JH plans to explore volcanic districts of Auvergne and Vivarais, then along Rhine to Bonne and Andermatte. Has cancelled plan to cross to Staffa [Scotland] and explore there.
Journey from London and French countryside. Towns and Paris are vastly improved since 1801 visit. Charles Babbage and wife are in Paris. Received letters of introduction from Georges Cuvier, J. N. Nicollet, and J. P. Delessert for JH's expedition to Auvergne. Alexis Bouvard is recovering from fall. Georgianna Babbage has recovered and promised to write to MPH. [Letter continued 4 Sept. in Moulins:] Traveled more than 100 miles today. [Letter continued 5 Sept. in Clermont-Ferrand:] Massive flooding in Riom. Impressive view of volcanoes. [Letter continued 6 Sept.:] Will ascend Puy de Dôme today with two companions.
May choose one of each of the new specimens of Boracite crystals; the remainder send to C. D. E. König at the British Museum, together with the enclosed letter. Is now recovering from his sickness.
Comments on articles recently published on microscopy.
Has received the gift of books for which he is grateful. They have been placed in the library.
Two unwanted companions caused JH to waste two days in Clermont-Ferrand. Describes volcanoes and high winds on peaks. Actinometer experiments on Puy de Dôme. Hunting fossil bones of extinct animals.
About the weather and people in Hastings.
Disappointed by trip to Ramsgate, [Kent], and only stayed fourteen days; also visited Dover, [Kent], but too old to climb hills for 'Brassica oleracea'. Dr [Pelham] Warren [(1778-1835)] prescribed for Lady Cullum two grains of James's powder and two of rhubarb taken nightly, and neutral saline draughts. Attended Horticultural Society meeting; few in attendance but pines, grasses, peaches, and cherries dealt out. Called on a busy [Robert] Brown in Soho Square. Accusations against [Richard] Salisbury in the newspapers; he is to appear at the Old Bailey though Cullum imagines he will flee to Italy where his charges are "scarce reckoned any crime", informed he has resigned membership of Linnean, Royal, and Horticultural Societies. Thanks for plants of 'Lathyrus grandiflorus'. Comments on produce and prices at Covent Garden market produce, including gourds, Siberian crabs, elder berries, walnuts, and sloes; recalls when he importuned [James] Dickson to give an account of everything sold in the market with their names, uses, and prices.
No summary available.
Studying the volcanoes of Auvergne; hopes to use his newly-created actinometer at the Puy de Dôme.
Describes region around St. Flour, where servant James Child was seriously ill for two days. Low opinion of French physicians. Journey to Montpellier.
Thanks WT for bringing to JH Josef Fraunhofer's publications and Franz Gruithuisen's plates. Recounts JH's geologizing in France and JH's efforts to measure solar radiation.
Tour delayed at least one week. Clouds have restricted JH's actinometer experiments on mountains. Describes active volcano and vineyards near Agde. Ancient ruins in Nismes [Nîmes].
Acknowledging the letter informing him of his election to the R.S.L.; unable to attend on 9 Nov. but will attend at the first opportunity after that date.
Geological remarks on the surrounding area and excursions made.
In Brighton for a change of air as the gout in his knees and suppression of urine prevented him from returning to Rose Castle, [Carlisle], recovered a little after treatment from [William George] Maton and [Thomas] Copeland [(1781-1855), surgeon]. Has not attended any of his Societies and has no news since the death of Sir [Thomas] Stamford Raffles [(1781-1826), founder of Singapore]. Presumes the "S" in Smith's letter refers to [Richard] Salisbury. Admires Smith's "English Flora" and especially the work on the umbelliferae.
Pleased that JH supports CH's plans for her will. Worries about JH's safety at Puy de Dôme.
Describes the lectures at medical school in London.
Is sending JH some of GP's work, some of it to be forwarded. Refers to a note by GP in some of F. X. von Zach's writings, which GP would like to have added to his memoir being published by the Astronomical Society. GP comments on the status of some of his own astronomical projects.
Discusses construction of his 20-foot reflecting telescope, which he modeled after the 40-foot reflector at Slough. Discusses differences of gallery and asks for advice.