes to compare notes on sunspot observations.

Comments on the effect of great temperature variations on the speculum of a telescope.

ES has been forwarded letter explaining why 'great telescope' at Melbourne will not work and suggesting construction corrections, on which JH, who believes such 'a priori condemnation' unjustified, comments herein.

Is returning March heliographs. Discusses the appearance of the spots. Has not received the April heliographs.