Knows nothing of '[Salix] fissa' but from [James] Crowe and bad specimens from Edward Forster; its distinction from 'S. rubra' of "Flora Anglica". Wishes Smith would settle between Mr Francis and himself whether 'Mnium tripomanis' and 'M. fissum' Linnaeus are not the same species, and whether [James] Dickson is mistaken in calling '[Jungermannia] nemorosa' '[Jungermannia] resupinata'.

[Note attached, unknown hand] "For Dr Smith from Dr Pulteney" [and in Smith's hand] "Lycoperdon anemones Linn. Trans.".

Thanks for Smith's remote "uncommon care" and medical advice; his current state of health.

Requests return of drawings when finished with. Thanks [John] Lightfoot for the 'Chenopodium', his 'C. rubrum' is correct but but 'C. urbicum' not Linnaeus'; his 'Matricaria chamomilla' is 'Chrysanthemum inodorum'. 'Orobanche ramosa' a valuable discovery.

Mr Humphrey is "grown almost childish" after suffering a hemiplegia; principal symptoms; a young lady suffering severe case successfully treated with the Bark with steel and aromatics.

Discovery of 'Sphaeria' Micheli ["Plantarum genera"] Pl.104 Tab.55, sends drawing, discusses how it has been universally found growing parasitically on 'Lycoperdon cervinum', possibility of Linnaeus confounding 'Lycoperdon cervinum' with 'Lycoperdon spadiceum', believes they may have been first to disover the true 'L. cervinum' in England.

Received a 'Lichen fuliginosus' of [James] Dickson and a 'Lichen croceus' which accords to [John Lightfoot's] "Fl[ora] Scot[ica]", asks Smith to compare his specimens. Reviews James Bolton's "History of English Ferns", highlights errors with 'Polypodium aculeatum', 'Polypodium fragrans', 'Polypodium [thelypteris]', 'Polypodium lobatum'. Asks Smith's opinion of [Anders] Spaarman's "Voyage to the Cape". Asks likelihood of a good herbarium selling for between £20 and £50 at an auction such as the Duchess of Portland's. 'Phallus caninus' and 'Peziza stipitata' found.

Asks after Sir Joseph [Banks'] rules in regard to a Latin quotation, having disfavourably compared the [Christian Gottlob] Heyne's edition of Tibullus recommended to him with Broukhuyse. Wishes to borrow third volume of [Linnaeus'] "Amoenitates", requests seeds of 'Hesperis verna'. Has [René Antoine Ferchault de] Réaumur's [(1683-1757) French scientist] "Methode d'éclore des oeufs" ["Method of hatching eggs"]. Wishes to see [Carl Alexander] Clerck's [(1709-1765)] work on insects ["Svenska spindlar"]. Would like Smith's translation of Linnaeus on the sexes of plants and Smith's translation and notes of [Lazzaro] Spallanzani [(1729-1799) Italian biologist]. Asks Smith to look at aphorisms in Linneaus' manuscript notes he might have occasion to quote. Reminds Smith of talk of producing a new edition of "Philosophia botanica". Numbered extracts on plants, in Latin. States importance of natural history artists representing nature "justly", in reference to [George] Edwards' [(1694-1773) artist and ornithologist] "[Gleanings of] Natural History". Recommends using balloons to observe the nests and eggs of tropical birds considering Sir Issac Newton's observations on visually distorting effects of the atmosphere when using telescopes.

Thanks for Smith's hospitality whilst in England. Presumes Smith knows that [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet is coming to England. Believes it "impossible for a man of sense that hath been sometime in England, to be satisfied with [France]". Remarks that the opposition between the "French and English fas[h]ions" exceeds what Smith had supposed and is waiting for Smith to arrive before giving his opinon of "childish and foolish manners" of the French. Paris contains very little of anything new in entomological collections, critical of the poor arrangement of the collections, especially the King's cabinet. Broussonet and another person are the only people to have their collections scientifically arranged.

Thanks for copy of Smith's dissertation ["on the sexes of plants" (1786)] and for dedicating it to him. On further consideration has decided against his plans for large scale publication of entirety of 'Asafoetida', especially as Sir Joseph Banks had done it in best way possible. Pleased by Smith's intention to publish new edition of "Species plantarum"; wishes that the King would give Smith a pension so that he could give up medicine for Botany.

Sends specimens for [Samuel] Goodenough, including: 'Orobance ramosa' near Bungay; 'Lobelia urens' Shute Common, Devon; 'Galium pusillum' Matlock, Derbyshire; 'Melampyrum arvense' near Norwich, Norfolk; 'Marchantia conica' Bungay; 'Lycopodium alpinum' Old Man of Coniston, Lancashire, the hill evidently a former volcano; and 'Astriplex pedunculata'. Sends 'Orobance ramosa' for Sir Joseph Banks, [James] Dickson, and [William] Curtis and will send Banks Norwich specimen of 'Bromus arvense' when found. Sends Smith possible variety of 'Ervum tetraspermum'.

