Sending specimens of several lichens and rare mosses.
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The Linnean Society of London Collection
The scientific and personal correspondence of James Edward Smith (1759-1828), purchaser of the collections of Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) and founder of the Linnean Society of London in 1788, was presented to the Linnean Society between 1857 and 1872 by his widow Pleasance Smith (1773-1877). Since then, it has been complemented by additional series. The collection was catalogued, conserved, and digitised from 2010 to 2013, thanks to the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Letters can be searched through Ɛpsilon, with links to images and summaries available on the Linnean Society’s Online Collections (http://linnean-online.org/smith_correspondence.html).
Sending specimens of several lichens and rare mosses.
Thanks for Smith's letter of 5 August [1801]. Classifying Linnaeus' lichens on new arrangement based on their fruits, for a new work; details of plan; requests lichen names from Smith. Sending Smith parcel of lichens via [Olof] Swartz; catalogue at end of letter [extant]. He has been expeanding his own herbarium, which now contains 7,000 species; requests Australasian and Pacific island plants from Smith; he has specimens of palms, American ferns, 'Epidendrum', and South American specimens. Asks Smith's opinion of Linnaeus' 'Byssum incanum', 'B. laceteum', 'B. antiquitatis', 'B. saxatilem', 'Lichen lacteum', and 'L. rupicolens'.
Catalogue of lichens, 2pp.
Still awaiting receipt of Australasian lichens and plants sent by Smith. Thanks for Smith's letter of 28 December 1801 and information on lichens. Publication of his new lichen work delayed until 1803. Sent Smith specimens via [Olof] Swartz. Concerned to hear of dangerous affliction to Smith's eyes.
List of lichens, 2pp.
Sending copy of his book ["Methodus qua omnes detectos lichenes secundum" (1803)]. Understands Smith has not yet received specimens he sent via [Olof] Swartz. Requests copies of "Linnean Transactions". Will send lichen specimens, illustrations, and descriptions to Linnean Society.
Specimen attached, labelled in Smith's hand "'Conferva fodinar[...]' 'Conferva brownii?' Dillw.".
Apologises for delay in sending this letter. Thanks for Australian lichens and volume three of "Flora Britannica". Responds to plant observations in Smith's letter with his own. Notes on classification method in "Annals of Botany" and new classification method for lichens. His lichen collection for Linnean Society contains 500 species, hopes to send it next year. Requests first two volumes of "Flora Britannica" and further Australian plants, including 'Banksia', 'Smithia', 'Musa', 'Heliconia', 'Phormia', 'Forstera', ferns and tree ferns. Details of "History of Swedish Lichens", now being published. Awaiting lichens from [Dawson Turner]. Has not followed up proposal that he be made FMLS.
Note [in Smith's hand] labelled "To Achar[iu]s", listing several plants, including: 'Solanum stelligerum', 'Eriocalia major', 'E. minor', 'Bladfordia nobilis', 'Banksia integrifolia' flower and leaves, 'B. spinulosa' leaves, 'Cyathea auborea', 'Danaea nodosa', and 'Westringia rosmariniformis'.
Has not received the plants Smith mentioned in his last letter. Has sent the requested 'Lichen' specimens, did not want to send them before completing his "Lichenographia universalis", now printing; collection now contains almost 900 specimens, will send more as occasion arises. [Heinrich] Schrader thinks the new lichen work "definitive". Also enclosing letter and parcel for Dawson Turner.