Received Smith's letter regarding [John Mackay's (1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] alleged plagiarism of [George] Don, gives his own opinion of the matter including analysis of Don's character. In reference to 'Stellaria cerastoides' and 'Thlaspi hirtum' believes it is due to miscommunications and assumptions, [Smith has annotated in the margin stating similar], and condemns Mackay's "silence". Agrees with Smith's plan to mention the claims of Don and others when discussing the plants in question and saying nothing of Mackay. Some observations of the 205 plant specimens in 141 genera Neill gathered in Sheltand and Orkney, including: 'Lichen calicaris' covering the standing stones of Stennes; 'Byssus aeruginosa' coating interior of St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney; and the hardy oat 'Avena strigosa' which is cultivated instead of 'Avena sativa'. Also gathered shells of 'Trochus ziziphynus', 'Pecten pusio', 'Astrea maxima', 'Arca glycinieris', and 'Bulla ligniaria', Rothesholm Head (Rousom Head).

Found 'Fucus pygmaeus' at a great height above sea level on Hoy mountain, [Orkney]. Encloses a chapter on the natural history of Edinburgh [not extant] he wrote for [John] Stark's "Picture of Edinburgh", [George] Don claims five of the plants described therein are his discovery, Neill defends himself and complains about Don. First natural history lectures in Edinburgh since the death of Dr [John] Walker [(1731-1803) professor of natural history] are to be held this summer by [Robert] Jameson [(1774–1854)] who is "fond of mineralogy and the Wernerian geology". The Natural History Society "begins to lift up its head" but has few members. John Mackay's [(1772-1802), employed at Dickson nursery, Edinburgh] memorial erected, will send a printed copy [this was sent at an unknown later date but included with this letter].

Printed letter informing Smith of his election as a non-resident member of Wernerian Natural History Society, signed by Neill as Secretary. Neill has written to Smith on second folio, concedes that the name of the new society "is not very happy" and although named in honour of [Abraham Gottlob] Werner [(1749-1817) German geologist] it will not focus on mineralogy. [Carl Ludwig] Willdenow's book ["The principles of botany"] marred by its faulty translation.

Lists general contents of the Wernerian Natural History Society's first volume. The Edinburgh Natural History Society founded by Smith, of which Neill was Secretary for two years, is in a "flourishing state", botanical members include Mr Shuter, Mr Kennedy, and Edward Maughan. Neill had hoped to incorporate the two societies but due to their different natures and composition of members was impossible. Admits that the Wernerian name has caused some offence. A blunder over 'Dicksonia arborescens'. 'Lichen frigdus' figured in "English Botany" covers Hoy Hill, Orkney. Location for indigenous 'Imperatoria ostruthium'.