Intends to visit Cullum in Bury after visiting his Kindersley cousins at Sunning Hill. Three hundred people attended Horticultural Society dinner. Has the book "Menagiana" mentioned by Cullum, amused and informed by it.
Disappointed to not be able to attend Linnean Society dinner; cannot forget his connection to the Society. Further plans for Smith's visit to Bury. His son and family in Italy, the "unfortunate war with Spain" [Franco-Spanish War] prevents them from returning to Barèges, [France]. Details of the coaches leaving London for Bury.
No summary available.
Met Master Coke [son of Thomas William Coke], recovering from near fatal influenza. Mrs S Stanhope miscarried at 4 months. Has seen Lady Andover; Mr Dickenson; [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert, his wife [Catherine] much less disturbed than last year; Mrs Bostock, who says Mrs Martin, [Smith's sister, Fanny], deceived in Mr Martin's business abilities; the Sims; visited Dr Baillie, who is ill, prescribed opium for his complaint. Ages of various friends.
No summary available.
Is sending him the second edition of his book on magnetic attractions. Comments on the views put forth in this work.
Has taken efforts to arrange Linnean Society Council meeting for Monday evening, hopes Smith will be able to attend. Understands from [Robert] Brown that Smith does not think the Linnean Society should interfere with the Asiatic Society, but as the Council unanimously agreed to oppose their charter feels it his duty to do what he can to fulfil the instruction, as should Smith, asks that he write to the Attorney General on the matter.
Will send MS's communication about the theory of caloric to some scientific journals, rather than the Astronomical Society, where it would be inappropriate. Comments on caloric theory.
Forwarding to DB, through Hans Christian Oersted, a paper on caloric by Marc Seguin.
Worries that Johann Pfaff is unqualified to translate William Herschel's papers into German; hopes that JH will be the primary authority for commenting on WH's work.
His visit to Sunninghill, [Berkshire], to visit his cousins [the Kindersleys]; the children. Attended last Linnean Society meeting of the season. Botanised at Soho Square and saw Belzoni's "famous sarcophagus" at the British Museum. Regathered his strength following cholera attack with milk and rose conserve. His time at Upton and Hale's End, [Essex], with the Forsters: attended a Quaker's meeting at Plaistow, [Essex]; saw Mr and Mrs Dimsdale. Invited by [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor] to discuss his bust.
Has had a meeting with the Chancellor of the Exchequer concerning his calculating machine. Is to get financial assistance from the government. Hopes to see JH on Monday night.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Discusses various apparent errors JS has been detecting in observing double stars with two different telescopes. Assures JH that no serious problems exist.
No summary available.
No summary available.
No summary available.
Is sending the agreement between the government and CB regarding payment for work on the calculating machine.
Sir Thomas and Lady Cullum "tolerably well", though Sir Thomas had an eruption in his legs. Account of remainder of his time in London, including his meeting with [Francis Leggatt] Chantrey [(1781-1841), sculptor]; breakfasted with [Thomas] Forster, who is forced to give up Bleak Hall; attended dinner at Mr Malkin's. Visited Ickworth and Mr Barnwell with Lady Cullum; too much Portugal laurel.
[Letter incomplete: folio[s] presumed destroyed]