JH will hear in due course of the resignation of Mr. Young, the Medical Officer for Hawkhurst. Thinks something must be done quickly to improve matters.

JDH’s grandfather’s death.

Collecting testimonials for the Edinburgh chair.

Encloses signed receipt for promissory note for £150 from John Murray. Hopes to have pleasure of meeting him soon. Is particularly obliged for promise of information on success of volume.

Received his note this morning, the first tidings he had heard of the matter. Gives his own opinion of the matter. Would have liked to have conferred with him. His neighbors are away so has been unable to consult them.

Chair of Botany at Edinburgh is now vacant and Joseph Hooker intends applying for it. Would be grateful if JH would supply a testimonial for Hooker. There is only one other candidate for the position.

"All about household and money matters." The family is now living on about £1000 per annum. Plans a new walk and additions to the house.

Consulting with [Adolphe] Quetelet regarding some magnetic instruments. Discusses reply of Treasury regarding various endeavors. Discusses shipping charges on Russian materials.

Is sending JH some powder that HP thinks might be a good compound for polishing telescope specula.

Condolences on JDH’s grandfather’s death.

When his wife can move, they will go to Staffordshire.

Returns some books; would like to see copy of Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt]. Would be proud owner of JDH’s work [Flora Antarctica (1844–7)].

The most experienced botanists argue for the "validity of species in nature". Against taxonomic "splitters".

CD’s Cape Tres Montes plants.

Was at Hawkhurst for a few days but was unable to call on JH. Further regarding the case of the Medical Officer for Hawkhurst, Mr. Young.

Thanks for inspecting WS's [manuscript] and noting errors. Computations by Mr. Hinde [J. R. Hind?] from observations of Gamma Virginis by WS.

Going to Shrewsbury on Monday.

Means to attempt the question of species: "though I shall get more kicks than half-pennies, I will, life serving, attempt my work".

Sends a copy of an ephemeris of Biela's comet for November and December.

Sending one of his own books for the R.A.S. and one of his memoirs, also one for JH. Is lacking part of his set of the Memoirs of the Astronomical Society.

Thanks for Journal of researches.

Puzzled over pea flower from Cape Tres Montes.

Thinks species a fair and most profitable subject for discussion, but has no formed opinion of his own.

Thanks RS for the engraving [of JH's portrait?]. Who should receive copies? Suggests that the 'Knight of C. Hill' [Sir James South and his Campden Hill Observatory] 'is not worth your powder.'

Kosmos [by Alexander von Humboldt] has arrived safely.

CD acknowledges his presumption in speculating on variation without having worked out his due share of species, but "for nine years it has been anyhow the greatest amusement to me".

Is not clear what the statement from Robert Peel means [see JH's 1845-9-29 or earlier].

At WH's request [see WH's 1845-8-27], JH writes in support of WH's son, Joseph D. Hooker, as a candidate for the chair of botany at Edinburgh University.