Watercolour of 'Geum rivale', or Water Avens. "JES pinxit" in pencil in bottom right-hand corner.

Sending what he can of Dickson's desiderata, observations on numbered specimens, including: 'Lycoperdon forincatum', 'L. stellatum', new 'Byssus', a 'Boletus', an 'Agaricus', 'Clavaria ophioglossoides', 'Botelus luteus', 'Carex inflata', 'Saxifraga autumnalis', may send 'Polycarpon tetraphyllum'. Lately found new specimen he supposes 'Drosera anglica'. Will send 'Salsola fruticosa' and 'Erysimum cheisanthoides' by [James] Crowe.

Requests complete list of Dickson's desiderata. Appends his own list of desiderata [extant, 3pp], and list of plants for Dickson to acquire from Curtis. Also sending [John] Pitchford's 'Polycarpon tetraphyllum', possibly 'Drosera anglica'.

Thanks for specimens; some observations. The three specimens from [John] Pitchford are 'Byssus furcata', 'Byssus fubra', and 'Polypodium thelypteris'.

Thanks for plants, especially 'Lobelia urens' and 'Subularia aquatica'. He is going to Edinburgh in a month to study Physic, hopes there he will be of more botanical assistance to his friends. Doubts over 'Elymus arenarius', will look for 'Bryum rigidum', asks if 'Elatine alsinastrum' is a lost plant. Amazed to hear that an 'Arbutus andrachne' sold at Dr Fothergill's for 51 guineas.

Thanks for 'Bryum rigidum'. No author on Fungi is "to be depended upon", criticises [William] H[udson (c 1730-1793), botanist] and [John] Lightfoot's works. Studying fungi, received some from [James] Crowe. Smith wrong about 'Elymus arenarius'. An 'Elymus philadelphicus' at Sir Joseph Banks'. Has a specimen of 'Elatine alsinastrum'. An 'Arbutus andrachne' sold at [John] Fothergill's [(1712-1780) physician and plant collector] for 51 guineas was not half as large as one at Chelsea.

Smith's unpleasant journey to Sheffield, does not regret making the journey with him. Warns Smith against placing too much trust in the acquaintance he made in the coach, and not to overload himself with new acquaintances. His return journey. Fanny, [Smith's sister], unwell on his return. News of mutual friends including [John] Pitchford, and [James] Crowe.

Success of his letters of recommendation with Mr Martineau, Dr Nevil, Dr Byam, Mr Gloag, Mr Torry, Mr Martin Lindsay, Miss Scott, Mrs Austin, and Dr Gardiner. Expects to derive most "comfort & advantage" from Dr [John] Hope; his character; recommended above all things that he master Latin; Hope's recommendations for what course to attend. Has been to the infirmary once, his "apprehensions & disgust" much less than expected. His fellow lodgers are Mr Lubbock and [John Henry] Engelhart. Met Lord Monboddo.

Pleased to hear of Smith's successes in Edinburgh; his hopes for him, certain he will "shun the immoral & profane both from taste & principle". Warns Smith against "gaiety" of Lubbock. Discusses Smith's recommendations and practicalities of his education there. Approves of Smith hiring a Latin tutor; importance of Latin and Greek. Benefits gained from study of nature. Glad Smith has so many ladies in his acquaintance but warns him against becoming distracted from his studies.

Smith's sister, Fanny, had a fever but now recovered and Nanny Cullyer, their last nursemaid, is dying from a putrid fever. Glad Smith met Lord Monboddo, usefulness of knowing such people. Reminds Smith not to press his stomach against the table when writing. News of [Thomas] Woodward, and criticisms of Mrs Patterson. Effects of the Dutch War on trade.

Norwich news, including movements of [Thomas] Woodward and [James] Crowe. [John] Lightfoot thinks 'Clathrus flavus' is 'Mucor sphaerocephalus' and calls Woodward's 'Byssus' a 'Helvella polymorpha', it is not in [John] Ray's ["Synopsis methodica"] but is close to a figure in Schaeffer ["Descripto fungorum"]. According to Lightfoot the best collection of fungi is that of [Johann Jacob] Dillenius at Oxford. Crowe found 'Monotropa hypopitys' at Bracon, [Lincolnshire], and received 'Helvella planus' from [Henry] Bryant. Mr Humphrey found 'Agaricus quercinus'.

Enjoyment of his life and studies in Edinburgh. Reassures his father that there is no danger of botany engrossing his attention too much. His enjoyment of anatomy, has undertaken the Materia Medica, will attend on an apothecary's shop in the summer. Dr [John] Hope's kind attentions. Dined with Mr Gloag, account of his family and status. Dined with Dr Hutton and Dr Black. Excesses of his fellow lodgers, [John Henry] Engelhart and Mr Lubbock. Requests black silk stockings.

