Explaining his new theory of the atmospheres of the sun, planets, and stars.
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Explaining his new theory of the atmospheres of the sun, planets, and stars.
Regarding CB's theory of the atmosphere of the sun, planets, and stars.
Congratulates Smith on his knighthood, which his "state of long rustication" had left him ignorant of. Does not agree with rewarding men for personal achievements with hereditary baronetcies, which "should evidently exclude a Richmond Apothecary, & many others". Conveyed [Alexander] Macleay's letter on [William] Travis' [(1771-1851)] case [request to be readmitted to Linnean Society] directly to him to prevent further doubts, having already told him that from the circumstances he had no chance. Questioned his son on his marriage intentions following a letter from Smith.
Does not know 'Chrysanthemum indium'. [James] Lee did not sent the mulberries he requested for pots, he had two on a south wall which bore nothing. His Ribston and Newtown pippins keeping well, as well as his Carlisle codlings raised from cuttings there is no better baking apple.
Complains that a shooting pony he originally paid £10 for has so far cost about £100 in taxes, with an additional £40 should it live another four years.
Just received copy of [William] Roscoe's "Leo X"; thanks Smith for introducing them to each other and praises Roscoe's character. Intends to visit Roscoe at Allerton [Hall, Roscoe's home near Liverpool, Lancashire] this September or October, asks Smith to accompany him. Has given Roscoe four dozen manuscripts to be bound.
Parts 3-5 of his 'Icones'; For. Members of the Institut; news.
Satisfied with what Macleay says of [William] Travis [(1771-1851)] and will communicate it to Sir Thomas Frankland [who solicited Smith for Travis' readmittance to the Linnean Society]. Thinks the Society right in publishing [Edward] Rudge's papers, "as we may be glad of even imperfect information ab[ou]t New Holland plants", especially as there is no hope of the government asking [Robert] Brown to publish his plants properly, though he thinks it "a debt due to the public, who have paid for them".
Thanks Lady Smith for turkey. [Sir William Jackson] Hooker has returned from his travels [a nine month tour of Europe] and has [Alexander von] Humboldt's mosses, believes he also collected some novel 'Cryptogams' whilst climbing in the Alps. Was not aware that Smith intended to keep the Linnaean collections together otherwise would not have encouraged Wilkin to make his [unidentified] proposal. Is hopeful that John Hunt's "British Ornithology" will be a useful acquisition to ornithologists. Thinks that Humboldt has made a mistake in his thoughts on the 'Mauritia' palm due to insufficient specimens. [Robert] Brown curious as to the etymology of 'Mauritia'.