A Copley Medal was awarded to Gauss for his researches, theoretical and practical, on the subject of terrestrial magnetism. [Sidenote: 1838. _Elected Hon. Member of the R. A. I. S._] MISS HERSCHEL TO SIR J. F. W. HERSCHEL. HANOVER, _Dec. 17, 1838_. MY DEAR NEPHEW,— First and foremost let me dispatch what may be called business. In the first place, I thank you for your kind letter and communication of having so great an honour conferred on me as to be admitted an honorary member of the Royal Irish Academy. I cannot help crying out aloud to myself, every now and then, _What is_ THAT _for_? Next I must beg you to return my thanks in what words you think proper I should express them, and if you will only send me a copy of the diploma, and keep the original along with my other trophies, allowing them perhaps a corner in some such box as that your dear mother had for suchlike things, for I have no other desire but to be remembered by you and Lady H., and your children, for yet awhile.... ... It is a long while since you asked me if I wanted any of my Indexes to Flamsteed’s Catalogue of omitted stars. If there should yet be any left, I could wish to have one or two; for you hinted to me I might leave Baily’s work to the “Archives” here, which I intend to do, and then I should like to give an Index along with it. * * * * * MISS HERSCHEL TO SIR JOHN HERSCHEL. HANOVER, _Jan. 7, 1839_. I see, to my sorrow, that my letter was not come to hand at the time when you directed the parcel with the diploma, which was sent me on the 2nd of January, accompanied by a note from the President, which I beg you will answer for me, and for that purpose transcribe here the same:— OBSERVATORY, DUBLIN, _Dec. 4, 1838_. “MADAM,— “In transmitting to you the accompanying Diploma from the Royal Irish Academy, I wish to be allowed to add, as I thus do, the expression of my own high sense of your services to Astronomy, and of the eminent degree in which you have deserved the present testimonial. “I have the honour to be, Madam, &c., &c., “WILLIAM ROWAN HAMILTON, “P.R.I.A.” [Sidenote: 1839. _Life in Hanover._] MISS HERSCHEL TO SIR JOHN HERSCHEL. HANOVER, _Dec. 1, 1839_. DEAR NEPHEW,— Do not you think I have been very good to let the most dismal month in the year pass without troubling you for accounts of the progress my dear niece is making in her recovery?