Sends copy of his "Sylva Britannica" for admission to Linnean Society library; his work on the book.
Wrote letter to clarify ideas, without intentions of publication. Discusses light and spectrum of Thomas Drummond's lamp.
J. J. Littrow's paper in F. X. von Zach's April [Correspondence astronomique, géologique, hydrographique et statistique] is only 'a new hash' of [F. W.] Bessel and no improvement.
Send plan of furnace to TY or Michael Faraday before tomorrow's committee meeting.
Change in the weather; "extraordinary phenomena" of a "yellowish substance" observed on surface of rain water cisterns which on burning proved to be sulphur; Mr Dalton the chemist says it has not been observed since the execution of Charles I and Cromwell's usurpation, as mentioned by Baker, unable to find this in his "Chronicles"; other opinions on the cause, including being swept up from volcanic mountains. Discussion of Norwich election with Bishop of Norwich [Henry Bathurst (1744-1837)]. A grebe taken on a ship's deck; sent to be stuffed. A very bad mackerel voyage, causing the pedlars to make trouble. Dined at the Lockwood's; a picture of Mrs Lockwood's great aunt by Sir Thomas Lawrence.
Received visit from General [Thomas] Hardwicke. Advises Smith not to hurry [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor], though wishes Smith was being painted rather than sculpted. Details of coaches coming to Bury from London in anticipation of Smith's visit.
Comments on the intent of remarks appended to a paper of MF's.
Describes the pendulum experiments he and G. B. Airy are carrying out in Dolcoath Mine.
Kept busy by writing. Works with Teodoro Monticelli. Expects Captain [Richard] Copeland to visit.
His son and family have returned from Paris but daughter-in-law still very ill despite having tried all the celebrated baths on the continent; they plan to leave again in autumn without trying Mahomed's steam baths in Brighton, [Sussex]. Plans to visit Ramsgate, [Kent]. Invites Smith to Bury on his return from London.
Hopes Smith remembers him from their acquaintance of 6 or 7 years ago; he retains "a most grateful impression of the very valuable attentions" Smith showed him. Sends copy of his "Diplomacy of the United States".
Thanks JH for material from AS of London. Mentions 'new comet.' Informs JH of being nominated to the list of foreign members in the American Philosophical Society.
Asks for information, on behalf of JG's father, about a Cambridge man.
Invites Smith to view his collection of plants at Bury Hill.
Tells CD he is recovering from the illness with which he was afflicted when CD visited.
Talks about Josef Fraunhofer's failing health and his making of flint glass.
Reports that an accident destroyed one of the pendulums used by G. B. Airy and WW in their Dolcoath experiments. Obtained some results and believes in the general soundness of the method employed.
Instructions regarding the printing of his paper the 'Figure of the Earth' in the transactions. Details of the disappointing expedition to Falmouth.
Account of his and Charles' [nephew of Smith's] excursion to Sunninghill, [Berkshire, home of Smith's Kindersley cousins]; a violent storm with hail, which they collected for iced water; visited Mr Barclay's grand house, including stoves and botanic gardens; searched in vain for tomb or memorial of his uncle Ireland in Reigate, [Surrey], church, the sexton had known his uncle and knew of the "incestuous anecdote". Everyone praises his improved looks and colour. Looked at carpet patterns; his opinion. Sitting for last time for [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] tomorrow.
[Letter incomplete: folio[s] missing or destroyed, fragment of second folio pasted to end of recto of folio]
Chemical constitution of meteorites. JH suspects lead-iron alloy. Believes this has not been proposed before. Send specimen for JH's analysis.