From:
Sir John Herschel
To:
Charles Babbage
Date:
1] July [1812
Source of text:
RS:HS 2.2 (C: 20.1)
Summary:
Answer to CB's equation. Bring something to discuss at the forthcoming meeting of the Analytical Society.
Contributor:
John Herschel Project
Answer to CB's equation. Bring something to discuss at the forthcoming meeting of the Analytical Society.
No summary available.
Congratulates Smith on the recovery of his health. His own health good except for a weakness in the hip. Forwarded Smith's enclosure to [Harvey] Spragg, thanks to convenience of new daily post.
Thinks that Sole of Bath, [Somerset], was too hasty is declaring 'Agrostis stolonifera' as "black couch" and "the worst grass that grows" in the Wiltshire Agricultural Report, as he [Johnes] is convinced that it will become the "most beneficial discovery that has been made". He was first alerted to it by the "greediness" of his cattle in seeking it out, and hopes to have nearly 100 acres of it next year.
Believes weather here is better than elsewhere; they have only had one very rainy day and are in expectation of a good harvest. Current politics are "disgusting", and expects the Catholics to "be thrown aside" in spite of the "fine promises" made.
Going to the seaside to recruit his strength after a long illness so only able to send half a dozen of Winch's desiderata of rarities; writing to Bishop of Carlisle [Samuel Goodenough] for 'Galium witheringii'. Thanks for the mosses. [Dawson] Turner and [William Jackson] Hooker both well, but like himself have "very little time for correspondence, except of the most urgent kind".
[On recto of second folio] Various lists of plants sent January 1811; July 1812; 26 July 1813; 6 October 1813; "sent to Sowerby", letter sent to Smith 13 May 1813; some notes [in Winch's hand, 3 pp, see RelatedMaterial below].
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Thanks for letter and packet of seeds from Russia. Received Smith's letter of 22 June concerning particulars of [Francis] Masson's [(1741-1805), Kew plant collector] life. Lists Masson's achievements and services to botany, explains how he procured Masson's journals and collections from his nephews, describes his character. [Charles] Konig and Sim's article in "Annals of Botany", believes there is enough material for a "Memoranda Massonium". Large numbers of people coming to see his nursery's collection of roses [Lee & Kennedy's Vineyard Nursery, Hammersmith].
Further comments on his original query [see CB's 1812-6-20] regarding the equation in calculus.
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Discusses specimens of 'Triticum' previously sent to Goodenough, encloses specimen of 'T. alpinum', very rare. Numbered observations on enclosed specimens: 2. nondescript 'Bromus' like 'B. sylvaticus'; 3. 'Aira' like 'A. caespitosa', proposes name 'A. gromerata'; 4. a new 'Statice', proposes name 'S. alba' or 'S. subulata'. Asks Goodenough to forward this letter to Dr [James Edward] Smith.
Pleased to hear that Smith is recovering from his fever with medicines and sea air but asks why, given his propensity for fevers, he has not found a preemptive remedy to be applied at the first signs of one. An abundant harvest expected in Cumberland. Has used his entomological knowledge to cure his farmer's fears timing when to bring in the hay after observing that any approach of rain brings out insects such as 'Tabanus pluralis'. Enquires after the fourth volume of "Flora Britannica". His given his son, Edmund, Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Glad that Smith is to finish settling the Linnean Society's business with the Prince Regent. It never rains all day in his part of the country. Takes it for granted that America will have to be classed as an enemy but hopes peace will be preserved [War of 1812, fought between Britain and USA over British interests in North America, 1812-1815].
Feels in better health than for the last 12 months. Received letter from [Olof] Swartz informing him that [Erik] Acharius is complaining over lack of acknowledgement of the lichens he sent. Intends to forward book on Swedish botany received for Linnean Society once he has looked over it. Wrote to Colonel [John] McMahon [(c 1754-1817), Private Secretary to the Sovereign 1811-1817] as Macleay suggested.
Thanks Smith for information on 'Arenaria rubra' and seeds of the '[Aloexylum] agallochum', though her gardener does not think it will survive without a hothouse. Invites Smith to visit. If she can get a frank will enclose a plant from Mr Hempsted, a botanist friend who is currently staying.
No summary available.
Thanks Smith for acknowledging receipt of two copies of his "Hortus Botanicus". Answers Smith's query on what genus the "Cunep" is, which he finds noted as 'Melicocca bijuga', or Canep Honey Berry.