Text Online
From:
André-Marie Ampère
To:
Pierre-Simon Ballanche
Date:
Début octobre 1816 ?
Source of text:
Correspondance du Grand Ampère (Paris: 1936), p. 516-517.
Summary:
No summary available.
Contributor:
La Correspondance d’André-Marie Ampère
No summary available.
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Introduces Francis Boott; his knowledge and skills; possesses the best collection of American plants he has seen; intends to live in Britain for some years. Sends American edition of Smith's "Introduction to Botany". Sends 20 possibly new plants not found in Willdenow, Michaux, or Pursh, and full description, which he sends as a paper for the Linnean Society. Brief remarks on several of the specimens, including: 'Salicornia', 'Holcus', 'Melica', 'Hottaria', 'Rumex', 'Arenaria' or 'Stellaria', 'Prunus', 'Ranunculus paludosus', 'Sonchus'. Pleased Smith was satisfied with the packet he sent last year and the 'Orchideae'. Would welcome a copy of "Flora Britannica"; not available in USA.
Encourages Smith to extend his visit to them. Fears current bad weather will spoil the corn remaining in the fields and add to the other agricultural distresses; reports of similar situations in Newcastle and Berwickshire; although not superstitious almost thinks "a mark was set this devoted country, from the illconduct of the person who is at the head of it" [presumably George IV (1762-1830), Prince Regent for George III from 1811-1820]. Upset to see accounts of sale of [William] Roscoe's library, having hoped his affairs were not so bad.
Requests a copy of the best edition, on the best paper, of "Flora Britannica", to present to a friend. Also requests [Carl] Willdenow's "Species plantarum" and [William] Woodville's [(1752-1805)] "Medical botany".
Purchased the following at [William] Roscoe's sale of pictures: Leo's "the Head of the Christ"; Michelangelo's "Chiaroscuro"; Giorgione's "Portrait of a Venetian Lady and her Son"; a "Holy Family" by Vinci.
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Smith's permission to reprint his "Linnean Transactions" paper on ivy in "Fragments of Landscape Gardening" came too late. His daughters have two silhouette drawings to send to Smith. Told by Dr Bailey that his angina pectoris is only an acute pain in his chest.
[Note in Smith's hand] death of Repton.
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Leaving Cambridge shortly, probably for good. Will be under his father's directions observing the stars. Has sent the appendix to S. F. Lacroix. Regarding JH's error in the printing of an equation. Gives an equation for CB to comment on.
Heard a report 10 or 12 days ago of death of [Thomas] Marsham, but as he has not had it confirmed by a letter from Macleay or in the papers hopes it is not true. Spent all of last week at Sir Thomas Cullum's and next week shall be at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], or Lowestoft, [Suffolk]. Has papers and presents to send Linnean Society. Asks if Macleay knows anything of Dr Nisbet. "Statistic report from Norfolk", including item "water - more than has been known since the days of Noah".
Thanks Cullum for his hospitality; they dined with [Thomas] Woodward on their way home. Expecting Professor [Franz Karl] Mertens from Bremen and Dawson Turner. Writing to congratulate "our friend at Clare Hall" [probably William Webb]. Compliments to mutual friends.
Bill to Smith for various books bought at auction on his behalf [Smith has annotated selling prices against some].
Details results of Smith's lots, including woodcut to "Lapland Tour", sold for 3s 6d; the coppers to "Tour of Hafod" £7 10s 6d; French paper intended for "Icones plantarum" £18 18s 9d, and the remaining letterpress for 29 guineas.
Thanks for recommending him to the Dean of Carlisle [Robert Hodgson].
Reports of [Thomas] Marsham's death unfounded, but fears his circumstances are not improved as he missed the last two installments of his bill to the Linnea Society; promises to pay 5 November [1816]. [Robert] Brown returned from Paris, "well pleased with his visit".
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Just returned home from his wife's [Pleasance Smith] brother's wedding. Distressed by news that [Thomas] Marsham has not paid his bills to the Linnean Society; despite all his "indulgence for an unfortunate friend" feels compelled by his obligations to the Society to do everything possible to recover the money; asks that the state of the case be presented to first Council meeting of the session; his knowledge of the case.