Received Smith's letter of 23 [August 1786]. All were anxious for Smith's health, particularly Dr [Samuel] Goodenough, who is now out of London on a natural history excursion with [William] Curtis. They have been unable to see Sir Joseph Banks. Pleased by Smith's zeal for the "new Society" [Linnean Society]; fears [William] Jones will not become a member; [William] Forsyth [(1737-1804)] happier to "weed the old rather than plant a new garden" [in reference to Society for Promotion of Natural History]; soon expects that Society to fold considering the lack of papers or specimens received recently. Promises to send Smith any insect duplicates he does not first send to [Nils Samuel] Swederus [(1751-1833), Swedish naturalist], who has complained of the collections at Paris.

Received Smith's letter of 8 [September 1786]. Recovering from a sprained ankle. Gratified by Smith's attention to "the New Society" [Linnean Society], but wishes to continue in the old Society [Society for the Promotion of Natural History] until at least their Anniversary meeting, as he is one of the Presidents until that time; will ensure Smith is not elected one. Unable to see Sir Joseph Banks until November.

Pleased to hear of Smith's intended trip to Italy; laments the loss of his Latin and inability to speak French, hopes to rectify this one day. Received samples of [Thomas] Martyn's projected work on insects ["The English entomologist" (1792)], on which he has offered his assistance; as Martyn is not an entomologist and will not be describing insects it will not affect his own projected work ["Entomologia Britannica" (1802)]. Requests a good print of Linnaeus. Requests any new edition of [Giovanni] Scopoli's work. Would like to see Smith's interview with [Lazzaro] Spallanzani's [(1729-1799), natural historian] following publication of his treatise [Smith's translation of Linnaeus' "A dissertation on the sexes of plantson dispute" (1786)]. Death of [Henry] Smeathman [(1742-1786), explorer and entomologist] of a putrid fever. Requests specimens of English 'Lepidoptera'.