Confident success of Smith's studies, acquaintances, and friendship with Dr [John] Hope will prevent him from being led astray by "bounders" or the "blandishments of beauty". In terms of medicine he is a "Brownist" and believes in keeping the body "braced" by cold immersions to keep it in health. Warns Smith to be wary of "strict friendships". News of Smith's brothers Richard and Francis. Decided not to re-let the College Farm at end of present lease on account of sadness of Smith being absent from the place he used to cultivate and botanise. Norwich news, including Mrs Patterson. Smith's sister, Esther, has been violently ill with a fever but now slowly recovering. Politics: news of election for sheriff, despair at state of the country. Admires the Scottish for their "zeal for the Protestant Religion" but thinks two sermons at a time "rather too much".

Received Smith's letter [of 31 December 1781]. Presumes Smith is developing his own "manners & carriage" from association with the genteel of Edinburgh. Congratulates Smith on his acquitting himself so well in dancing; they are relieved to hear he is not exhausting himself with study. Glad of Smith's acquaintance with [John Henry] Engelhart and that his other acquaintance [Lubbock] has improved. Norwich news, including recovery of health of Smith's sisters, Esther and Fanny.

Account of his journey occasioned by Tolson's "infamous conduct" [Tolson was apparently James Smith's journeyman]; difficulties of trade. Responds to Smith's letters of 22 January [1782] and 12 February [1782]. Amusements are part of Smith's education. Pleased by Smith's enquiries of his grandfather's last illness; opinions. Mr Matineau recommends Smith become a member of the Medical Society. Usefulness of Latin to compliment Smith's French and Italian.

List of plants he considers not generally known, offers to send any specimens: 'Epilobium [densum]', 'E. spicatum', 'Ononis spinosa', 'O. arvensis', 'Iris', 'Tormentilla media', 'Veronica decumbens', and 'V. praecox'.

Read of heavy snow round Norwich, [Norfolk], they have had scarcely any. Will be as economical as possible his with expenses, though felt much anxiety on finding they will come to much more than first expected. Attendance at balls and frequent dancing. Reported that Edinburgh people are very proud and despise the students, though he has not experienced this himself. Shall endeavour to join the Medical Society and has already attended and spoken twice, hopes his father thinks he has got rid of some of his bashfulness; they are "wonderfully ignorant" of natural history. Dr Home's lectures on Antimony; discussion of composition and application of James's Powder, particularly with regard fevers.

Their letters generally take 5 days travelling. No longer anxious about his expenses following his father's words. Resolved to learn Pharmacy in Edinburgh in the summer and go to London in the winter of 1784, before graduating at Edinburgh. Hopes for better times with change of Ministry; Mrs Beveridge [his landlady] "furious" in her attachment to the old Ministry. Most backward spring in Edinburgh known to memory. Death of Mr Patterson, head of the Medical, Physical, and Speculative Societies.

He and 4 or 5 friends have lately formed a society for the study of natural history, for which Dr Walker, the new professor, offered his museum for them to meet in. Dr [John] Hope an honorary member and 7 other young men have since joined, and the Earls of Glasgow and Ancram, and Lord Dare, have all petitioned to join; particulars of the society. Dr Walker told him he has studied more natural history than anybody he before met with in Scotland. His acquaintance with Dr Hutton; his character; he is an excellent mineralogist. Does not intend to study mineralogy any more than absolutely necessary, contenting himself with strict line of his profession and the "first two kingdoms of nature by way of relaxation"; benefits his small knowledge of this has already brought him. His acquaintances, particularly intimate with [William] Thomson [(c 1760-1806), mineralogist and physician] and [Robert] Batty; their characters. Sorrow at departing of friends.

Disappointed by his father's not coming to Edinburgh but has resolved to meet him in Yorkshire instead, in company of Dr Broussonet, who knows Sir Joseph Banks and will introduce him to Mr Yeates of London, resident in Carlisle, and will visit [Robert] Batty in Westmorland. Shall only miss a few of Dr [John] Hope's lectures, which "signify little" to him.

