Will forward Astronomische Nachrichten to JH and Astronomical Society. Comments on quality of [Joseph] Fraunhofer's micrometer, which has only the wires illuminated. [C. F.] Gauss uses a theodolite to determine the angle of the telescope.
Receipt and shipment of various papers and letters. Robert Molyneux has not received payment for clock. JH ordered another for L. A. Fallon; it is ready to ship. Clarifies Edward Sabine's remark about pendulums. Hopes to translate JL's Analytical Geometry. JH translated JL's 'empirical formula of refraction.' Believes JL's method of determining latitude without knowing the time is not new. Notes J. W. A. Pfaff's translation of William Herschel's works.
Thanks for letter he received from Smith several years ago; had intended to periodically send Smith specimens of rare plants but could not carry this out to full effect. Feels himself "most deeply [Smith's] debtor", as should "every genuine admirer of British Botany, for the instruction and delight" Smith's works have afforded them over the years. Praises "English Botany" for its diction and beauty of its descriptions. Anxious and hopeful for "English flora".
Sending Lichens through his friend Mr Wigham, some recently collected. Several years ago received collection of Swedish roses from [Olof] Swartz, believes it is similar to one in Smith's possession; thinks the Swedish multiplied the number of their species too much beyond [Joseph] Woods "ingenious and useful paper on roses" for "Linnean Transactions", but nonetheless thinks very few of the enumerated British species are free from doubt on account of their numerous intermediate states. Observations on Swartz' roses: 'Rosa sarmentacea', 'R. swartziana', 'R. sepincola', 'R. dumetorum', 'R. agnestis', 'R. campestris', 'R. collina'.
Observations on the lichens he sent Smith some time ago: 'Lichen griffithii', 'Lecanora aipospila', 'Lecanora badia', 'Lecanora subfusca', 'Urceolaria cinecia', 'Verrucaria laevata', and 'Endocarpon euplocum'. [William] Borrer believes the lichen sent with 'Endocarpon euplocum' in 1811 is 'Pyrenula leucocephala' with sheilds of 'L. pruinatus' Dickson.
Pleased with Smith's work on 'Rubus'; observations on genus and species. Pleased that Smith could elucidate 'Potentilla'; obervations on genus and species. Showed the 'Rubus' proof to [James] Bicheno.
Requesting information of the dispersion of rays in Crown and Flint glass.
Had no report he could offer the Astronomical Society. Outlines the situation in Chile. Hopes to arrange the material on his recent voyages in the form of a book.
Thanks the "highly useful book", which will renew her knowledge of English botany [probably "English Flora"]; she will endeavour to give her protege, Miss Lawton, a taste for botany. Her aspiration after fame grows stronger in "the evening" of her life; determined to "attain celebrity" as a writer.
Approves of the plan for the observatory. Comments on some of the features. Good equatorial is a necessity. Will try to obtain a copy of the plan of the Cambridge Observatory.
JH's theory of colors. Edward Troughton has DB's instrument one-third completed. When will DB want JH's encyclopedia article on 'Variation'?
Sends GA information about indices of refraction in different glasses and in different parts of the spectrum; also recommends the writings of Josef Fraunhofer.
Sends notes on a paper which are to be submitted to James South. Also included [?] are copies of the paper for JH. Attached is a note by JH about the papers of JH's father, William.
His campaign to be elected FLS: first attempt failed after certificate was signed by two FLS and an ALS, Dr Andrew Duneau; postponed trying again until gaining his medical degree, which having done so he was proposed by [Archibald] Menzies. Thanks for Smith's letters; he is soon to sail for Bombay.
Mrs. Babbage, still recuperating, wishes to visit Slough. Recent publication of Charles Babbage's book should excite insurance directors. Paper by Mary Somerville was read at R.S.L. last week. Invitation for MH to visit Somervilles at Chelsea. JH admitted to Geological Society yesterday, presided over by William Buckland. Encloses JH's diploma from Royal Academy of Copenhagen. News of MH's London acquaintances.
On JG's concern for JH's well-being.
Requests answer to JP's earlier letter. Observations of photospheres around planets and satellites.
Has just received his letter and Struve's observations. Comments on these and those of F. W. Bessel.
Has sent money for Robert Molyneux clock care of Friess, the bankers. Is grateful for JH's trouble over the clock. Do not print certain observations he sent as they form the subject of an argument with F. X. von Zach.
Addresses Smith as Chair of the Committee of the Bristol Institution. Aware of Smith's offer to lecture through his letter to Revd M Maurice but forced to decline it as their programme for spring is already full and they would not be able to guarantee proper support for an additional course of lectures. Will communicate with Smith about lecturing in the autumn or next spring.
Concerning calculations for the parallax of Mars.
Description of theory of a telescope, though not practical yet.