From:
John Latham
To:
Sir James Edward Smith
Date:
31 Mar 1790
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/23/54, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:
Returns borrowed book [unspecified].
Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
Showing 1–20 of 29 items
Returns borrowed book [unspecified].
Sending copies of his "Synopsis [of birds]" and "Index [ornithologicus]" for the Linnean Society.
Happy to hear his ornithological paper has been accepted by Linnean Society. Proposes Colonel [Thomas] Davies as FLS. Requests copies of lists and rules and orders [of Linnean Society].
Thanks for letter and "Linnean Transactions" vol 1. He has been working on 'Hyale' and 'Palaeno' and has distinguished the two "saffron butterflies", convinced the first is Linnaeus' 'Electra', gives character.
Notes and corrections on "Linnean Transactions", including [William] Markwick's paper [see RelatedMaterial below]. Death of Professor Lehnberg of Stockholm. Hopeful that reports of Dr [Anders] Sparrman's [(1748-1820)] death are groundless.
Encloses paper on Sawfish [see RelatedMaterial below]. Notes on the paper, asks Smith to make any necessary corrections. Sends specimens for inspection, to be returned.
Presents his compliments and leaves two drawings of 'Lithosperum caeruleo-purpureum' for Smith.
Recently sent specimens of 'Lithosperum caeruleo-purpureum', fears their quality will have diminished. Sketched map showing where he gathered it.
Pleased his response to Smith's enquiries about 'Lithospermum' was satisfactory. Prices for his "Synopsis of birds" and "Index [ornithologicus]".
Proposes Dr [Marcus Elieser] Bloch [(1723-1799), physician and naturalist], of Berlin, with whom he has been in correspondence, as a FMLS. Recommends Bloch's work on fish [see RelatedMaterial below]. Bloch has invited him to become member of the Societé des Scrutateurs de la Nature at Berlin. Intends to send him "Linnean Transactions", requests copies of first and second volumes, so as to also send to Dr Walther of Erlang.
Transcribes supporting statement made by Dr Godfry Christian Reich of Erlangen in support of his FMLS application, in which he offers to translate Smith's "Tour of the Continent" into German. Requests Smith's opinion and response. Recommends [Johan Christian] Fabricius' "Entomologia systematica emendata et aucta".
Has recommended Dr Godfry Christian Reich as a FMLS. Dr Meyer requested to publish a new [German] edition of his "Index [Ornithologicus]", which he declined; believes Reich will be a capable translator of Smith's "Tour of the continent". Will write for copy of [Johan Christian] Fabricius' last work for Smith from his German contact. Intends to send Recih copies of "Linnean Transactions" and Smith's "Tour".
Encloses book for Smith [unspecified but probably Fabricius' "Entomologia systematica"], though disappointed to find it contains only half the "Lepidepture", the other in a forthcoming volume. Advocates proposal to make [Thomas] Pennant an Honorary Member of the Linnean Society.
No longer needs copies of "Linnean Transactions" vols 1 and 2 for Dr [Marcus Elieser] Bloch [(1723-1799), physician and naturalist], but requests copy of vol 2 for [Godfry Christian] Reich. Elected member of Societé des Scrutateurs de la Nature de Berlin. Will request shells from Boys.
Received letter from Dr Bechstein with copy of his German translation of his [Latham's] "General synopsis" and request for copy of "Index [ornithologicus]" for translation, with which he will comply. Dr [Godfry Christian] Reich sending natural history dissertations, including on 'Lichen islandicus' and . Requests specimen of 'Trochus imperialis' for friend of Reich's, who is willing to offer £4 for it, as well as 'Trochus cookii', 'Bulla vulva', [James] Dickson's "Hortus siccus britannicus", and plants from Smith's "Spicilegium botanicum". His acquaintance with German naturalists.
Arrangements for sending items to Dr [Godfry Christian] Reich. Requests Dr [Marcus Elieser] Bloch's [(1723-1799), physician and naturalist] FMLS certificate as soon as he is elected, so as to send it. Just received news of illness of [Anders] Sparrman [(1748-1820)].
Received request from Revd [George] Gleig [(1753-1840), Primus of Scottish Episcopal Church] to quote some of his "Linnean Transactions" work in "Encyclopedia Britannica", requests Smith's opinion. Notes that his work had previously been "plundered" by "Encyclopedia Britannica" and that there is nothing to stop them plundering the text of "Linnean Transactions" and even undated plates.
Has obtained a copy of [Johan Christian] Fabricius' "Entomologia systematica emendata et aucta" for Smith.
Sent books to Smith [Fabricius' "Entomologia systematica emendata et aucta"]; expects final volume in 1795, payment details. Dr [Godfry Christian] Reich is sending German translation of botanical part of "Linnean Transactions" vol 1 and paper on 'Tringa hypochondriara', he intends to propose Smith as member of Society of Ratisbone, he has also requested anything on the "English sweating sickness".
Asks when he will be able to send Dr [Godfry Christian] Reich's FMLS certificate. Details of package of books being sent by Reich. Requested by Dr Griener to send anything on "our sweating sickness".
Arrangements for visiting Smith. Parcel [from Dr Godfry Christian Reich of Germany] has arrived.