From:
David Brewster
To:
Sir John Herschel
Date:
[7 July 1817]
Source of text:
RS:HS 4.242
Summary:
Is pleased that he will write articles for his Edinburgh Encyclopaedia. Would like him to write one on 'Stars.'
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
Is pleased that he will write articles for his Edinburgh Encyclopaedia. Would like him to write one on 'Stars.'
No summary available.
Sending box of plants for Smith's opinion, numbered list of contents with his own observations, including: 'Lotus decumbens' or 'L. debilis', 'Cnicus heteroclitus' or 'C. elegans', 'Verbascum virgatum', a 'Malva', and others.
Note to announce the second edition of JG's pamphlet on the usury laws.
Disappointed not to see Smith at Norwich, [Norfolk], and of making further acquaintance following their meeting at Holkham [Hall, Norfolk, home of Thomas William Coke]. Shortly leaving for Europe, his itinerary; requests introductions. Forwards letter from [David] Hosack.
Proposes to visit Smith at Norwich, [Norfolk], before leaving for Gottingen, [Sweden].
Gives Smith permission to alter or omit any expressions in his paper that may offend [Patrick] Keith [(1769-1840)], even though Keith has been repeatedly aggressive. Believes that the issue is with the Linnean Society council as that Keith's paper was "wholly undeserving of any attention" and should not have been printed in "Linnean Transactions". Threatens to publish the paper himself if the Linnean Society does not.
[Keith had criticised Knight in a paper published in "Linnean Transactions", see RelatedMaterial below]
Sends specimens and grain of a curious species of wild wheat found near Rome, Oneida County, New York, gives a brief description of it and relates how it resists the destructive effects of winter frosts that destroys common wheat, comparing it to rye. Questions whether it is indigenous or originally imported wheat accidently introduced, leans towards the former, with reservations, and gives his reasons, remarking on Linnaeus' six species of 'Triticum', Ceres, Roman goddess of agriculture, and 'Froment tremais'. Is of the opinion that many American native plants have been improperly considered naturalised, is confident in naming the Rome wheat 'Triticum americanum'. Also sends specimens of Wild Rye which grows in parts of the country bordering the upper parts of the Mohawk River, would like an opinion. Beneath Clinton's signature is written "David Hosack M.D." Smith has annotated on the first page "Mr Lambert is making observations on this subject".
["Copied" is marked in pencil on last page, and in a different hand "culmiferous"]
Sends his book ["A practical introduction to botany" (1817)], which he has found useful "in instructing a female relative".
Thanks for Smith's letter; glad Smith determined 'Lotus angustifolius', which was his original name for it, has cultivated it for years. Discusses 'Cnicus heteroclitus'; small sketch in ink of root. Lists desiderata taken from "Flora Britannica" of plants he would like to cultivate.
Will assist Smith's nephew, Edward Smith, any way he can, though business currently slow. Studying 'Rubus', list of species he has found here.
Received Smith's letter of 24 March and "Compendium [florae Britannicae]". [American] Philosphical Society to publish their second volume within the next six months, invites Smith to send a paper. Intending to send his son to Oxford or Cambridge. The books he is sending to Sir Joseph Banks and Horticultural Society, under care of his fellow former student [Joseph] Sabine, may differ from those he sends to Smith. Sending various unnamed magazines and publications, including book on "Life of Mr Fullar, inventor of steamboats", asks Smith to present it to the Royal Society after he has read it.
Sends papers on contemplated canal between Lake Erie and the Hudson river, work of which has begun under direction of DeWitt Clinton. Clinton has just been elected governor of New York, believes he will be the next President of the United States, nominates him to be a member of the Linnean and Royal Societies, lists his commendments including extensive botanical collections, referring Smith to second volume of "the Repository" for biographical information, shall write to Banks' on same subject.
Often sees [José Francisco] Corrêa de Serra who is enjoying a good income as the Portugeuse Minister to American government. Requests copy of third edition of Smith's "Elements"[?] and last edition of "Tour on the Continent"; "there is no book in our city library that has been more read". Bust of Smith placed in New York Institution. In reference to a conversation had in 1794 asks after the minerals in the Linnaean collections and whether the Institution would be able to purchase them.
No summary available.
Is pursuing mathematical investigations with Charles Babbage. Asks WW to check whether George Peacock is progressing in printing the Supplement to Lacroix's volume.
Tempted to write this letter by the kindness Smith showed him in London; informs Smith of two new supposed plants, 'Reseda undata' and 'Euphorbia emarginata' of "Hortus Kewensis"; the first growing in Clifton and the latter in Swansea. Offers to send dried specimens if required.
No summary available.
Characters of Cochin inscription are common Arabic. GR, however, could not decipher them. Discusses various characters and includes a sample of some of them.
No summary available.