Confident success of Smith's studies, acquaintances, and friendship with Dr [John] Hope will prevent him from being led astray by "bounders" or the "blandishments of beauty". In terms of medicine he is a "Brownist" and believes in keeping the body "braced" by cold immersions to keep it in health. Warns Smith to be wary of "strict friendships". News of Smith's brothers Richard and Francis. Decided not to re-let the College Farm at end of present lease on account of sadness of Smith being absent from the place he used to cultivate and botanise. Norwich news, including Mrs Patterson. Smith's sister, Esther, has been violently ill with a fever but now slowly recovering. Politics: news of election for sheriff, despair at state of the country. Admires the Scottish for their "zeal for the Protestant Religion" but thinks two sermons at a time "rather too much".

Received Smith's letter [of 31 December 1781]. Presumes Smith is developing his own "manners & carriage" from association with the genteel of Edinburgh. Congratulates Smith on his acquitting himself so well in dancing; they are relieved to hear he is not exhausting himself with study. Glad of Smith's acquaintance with [John Henry] Engelhart and that his other acquaintance [Lubbock] has improved. Norwich news, including recovery of health of Smith's sisters, Esther and Fanny.

Smith's medical and botanical studies in Edinburgh, and lichens. Requests specimens of the 'Fucus' figured in [John] Lightfoot; notes on how to mount them. Requests all possible minerals and fossils, particularly the two kinds of asbestos known as "mountain flax" and "mountain leather"; hopes this task will inspire Smith to form his own collection. Takes up Smith's offer to purchase natural history books for him; happy to receive any book not already in his possession, list of he already own and those he would particularly like to. Seeds from Dr [John] Hope would be "highly acceptable".

Account of his journey occasioned by Tolson's "infamous conduct" [Tolson was apparently James Smith's journeyman]; difficulties of trade. Responds to Smith's letters of 22 January [1782] and 12 February [1782]. Amusements are part of Smith's education. Pleased by Smith's enquiries of his grandfather's last illness; opinions. Mr Matineau recommends Smith become a member of the Medical Society. Usefulness of Latin to compliment Smith's French and Italian.

Read of heavy snow round Norwich, [Norfolk], they have had scarcely any. Will be as economical as possible his with expenses, though felt much anxiety on finding they will come to much more than first expected. Attendance at balls and frequent dancing. Reported that Edinburgh people are very proud and despise the students, though he has not experienced this himself. Shall endeavour to join the Medical Society and has already attended and spoken twice, hopes his father thinks he has got rid of some of his bashfulness; they are "wonderfully ignorant" of natural history. Dr Home's lectures on Antimony; discussion of composition and application of James's Powder, particularly with regard fevers.

Delighted at Smith's speaking at Medical Society; encouragement. Dr Martineau thinks it better Smith does not attend apothecary's shop where he intends to settle down and to go to London before taking his degree. Encourages Smith's mixing with genteel society to give him a "polish". His friends all impressed with Smith's letters. His current trade accounts. Hopes change in government and ending of wars with America and Europe will improve conditions. Fears for sugar trade. Norwich news and winter weather. Discusses change of Ministers. Progress of Smith's brother, Richard. Skillful business conduct of Smith's brother. The family's evening conduct. Defends his use of the "out of fashion term", "loving".

Does not think botany is essential to medical education beyond knowing which plants are used in medicine. Botanical discoveries: Sir Joseph Banks and [Daniel] Solander call Smith's 'Lichen miniatus' 'L. deustus'; [James] Crowe and [James] Dickson found 30 new cryptogamic species in Norfolk including two 'Pezizas' and a Jungermannia called 'hypnoides'; [Henry] Bryant found Dillenius' 'Sphaerocephalus terrestris minimus'; [Robert] Stone of Bungay [(d 1829)] discovered 'Hydnum imbricatum' and 'Lycoperdon coliforme'; description of a 'Fungus pulverulentus [...]' Ray "Synopsis methodica" 28.12. Discussion of plants: has not seen 'Lichen pullus' or 'Fucus palmatus'; Crowe's 'Lichen horizaontalis'; mistook 'Lichen parellus' for 'Lichen pertusus'; discoveries of 'Helvella caryophyllaea', 'Lichen miniatus', 'Boletus lucidus'; hopes to send 'Agaricus quercinus', 'Agaricus betulinus', and 'Boletus fomentarius'. Young [Carl] Linnaeus [(1741-1783)] is in London, has stopped his publication plans on account of Banks' 40,000 discoveries [possibly Australian plants].

Their letters generally take 5 days travelling. No longer anxious about his expenses following his father's words. Resolved to learn Pharmacy in Edinburgh in the summer and go to London in the winter of 1784, before graduating at Edinburgh. Hopes for better times with change of Ministry; Mrs Beveridge [his landlady] "furious" in her attachment to the old Ministry. Most backward spring in Edinburgh known to memory. Death of Mr Patterson, head of the Medical, Physical, and Speculative Societies.

He and 4 or 5 friends have lately formed a society for the study of natural history, for which Dr Walker, the new professor, offered his museum for them to meet in. Dr [John] Hope an honorary member and 7 other young men have since joined, and the Earls of Glasgow and Ancram, and Lord Dare, have all petitioned to join; particulars of the society. Dr Walker told him he has studied more natural history than anybody he before met with in Scotland. His acquaintance with Dr Hutton; his character; he is an excellent mineralogist. