Introduces Schreibers.
Showing 21–40 of 955 items
Introduces Schreibers.
Believes Smith is right to include an index of the genera for "Flora Britannica" but that the English index should be at the end and approves of the title. [John] Sibthorp's plants have now been laid out in the herbarium.
Count [Benjamin Thompson] Rumford received Mr Frost, on Banks recommendation. Approves of Smith's plan to publish the first two volumes of "Flora Britannica" now and to delay publication of the third "till paper is cheaper". Mr Mayer's presentation to George III. A large narwhal washed up on Lincolnshire coast, a chance to correct former errors regarding the description of the creature.
His popular natural history work ready for the press. Asks Smith's opinion on value of a "Synopsis of British Zoology" in manner of [William] Withering's botanical work. Asks generic name of the "ligneous ropes" growing on trees of tropical forests, called 'Nebees' in Stedman's "Account of Surinam" and 'Bejucos' in another. Asks Linnaean names of the hooded-serpent, cobra di Capello, and locust of the eastern countries. Asks for verification of [John] Latham's statement that cygnets are fed for Christmas table in Norwich and sold for a guinea each. Asks for verification tale of a New Holland insect still living after being pinned for duration of voyage. Requests Smith's assistance with his Royal Society of Edinburgh candidature. Intends to visit North Wales again soon.
Received new "Linnean Transactions", criticises [Robert] Teesdale's paper [ 'A Supplement to the Plantae Eboracenses'] for being too long; doubts propriety of giving whole floras. An attempted robbery at Hall Place whilst he was in Exmouth, [Devon]. Has anonymously published a six penny pamphlet "Cautions to young sportsmen" in attempt to prevent gun accidents, inspired by Lord Andover's accident [Charles Nevinson Howard, Viscount Andover (1775-1800), eldest son of John Howard, 15th Earl of Suffolk, killed by accidental discharge of his fowling piece], and that there is no advice of this kind in print except single line in [Thomas] Page's "Art of Shooting"; two gunmakers have seen and find no fault with it.
There is an account of Lord Andover's death, written by Mr Coke's desire, in January's "Gentleman's Magazine".
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Asks Smith whether he should be silent and look over the mistakes he finds in other authors, or publish them; points out several errors in [William] Withering's last publication ["An arrangement of British plants" (1796)], including 'Sphagnum alpinum' and 'Phascum repens'.
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No summary available.
Hopes his pamphlet "Cautions to young sportsmen" is widely circulated and prevents accidents; only criticism received is that it is too short, the gunmakers Manton in Dover Street and Joseph Manton in Davies Street make no objections in spite of its attack on double guns, which form greater part of their profits. Will put his name to a second edition if the 750 copies sell and regrets not already doing so. Criticises fashion for books to include engraving of the author and mocks Charles Small Pybus' [(1766-1810), politician] poem "The Sovereign" supposing "he expects some of the Russian Court Ladies to send for him [...] in consequence of the beauty of his appearance, at the head of his verses".
Page's book printed for Scutcherd & Whitaker, details of Norwich printing.
Introducing Baron de Vincke.
Thanks for "Linnean Transactions" [vol 5]. They have been confined all winter, and Mrs Manning [Woodward's mother-in-law] confined entirely to her room; symptoms; her asthma has changed from dry to moist. Enjoyed Smith's paper on 'Mentha', but without specimens to compare it against will never master the subject; the rest of the volume not so interesting, excepting [William] Kirby's papers, and "scanty".
He has no positive recollection of [William] Hudson's opinion on 'Ulva flavescens' and 'U. diaphana', though it appears he doubted any distinction, having only done so from size; [James] Sowerby's drawing "very bad" according to Dawson Turner. Sowerby has still not drawn the 'Fucus torrertosus' he recommended.
Has been imprisoned and condemned to death; fate of his colleagues; Cuvier.
Praises "Flora Britannica" and Smith's work expanding descriptions, "reducing the Botanist's labour tenfold", and new specific descriptions; flattered by notice of him in it.
Thanks for ["Compendium florae Britannicae"]; praises Smith's writing and "unassuming display of knowledge", which is the opposite of modern authors, who "promise mountains, & very often produce not even molehills". Recently suffered from gout in his left hand. Sending copy of rare [John] Ray work after noticing scarcity of his works in Linnean Society library catalogue [see RelatedMaterial below].
Difficulty of acquiring good specimens of 'Lichen tenuissimus' to send [John] Pitchford after the banks of it were so "thoroughly pillaged" by Dawson Turner and Dr Nöder; observations. Glad Smith liked his pamphlet of letters [subject unclear].
Thanks for Smith's two letters; his alarm was less by the time the first arrived and his daughter [Mariamne Johnes] has recovered quickly; [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician] was right in speaking out his mind and now rises in his opinion, and Mariamne is now happier than she has been in last six months. Beddoes prescribed her small doses of the 'Calx muricata' and a drop of muriatic acid twice a day, which works "wonderfully well"; she has no phlegm or cough though at one point Beddoes feared tuberculosis; her activities. Delighted with Bristol and its environs, "the air & water have a peculiar softness". Asks [Thomas] Marsham to send sixth volume of "Linnean Transactions".
Charged to revive the correspondence between Picot la Peyrouse [Philippe Picot Lapeyrouse] and Smith.
Thanks for copy of Smith's "Flora Britannica", gratified that he now has a standard to which his botanical arrangements can conform, although regrets that his favourite class of gynandrous plants has not been included.