A large numbers of letters and circulars regarding observations of the known minor planets and those newly discovered, including correspondence with the French astronomers U.J.J. Le Verrier, M. Loewy and A. Gaillot. The material on the minor planets includes the division of labour regarding observations of the asteroids and speculation on the existence of a planet between Mercury and Venus. The second part of the volume is devoted to comets, listing observations, ephemerides and circulars for comets such as Beila's, Fayé's, Encke's and De Vico's. There are requests for data, including T.E.V. Oppolzer for star charts, and a number of hypotheses as to the physical properties of comets. The volume also includes part of a scientific periodical on the history of comets, 1528-1699; archaeological discoveries; and other ephemera.