Papers concerning preparations for observing the solar eclipse of 11 December 1871. The volume includes a map of India, with the path of the eclipse; correspondence with the Treasury and H. Merivale; material on preparations for observing the eclipse; and papers on adjustments to instruments. Other correspondents include W. De La Rue; Sir J.F.W. Herschel; J.R. Hind; W. Huggins; W. Lassell; A.S. Herschel; R.L.J. Ellery; Sir J.N. Lockyer; N.R. Pogson, with a photograph of the Moon; G.G. Stokes; and S.J. Perry. There is correspondence with J. Browning and J. Simms on adapting telescopes and various letters on the loan of instruments. There are also some copies of 'Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society' and an Italian paper by G. Lorenzoni with tables and maps.