Since his last letter has been "seized with a paroxysm of gout in both hands and feet". Sends specimen of a "stranger", annotated in the margin by Smith 'Rubus'. Refers to the drawing of a fish he sent in his last letter, believing it to be the "15 spined stickleback figured by Pennant" but believes other aspects of it make it of the genus 'Syngnathus". Wishes Smith luck with the "English British Flora". Sends another specimen, Smith has annotated above 'Sagina procumbens'.

No summary available.

Of Charles Babbage's trip to Scotland [letter continued 1819-10-8].

Thanks for letter. Would he send his paper to [William?] Blackwood. Thinks it only fair that JH's first paper on light should be written on his own, providing he acknowledges his discoveries. Comments on recent experiments. Who has written the article on polarization in the recent Edinburgh Review?

He is here "in paradise, both mentally & bodily", staying with Mr and Mrs Corrie; their characters. He lectures on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7pm; fuller every time than the last; plenty of ladies, all in evening dress; supplied with flowers from Mrs Corrie's garden and a nursery. Dined with Dr and Mrs Parr. His health remains good. Visited [James] Watt [(1769-1848), engineer] and saw the "Cyclops" at work in his "truly infernal abode".

Hears of no public disturbances and the "respectable dissenters" take no part; has learnt the true history of the "famous riots" [Priestly Riots of 14 to 17 July 1791 targetted religious dissenters in Birmingham]. Informed that it is "lucky" to have Monk for an enemy [Smith's Cambridge pamphlet]. He is very homesick. Saw [James] Watt's [(1736-1819), engineer] "charming abode".

Sends collection of plants from the [Liverpool] Botanic Garden for use in Smith's lectures, and a small collection of duplicate 'Scitamineae' plants from [Nathaniel] Wallich, which have also been sent to Sir Joseph Banks, [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, and [Edward] Rudge; includes 'Hedychium' and 'Roscoea'. He has been studying the former and with help of Smith's "Cyclopedia" article has made twelve distinct species, of which he will shortly send an account. Discusses Wallich's plants, some of which were unnamed, and from which he has identified four new species of 'Roscoea'. Glad Smith and Lady [Pleasance] Smith are to visit albeit for a short time, and will endeavour to make Smith's new appointment deserving of his acceptance [Professor of Botany at the Liverpool Royal Institution].

Thinks his son, Edmund, is the best appointment for headmaster of Westminster School. Believes that the discontent in the country is the fault of "itinerants who [...] poison the minds of everyone" by teaching them to think "they are denied every comfort". Uncertain what has been done at Manchester but the Attorney General confident he will prove at the trials that the magistrates and yeomanry deserved praise, not censure, in defending themselves [at Peterloo Massacre of 16 August 1819 cavalry charged into a large crowd demanding parliamentary reform, killing fifteen]. A meeting of radicals presided over by [Thomas Jonathan] Wooler [(1786-1853), journalist and radical] to be held on Monday, with the Whigs calling for another meeting the following day. Not surprised by Smith's account of the Russian train with the Archdukes. One of Goodenough's young male servants died of an inflammation thirty hours after drinking cold water when hot; his father lives with Colonel Woodhouse at Witten Hall, Norfolk.

Apologises that if in calling on Smith he intruded on his time. Sends specimen of 'Erineum acerinum' in earlier state than Smith currently has it; observations. Offers Smith use of his manuscript, in which he intends to give at least a figure for one species of every genus of fungi. Suggests alteration to [Christiaan Hendrik] Persoon's character of 'Erineum acerinum'.

["Spec. 21" written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

No summary available.

Has just returned from Edinburgh and found JH's letter awaiting him. Relates various experiences in Edinburgh. Recent discoveries in his chemical experiments.

Preparations for his lectures progressing well; currently lodging with Revd James Yates, previously stayed with the Corries, a friend of the Martins [Smith's sister and brother-in-law]. His lectures crowded and "grow fuller every time". He is going to Mr Gatton's next. His plans for returning to Norwich.

Will not be in town until Tuesday afternoon. Has been speculating on a means of telegraphic communication between himself and CB.

Concerned to hear of Smith's indisposition; it has been agreed he appears tonight as Smith's substitute, though on a general topic and not botany; will inform the audience Smith hopes to lecture on Monday.

Owing to lack of sleep, "continual fever & headache", and affection of his lungs unable to lecture tonight, but will be able to on Monday; asks Yates or Mr Corrie to lecture instead or to give some kind of notice. Will be able to make up the full course but will have to give up all dining, calling, and talking. Anxious that nothing should be said of his indisposition.

Account of his time in Birmingham: visited some "curious manufactories" and dined at Mr Mouillet's; dined at Mr Eyre Lee's; dined with Dr [James] Yates and Dr Parr; has taken a violent cold and sudden feverish catarrah, but now better, though could not lecture on Friday so Yates read one on his behalf; he has had many thanks for the good he does the town, and Institution, and the taste and knowledge he is said to promote. Enquires about presents to buy Pleasance. Mr Galton's house and family. Reassures Pleasance he has no symptom of pulmonary inflammation. Asks after candlesticks and cutlery.

Queries regarding the refraction of light in crystals.

Of Charles Babbage, family, public affairs, and law suits [letter completed 1819-11-15].