Account of his journey from Carlisle, [Cumberland], to Edinburgh, via Moffat, where there is a "sulphureous spring much resorted to". His return met with great congratulations. Dr [John] Hope did not publish his competition [for best Scottish herbarium] in his class, only in their Natural History Society, which he thinks an oversight, Hope thinks Smith will win it. Intends to soon set off for tour of Loch Lomond and Taymouth for a fortnight.

Glad to hear of his safe return home and that their parting was easier for him than last time. Setting out for their Highland tour tomorrow with Mr Hardy, Thomas Hope [son of Dr John Hope], and himself, and one of Dr Hope's gardeners for their baggage, details of their expected journey. Dr Hope did not publish his medal in his class [for best Scottish herbarium] as he did not want to revive the custom, and only meant it as a compliment to the Natural History Society, expects no one but himself to try for it. Urges caution over keeping of Mr Bayfield's herbarium of supposed East India plants

Received his father's letter of 20 August [1782]. Will assist Mr Cooper if he requests it, would be wrong for him to show any "extraordinary reserve". Responds to Norwich news. His tour to Loch Lomond shorter than expected, owing to bad weather, but was "agreeable & successful"; account of the journey to and stay in Glasgow, and onward journey to Loch Lomond, met Mr Stewart, companion of [Thomas] Pennant in one of his tours, ascent of Ben Lomond, and their return journey to Edinburgh. Dr Broussonet sent him copy of his new work on fish.

Received his father's letter of 12 September 1782, thanks for advice concerning Mr Cooper; his history. Details his intended classes for the winter, may also undertake Greek.

Received his father's letter of 3 Novmber [1782]. Elected member of the Medical Society; account of the election. [John Henry] Engelhart chosen as one of the 4 presidents; he has altered much for the better. Sorry to hear accountof Morgan's pamphlet. Benefits of living with Mrs Beveridge. New acquaintances, including Mr [William] Younge. His expenses greater than expected. Account of how he spends his time; no time for a Latin or Greek master. Sends West Indian seeds for Mr Jackson.

Thanks for parcel and letters from his father, mother, Frank [Smith's brother], and Sally. Responds to his father's letter of 28 November [1782]; defends Mr Cooper. Reassures his father he shall never disrespect any advice given. Offers to acquire fossil collection for Dr Manning. Oats scarce in Scotland, collections are being made for the poor. Just received his father's letter of 26 December [1782]. Their Natural History Society going on well; they are to have 4 annual presidents, hopes to be one of them; just submitted a paper on the "Phenomena of Vegetable Odours"; often speaks in the Medical Society. He has won Dr [John] Hope's medal [for best Scottish herbarium]; he was the only one to enter but complimented on the collection, which was larger than that of Dr Parsons', the last successful one. Congratules Richard, [Smith's brother], on the prizes he has won, and admires his drawings. Just attended funeral of son of Dr Reid of Glasgow; grief of the family; peculiar death, which came on at crisis of unsevere fever, from Tympanites.

Shall follow his mother's directions to not attend any funerals, though that danger small compared to "what every medical man must be often exposed to", believing that every day people are exposed to abundant sources of infection but their constitutions are "seldom in a state to receive it". In daily expectation of his medal [given by Dr John Hope for best Scottish herbarium]. Proposes to be in London next winter, and will go to Norwich first in June. Afraid last change in Ministry will renew the war. Does not think Scotland has enough spirit to be independent.

Has been confined with diarrhea but cured with castor oil and butter, and laudanum and rhubarb. His dissatisfaction at enquiries into the Theory and Practice of Physic; believes medicine is in "the most barbarous condition of any science, & only now emerging from the greatest darkness & absurdity"; practitioner commonly state that theory is nothing and practice everything; Cullen's and Browne's lessons; accounts of Medical Society debates put into newspapers, violently incensing the orthodox men, conflict between Brunonians and Cullenians. On his recommendation Dr Broussonet of Montpelier, [France], whom he was with at Carlisle, was unanimously elected an honorary member of the Medical Society; Broussonet has offered in return to gain Smith's admittance to French academies, will also gain Broussonet admittance to Natural History and Philosophical Societies. Sends his father copy of letter received from Lord Buchan on being admitted an honorary member of the Natural History Society.

Encloses seed of 'Alsa foetida', given by Dr Hope from only plant of the kind in Europe, in Edinburgh Botanic Garden, to be given to Mr Ives; also sending to Mr Jackson, [James] Crowe, and [Thomas] Woodward; history of the plant. Recently attended Assembly Ball.

Received his father's letter. Sorry to hear of John's [brother of Smith] disappointment but glad to hear of scheme for him to go into trade. Had various intentions of where to go but now intends to spend all his time in Paris, especially as Broussonet has so many connections. His possession of Linnaean collections of more use to him here than in England, as here everybody looks to him for information and eager to communicate; feels danger of becoming too vain. Not pleased with the national character here.

Excursions: disappointed by Versailles gardens; saw the King [Louis XVI (1754-1793)] and family; horror at the "daubing of the ladies cheeks"; visited Marechal de Nouailles, whose companion, Mr Le Breton, is translating his two pamphlets into French; a hunt by the King; coffin of James II. [Richard] Salisbury has returned to England.

Received his father's letter of 24 August [1786], has not yet received Lady Jernegan's packet. Has now given up remaining in Paris and intends to go to Montpelier with Broussonet, and then on to Genoa to visit the Marquis Durazzo and Turin, and return through Switzerland before returning to Paris, to arrive in London in April. Paris "wonderfully like" Edinburgh in some respects. Beauty of some of the places in Paris; notes that the marble statues are not damaged by the populace; no "perfectly pleasing morsel of architecture"; odd monuments to monarchs; picture collections. Asks for news of the Lord Chancellor, said to be in Paris. Hopes his father not displeased at criticism of his work in "Critical Review" for June; he is flattered by it.

Success of his letters of recommendation with Mr Martineau, Dr Nevil, Dr Byam, Mr Gloag, Mr Torry, Mr Martin Lindsay, Miss Scott, Mrs Austin, and Dr Gardiner. Expects to derive most "comfort & advantage" from Dr [John] Hope; his character; recommended above all things that he master Latin; Hope's recommendations for what course to attend. Has been to the infirmary once, his "apprehensions & disgust" much less than expected. His fellow lodgers are Mr Lubbock and [John Henry] Engelhart. Met Lord Monboddo.

Account of his and Dr Younge's journey from Paris to Montpelier, via Lyons, including details of people they stayed with, inns, and country. Account of their activities in Montpelier, staying with Professor Broussonet, father of Paris friend [Pierre Marie Auguste Broussonet].

Thanks his father for "liberal provision of money". Reasons for journeying to Rome and Naples. Their route to Genoa.

His last letter was from Montpelier 18 November [1786]. Account of their journey from Montpelier to Marseilles, via Nismes, Avignon, where they had an excursion to the "prostituted" fountain of Vaucluse, and Aix. His favourable opinion of inhabitants and town of Marseilles. Cheapness of travelling.

Introductions for his father's cloth business; competition from Manchester and Yorkshire riders. Saw a funeral procession "with all sorts of mummery".

Arrived in Genoa evening before last, receiving his father's letters of 6 November and 7 December [1786]. Account of his [and William Younge's] journey from Marseilles to Genoa, including stop at Cottignae, where they met [Louis] Gerard, "one of the most famous European botanists of the Linnaean school", who gave him copies of two letters from Linnaeus, with leave to publish them, arranged future correspondence. Precipitous road from Nice to Genoa. Magnificance of the Marquis Durazzo's house. Dined with Mr Brame, the English consul; met Dr Batt, who gives no hopes of Mr Marsh's recovery. Keeping a full journal of his tour. His "Thesis" so incorrectly printed he is ashamed to send it out. Friendliness of the populace towards the English.