Impossible to find one single person to fill all the roles [Jonas] Dryander performed, especially someone with knowledge of all Sir Joseph Banks' collections. Proposes [Thomas] Marsham as Dryander's replacement for vice-president of the Linnean Society, citing example of the Royal Society Treasurer who is always a vice-president. Thinks Smith's choice of [John] Symmons unsuitable as he has discontinued his attendance at the Linnean Society for years and no longer has a strong interest in natural history. Believes Marsham expects to be appointed.

Resolved a dispute between [William Elford] Leach and [William] Bullock [(fl 1790s-1840s)] at the Linnean Society, in part by giving a sketch of the origin of the Society, owing its stability to "never admitting society hunters, but only practical men who would have an interest in its welfare". One party wanted to propose a vote of censure and put it to the ballot on the same night, "quite illegal". The matter was settled after Leach wrote a letter of apology.

Clarifies that [Thomas] Marsham has not positively said he wants the appointment of vice-president of Linnean Society; Goodenough has only inferred that he wants it. States Marsham's qualities for the position against [John] Symmons' unsuitability. Possible attack of gout coming on. The King [George III (1738-1820)] is getting better and had "no alientation of mind" for the greatest part of the week. Considers the King a personal friend after he took the whole responibility of Goodenough's appointment as Bishop of Carlisle.