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Remarks on teaching and its difficulties. Relates family health and news. Bangor has been an unhealthy community, especially for children. Discusses the death of a Sabbath School teacher. Attends an astronomy lecture by Rev. Woodhull and remarks on [Mary] Gove and her anatomy and physiology lectures. Believes Gove to be "a real Grahamite" and describes the practices she advocates, of which Plummer especially approves of daily bathing. Attends an antislavery sewing society meeting and encourages Margaret to become an abolitionist.

Compliments the fourteen-year-old John on his refined letter, commenting on his education, good parentage, and responsibilities to live virtuously. Notes the impact of children’s behavior on their parents. Describes family members’ trouble with their teeth, including an extraction, and their frequent illnesses. “This intercourse to resort to Drs have not increased my confidence in their skill—on the contrary I have far less faith in them than ever.”

Proof sheet of Treasury Department's notice of distributing standard weights. Includes Ferdinand Hassler's instructions for use of standard weights, 1839. Also includes instructions for use of standard weights for U.S. Custom Houses, dated 1836.

Requesting information about the Hartford "Retreat for the Insane" in response to a member of his church becoming "deranged" in the previous few months. Desires to know more about the resident physician, Dr. Fuller. The woman is the wife of Col. Thaddeus Clapp and the daughter of Mr. James Colt, "families highly esteemed." "Her derangement has been produced by intense and continued anxiety absent her husband who has been for some time quite feeble and depressed in spirits, but is now recovering – still the effect of his solicitude, and watching, and abstinence has been to produce this mental aberration, which daily increases." Asks about the terms and expenses associated with staying at the Retreat, but specifies that this "is of little importance, only that the proper evaluations may be made." Docket by Gallaudet states that there is no room at the Retreat.

Informs Roe of the progress of his son, W. T. H. Roe, in his medical studies at Pennsylvania College. Roe displays respectability and studiousness. Pleased with the college's success. Daguerreotype "on the mode of drawing by light" is drawing attention.

Mitchell’s request has been approved by Yale faculty, seemingly as it related to "Milne's work." Glad Mitchell still has zeal for astronomy, and refers to his article to be included in Silliman's journal. Laments his lack of time to devote to "original investigations" due to his obligations in writing books.

Surprised to learn that Silas Wright (1795-1847) had called Bennett to fill his position in Washington. Is sure Bennett is "doing all you can for the advancement and support, of sound and correct principles, or to make use of a synonym, of the Democratic Republican party." Unable to get in politics due to the demands of his studies, but he is pleased with the physician he is studying under. Encourages Bennett to pursue his studies and profession in New York City. Asks if he saw Fanny Elssler (1810-1884) while in the city. Is courting a woman boarding with the doctor he is studying under. See also George C[rosby] Finch ALS to Hiram Bennett, December 1, 1843.

Acknowledges receipt of “your sample Rose leaves,” and is submitting an order for them as well as Bombay Myrrh. Corrects a recent bill sent to them. Written on “Botanic Medicine Store” printed advertisement. “…for the benefit of Botanic Physicians, as also for the accommodation of Private Families, who are in almost daily use of Roots, Herbs and Barks.” Production of “VEGETABLE MEDICINES” and their collecting “Indigenous Plants from all parts of the United States.” Includes a catalogue of “simples kept on hand,” listing the types of barks, herbs, roots, flowers, and medicinal plants available. Lists available compounds, including Cholera Syrup, Jaundice Bitters, Female Strengthening Syrup, Dysentery Cordial, and others.

Describes eye surgery performed on her at the Medical College of Geneva, New York, where 140 students attended her procedure. Notes the cost, details of the surgery, and recovery. Gives her thoughts on his finding a wife. Comments on William Henry Harrison and Van Buren, and dislikes Whig political maneuvering.

Married Quaker woman discusses her absent husband, botanical studies with William Gibbons, and attendance with a number of female acquaintances at a series of Anatomy and Physiology lectures, which include mannequin dissections. Notes discomfort at the mixed-gender nature of public anatomy lectures and the establishment of an alternative lecture series for women. Justifies her attendance by noting the respectability of the women. Discussion of postage costs and reading materials. [Note: Original located in Quaker Collection]