If FB will send him his paper on the eclipse, he will write his report. Regarding the publication of information received from various members. Duties of the Foreign Secretary.
If FB will send him his paper on the eclipse, he will write his report. Regarding the publication of information received from various members. Duties of the Foreign Secretary.
Sends packet by Mr. Sellique containing report of Astronomical Society council and James South's corrections for June to Dec. 1821.
Sends first report of Astronomical Society council and James South's corrections for June to Dec. 1821.
Wishes JR to secure for the syndics of Cambridge University Observatory a copy of JR's plan for a Cape Observatory.
Sends first annual report of the Astronomical Society and will be sending one of JH's papers ['On the Aberrations of Compound Lenses and Object-glasses,' RSPT (1821), 222-67], which JH summarizes.
A dinner with Correa, [Robert] Brown, [Charles] Konig, and Hare; Mr Forster thinks Correa's mental powers are failing. Correa's opinion of America. Walked to [Stoke] Newington and visited the Aikins, Mrs Barbauld, Mrs Lee, and Revd Mr Bransby. Unable to see [Nathaniel] Kindersley [Smith's cousin] before he goes to India. Visited Loddiges [plant nursery] where they have raised hundreds of 'Rhododendrum arboreum' from his seeds. His future activities. Has not heard anything yet about their journey to Southampton._x000D_
[Explanatory notes in pencil, by another hand, on first folio]_x000D_
[Letter incomplete: folio[s] presumed destroyed]
Account of Linnean Society anniversary meeting: 72 at the dinner, greatest number yet; lists attendees; details of his speech. Is to visit Lady Ramsay on the Isle of Wight with Harriet. There were 20 subscribers above the 120 wanted for Sir Joseph Banks' bust by [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor]. New Linnean Society house [in Soho Square] costs less than the old one [in Gerard Street]. His first [Royal Institution] lecture on 28 May and second on 31 May. Suffered a headache, now cleared. Prince Leopold did not attend [Linnean Society meeting] or send an answer, which they wonder at.
Sends a piece of Arabic poetry for Lady Smith. Eulogises on the "pleasing associations" made by encounters with friends in the "noise and bustle" of London.
Thanks for plants and copy of "Selection of the correspondence of Linnaeus"; his admiration of [Peter] Collinson [(1694-1768)] and [John] Ellis [(1710-1776)] from reading their letters. Extremely cold spring. Joy at wild specimen of '[Hedysarum] gyrans' and majestic fruit of the "Dalichos". Will forward [David] Hosack's parcel to Smith.
Sends specimen of 'Tulipa sylvestris'; the bulbs were taken from an island in the Derwent, near Derby; cultivation details. Sorry to miss opportunity of meeting Lady [Pleasance] Smith.
Apologises for delay in informing Smith of state of the subscription to purchase an annuity for [William] Roscoe; Smith's £50 transferred to the fund; about £3,000 already subscribed, exclusive of [Thomas William] Coke's £100 per annum. Roscoe appears pleased "at the manner in which this mark of the esteem and regards of his friends has been brought about". Roscoe has made himself unwell through overwork on several literary pursuits. The Martin family all well [Smith's sister and family].
Thanks for letter of 22 March and specimens, although latter have not yet arrived.
Following Smith's statement that he would not object to the Linnean Society paying attention to the fungi, suggests that members be invited to bring drawings to the first autumn meeting.
Saw Mr Longman on his return through London yesterday, who expressed "great pleasure" in publishing the "Correspondence", and regretted that his house had formerly declined taking on the work. Offers his interest in this edition to Nichols for £100 and 150 copies, as it is the kind of book to make presents and exchanges with.
[Draft of Nichols' reply:] Declines Smith's offer.
Satisfied with arrangements for publication, and leaves arrangements with Longman to Nichols. Returns proof of index.