A book devoted to the total solar eclipse of 28 July 1851, comprised mainly of correspondence on preparations and issuing instructions to professional and amateur astronomers. The correspondence includes letters to J. Challis, E.J. Cooper, J.F. Encke, H. Fox-Talbot, H.A.E.A. Fayé, J.D. Forbes, J.F.W. Herschel, W. Lassell, Sir J.W. Lubbock, R. Stephenson, H.U. Addington and Lord H.E. Stanley of Alderley. There are a considerable number of requests from many amateur astronomers.

The volume also contains printed papers, including works by Dr von Felitzsch, with drawings and a spectrum; writing by R.C. Carrington, with a colour print; writing by J.J. von Littrow, with a map; an annotated drawing by W.J.W. Lowry; writing by C.A.F. Peterson, with a map and description; writing by P.A. Secchi; writing by C.P. Smyth, in 'The Scotsman'; writing by J.R. Hind, in 'The Times'; writing by O. Struve, with prints and sketches; and a copy of 'The Boston Daily Advertiser' for 28 March 1851. There are a considerable number of instructions to Airy's assistants and those taking observations elsewhere, giving longitudes of the stations. There are also the calculations for the observations taken, and two posters and a plan for the S.S. 'Courier'.