Copy letter, from Sir John Herschel to Earl of Minto, dated at Slough Autograph letter signed by sender. Would like Earl Minto's notice on the proposed aid to the Cape Observatory, of a permanent assistant for that establishement and supply of instruments. Remarks on the importance of the Cape Observatory to 'southern astronomy' and eloquently pleads the case for government support of research in the physical sciences. Discusses the expenditure on science. 5 November 1838