Examined [Albrecht von] Haller's plates and descriptions according to [William] Hudson's reference; notes. List of his Hudson desiderata: 'Poa alpinia', 'Juncus filiformis', 'Elatine alsinastrum', 'Orchis corioptore', 'Salyrium hircitrum', 'Carex limosa', and 'Carex strigosa' are marked. Sends Smith specimens of 'Marchantia conica'. His bookseller, T Miller, reports from Portland sale that lots sold cheap, that Da Costa was a great buyer, and Royal Admiral shells sold for £1 6s 9d each.

Presumes Smith has left for Holland from Yarmouth, Norfolk. The 'Sisymbrium murale' Smith sent is growing, shall compare the plant with the descriptions of Linnaeus, [William] Curtis, and [William] Hudson. Asks if the difference between 'Sisymbrium murale' and 'Sisymbrium murens' comes from soil and culture. Compliments Smith's translation [of Linnaeus dissertation], many have ordered copies of it. Hopes Smith will be able to revise and correct the defects in Linnaeus' system although has gained much from [Johan Anders] Murray's editions. Warns Smith against current taste of publishing numerous vapid volumes. Wishes Smith enquire in Leyden, Holland, what 'Alyssum siculum' now there is an 'Alyssum maritimum'. Asks Smith to purchase for him the works of [Hieronymus David] Gaubius [(1705-1780) German physician and chemist]. Received seeds of 'Trifolium alpestre', 'Hesperis [verna]', '[Hesperis] obovata' from Mr Dixon.

Thanks Smith for showing him the Linnaean collections. Requests small specimen of Linnaeus' handwriting

Has sent a letter introducing Smith to Professor [Frédéric-Louis] Allamand of Le[i]den, and will ask Allamand to introduce Smith to Professor [David] van Royen. Also a copy of Banks' letter of introduction, in Smith's hand.

Congratulates Smith on his successes in Leiden. Asks after the health of the 'Chamaerops humilis' planted by [Carolus] Clusius [(1526-1609), Flemish physician and botanist]. Interrupts letter to say he has just caught a second 'Cimex personatus'. Has never seen more 'Musca bombylans', 'Musca mystacca', and 'Musca pellucens' than this year. Observes that particular insects can significantly fluctuate year by year; recalls an abundance of the moth 'Geometea sambucaria' eight years ago that has not repeated since. Asks Smith to take as many 'Curculio paraplecticus' as he finds. Believes the 'Ptinus elytris striatis' is Linnaeus' 'Ptinus mollis'. Brief details of plans for forming a new natural history society either within the Society for Promoting Natural History or independently discussed with Sir Joseph Banks, [Thomas] Marsham, and [William] Forsyth [(1737-1804), botanist and founding member of Royal Horticultural Society].

In a postscript Goodenough writes that his brother-in-law, Dr James Ford, has been appointed Dr Mours replacement as physician to St George's Hospital "to the total discomfiture" of [John] Hunter [(1728-1793), surgeon] and "the whole Scotch interest", who had been working to secure Dr Bailey's succession instead.

Received Smith's of 13 June, congratulations on becoming MD. Thanks for purchasing works of [Hieronymus David] Gaubius [(1705-1780) German physician and chemist]. The '[Pancratium maritimum]' Smith sent is growing well but the 'Mantis. alt.' is not. Requests "Traité de la Versification Latine" by Pere [Noël-Etienne] Sanadon and "Tacite" by l'Abbé Brotier. Thanks for remarks on 'Conium royenii' and 'Alyssum minimum', discusses latter mentioning 'Clypeola maritima' and 'Alyssum siculum'. Smith's 'Sisymbrium murale' is flourishing, takes it to be 'Brassica erucastrum' of Linnaeus, believes Linnaeus never saw 'Brassica muralis' and made 'Sisymbrium murale' a French rather than British plant, would like Smith to confirm. Lists plants recently found in Norfolk: 'Stellaria dichotoma', 'Pinguicula', 'Drosera', 'Anagallis tenella' and 'Melampyrum arvense'. A 'Verbascum pulverulentum' they take to be a variety of 'Verbascum lychnitis', so variable that he doubts the number of actual species. In Paris asks Smith to examine 'Coffea arabica' and 'Coffea occidentalis'. Presumes [David] van Royen [(1727-1799)] is pursuing the system of his uncle [Adriaan van Royen (1704-1779) Dutch botanist]. Requests any non-entomological works by [René Antoine Ferchault de] Réaumur, [Charles] Plumier [(1646-1704) French botanist] and [Sébastien] Vaillant [(1669-1722) French botanist]. Asks whether 'Eryngium campestre' and 'Menyanthes nymphoides' are common in England.

Vindicated in his suspicions that Smith's visit to [Nicolaas Laurens] Burman would not be propitious. Offers letters of introduction on the Continent. Has received a living 'Nepenthes' from China as well as two species of 'Grass aromatic' and an "'Armeria' or rather 'Cepia'". 'Holcus odaratus' has rapidly increased in his garden. Has received König's bequest of manuscripts and herbarium, including 'Sanguit draeanis' and 'Gummi gutta' [Johann Gerhard Koenig (1728-1785) German botanist].

[Note in Smith's hand] "with Mr Wadde's curious epistle".

Remarks on Smith's comments in his previous letter on Amsterdam and Leyden; wonders whether [Nicolaas Laurens] Burman [(1734-1793)] reminded Smith of [William] Hudson. Compliments Smith's literary style in his letters and translations. Has failed to find 'Orobance ramosa' in hemp fields again. Books to acquire, including Leers' "Flora", Schreber's "de Phasco", [Schmidel's] "Dissertio de Buxkaumia", and Bulliard's plates ["Histoire des champignons" (1791-1812)]. News of mutual East Anglian friends. Asks if Broussonet intents to publish any more of "Icthyology".

Received Smith's letter of 23 [August 1786]. All were anxious for Smith's health, particularly Dr [Samuel] Goodenough, who is now out of London on a natural history excursion with [William] Curtis. They have been unable to see Sir Joseph Banks. Pleased by Smith's zeal for the "new Society" [Linnean Society]; fears [William] Jones will not become a member; [William] Forsyth [(1737-1804)] happier to "weed the old rather than plant a new garden" [in reference to Society for Promotion of Natural History]; soon expects that Society to fold considering the lack of papers or specimens received recently. Promises to send Smith any insect duplicates he does not first send to [Nils Samuel] Swederus [(1751-1833), Swedish naturalist], who has complained of the collections at Paris.

Unenthusiastic about Smith's apparent offer to obtain the works on animals of Albertus Magnus [(c 1206-1280) Dominican friar and bishop], "of all dull books, the most dull are those of scholastic writers". Grudgingly advises only to buy if the 1478 Rome or 1479 Mantua editions should ever surface, "though it is throwing money away on trash". Received an answer from [Johann] Hedwig "to the prize question in Petersburg, with 37 colour plates" and the two first fasciculi of his "Stirpes Cryptogamicae". Agrees with Hedwig's account of the "fructification of 'Filices' and 'Algae' although unconvinced on 'Equisteum'. Sends compliments to [Pierre Marie Auguste] Broussonet, asks how the Royal Society can acquire the complete set of "Memoires de l'academie des Sciences", lists years currently missing.

Received Smith's letter from Europe, excited by his descriptions of Prince of Orange's insect cabinet and "double 'Tuberoses'". Mr [Thomas] M[arsham] anxious about the success of the new society [proposed Linnean Society], missed the meeting at which it was discussed but was given Secretary's Chair yet such was his apprehension about even being a member the motion has dropped. Agrees with Smith that for the present it should be kept "in embryo that we may not do anything unwisely or hastily". Cautions about the acrimony societies can raise, proposes an alternative quarterly "breakfast" with select friends from which a society could form naturally. Updates Smith on his work [for paper on 'Papilios']: has 990 specimens of 970 different species, after finishing with Sir Joseph Banks' collection has Dr Hunter's cabinet to examine and would like to consult Linnaean collections. [Johan Christian] Fabricius has described 200 species that he cannot procure, certain many described from drawings of [Pieter] Cramer [(1721-1776) Dutch entomologist, work in question probably "De Uitlandsche Kapellen"], will have to copy same to make his own work complete.

Received Smith's letters of 21 August and 13 September 1786. Hopes for personal and professional knowledge Smith will take from his tour; confident Smith will not waste his time, health, or money. His principle Italian correspondents for Smith to call upon. Cousin Thomas Wordsworth died recently. Dr Cooper struggling to find success. Pleasure of Smith's poetry. Detailed news of the Norwich election, including a riot. A fungus grew under the lilac tree, which under [John] Pitchford's advice they have buried in dry earth until Smith's return. News of the Lord Chancellor; in very bad health.

Received Smith's letter of 8 [September 1786]. Recovering from a sprained ankle. Gratified by Smith's attention to "the New Society" [Linnean Society], but wishes to continue in the old Society [Society for the Promotion of Natural History] until at least their Anniversary meeting, as he is one of the Presidents until that time; will ensure Smith is not elected one. Unable to see Sir Joseph Banks until November.

Pleased to hear of Smith's intended trip to Italy; laments the loss of his Latin and inability to speak French, hopes to rectify this one day. Received samples of [Thomas] Martyn's projected work on insects ["The English entomologist" (1792)], on which he has offered his assistance; as Martyn is not an entomologist and will not be describing insects it will not affect his own projected work ["Entomologia Britannica" (1802)]. Requests a good print of Linnaeus. Requests any new edition of [Giovanni] Scopoli's work. Would like to see Smith's interview with [Lazzaro] Spallanzani's [(1729-1799), natural historian] following publication of his treatise [Smith's translation of Linnaeus' "A dissertation on the sexes of plantson dispute" (1786)]. Death of [Henry] Smeathman [(1742-1786), explorer and entomologist] of a putrid fever. Requests specimens of English 'Lepidoptera'.