[Jones, 4 pp] Observations on figures of 'Papilio' of Linnaeus and Fabricius, in case Smith attempts a new edition of "Systema Naturae".
[Smith, 6 pp] notes on drawings of various 'Papilio' and 'Phalaena' species.
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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).
[Jones, 4 pp] Observations on figures of 'Papilio' of Linnaeus and Fabricius, in case Smith attempts a new edition of "Systema Naturae".
[Smith, 6 pp] notes on drawings of various 'Papilio' and 'Phalaena' species.
Encloses copy of rules [of the Linnean Society], as settled at Smith's house; most members agree. Asks Smith for names of other possible members, including [William] Hudson, [John] Lightfoot, and [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert.
Asks Smith to determine arrangements for Linnean Society dinner and meeting. His opinion of prospective members, including: [John] Lightfoot, Macie, and Forsyth. [John] Latham joined immediately, and Dr John Sims has also joined.
Requests to borrow the first volume of Smith's "the Lives of the Poets" to use as an example to her youngest son.
Shall call on Smith on the first "fair Friday", otherwise invites Smith to visit him.
Various subjects.
"Sherardia foetida".
This letter is from two correspondents.
[L'Abbé de Ramatuelle writes:] Is studying trees of Europe; asks Smith to send boughs of all species of Engish trees packed in moss; other demands.
[D'Autie writes:] confirms the Abbé's requisitions.
Thanks Smith for executing business commissions in London and gives instructions for further arrangements with Mr Elmesly, bookseller. Believes that it is only through Smith that the public can expect a good reprinting of the "Systema Vegatabilium". Requests "American seeds", will send seeds from the Alps in return.
Sends 'Carex halleriana', 'Rosa alpina', and a new species of 'Origanum' for Smith's opinion. Concerned at Smith's impending absence and shall look upon it as a year's loss to "our infant [Linnean] Society". Hopes Smith will give [Thomas] Marsham his opinion of best way in making the Society known in a "proper and respectable manner". Recommends preparing the papers already submitted so that it may be known how earnest they are to communicate findings; acquire drawings of plants and insects for which no good picture exists; to publish new new and dubious species such as 'Astragalus arenarius', 'Athamanta oreoselinum'; indexes to old botanical books; and partial floras. Requests to borrow [Richard] Brown's "Prosodia Pharmacopceorum" for a few days.