Introduces Professor [Edward] Everett [(1794-1865)], Professor of Greek Language at [Harvard University], Cambridge, [Massachusetts].
Showing 1–7 of 7 items
The Linnean Society of London Collection
The scientific and personal correspondence of James Edward Smith (1759-1828), purchaser of the collections of Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) and founder of the Linnean Society of London in 1788, was presented to the Linnean Society between 1857 and 1872 by his widow Pleasance Smith (1773-1877). Since then, it has been complemented by additional series. The collection was catalogued, conserved, and digitised from 2010 to 2013, thanks to the generous support of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Letters can be searched through Ɛpsilon, with links to images and summaries available on the Linnean Society’s Online Collections (http://linnean-online.org/smith_correspondence.html).
Introduces Professor [Edward] Everett [(1794-1865)], Professor of Greek Language at [Harvard University], Cambridge, [Massachusetts].
Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Hopes Smith will lecture whilst visiting Cambridge. Recommends Dr [Martin] Davy as advisor for Smith. Update on Trinity College members' inclinations: Mr Powell intends to run for professorship and although his knowledge of botany is slight, as a former fellow many other fellows have promised their votes to him, however junior fellows more inclined to vote for Smith. Confident that Powell shall not succeed.
Discussion of melons: should not have dismissed Great Mogul before Smith tried it, and read of a fine variety brought from Persia by Sir Gore Ouseley [1st baronet (1770-1844)] but till he tastes it will stick with the Green Egyptian. Will determine whether the plant he sent Smith is 'Sonchus arvensis var' with seeds he saved. Low barometer readings during recent storm: 28.17 on Wedneday at Thirkleby and 27.95 at Gordon Castle, [Moray], their wind "trifling compared to its fury in the South" and no damage to his house built on hill but skylight and tiles on his son's house in Curzon Street, [London], were damaged and trees uprooted in Chesterfield Gardens.
Trying to find plants unattractive to rabbits and hares after having to cradle 'Pyrus japonica' sent by [James] Lee: has not ascertained whether it is true that they only interfere with transplants and not those sown directly; 'Rhododendron ponticum' grown in the wood, box and privet safe but American bird cherry, 'Hippophae', 'Aucuba japonica' and juniper destroyed. Convinced a neighbouring nurseryman to write his labels in the more durable Indian ink. Surprised to receive letter of thanks from Horticultural Society for the Newton pippin apples he sent to [James] Dickson. Intends to search for ferns and mosses by side of Hambleton, [Yorkshire], believes no botanist has been there before.
Gathering evidence on power of crossbills to kill young rooks; Norfolk Eton boys used to speak of them being shot with bolts. Mentions his son's growing interest in natural history, especially geology, and encloses specimen as example [undisclosed]. His health good but Lady Frankland gradually failing from complaint of several years standing from which none have ever recovered, she is frequently attended by Sir Everard Home and Atkinson of York.
Small sketch in ink of plant detail "'Aspidium thelypteris (from Mr Teesdale) confirms you descrip[tio]ns in "English Botany" by the length of lower leaves, very ill figured by [James] Sowerby".
Smith's candidature for Botany Professorship at Cambridge University. Due to illness unable to undertake next term's Walkerian lectures, asks Smith to deputise for him.
Accepts [Patrick] Keith's [(1769-1840)] apology regarding his "Linnean Transactions" paper, though believes Keith took unnecessary trouble to generate "feelings of hostility", and comments on Keith's attempt at justification in his book ["A system of physiological botany" (1816)], in which he blames a "confusion of language". Asks that an explanation be given in the next volume of "Linnean Transactions".
Updates Cullum on his Cambridge progress [campaign for botany professorship]: received a request from Professor [Thomas] Martyn to lecture next term in his place, and the authority to use the botanic garden. The vice-chancellor [George Grenville] and Master of Trinity [William Lort Mansel] approve but Master of St John's [James Wood (1760-1839)] does not, and Dr [Edward Daniel] Clarke [(1769-1822), professor of mineralogy] and Professor [James] Cumming [(1777-1861), professor of chemistry] are being obstructive in admitting him to their lecture rooms. Attended Linnean Society last week. Intends his first lecture to be given in the botanical school.
Identification of plants in Dioscorides.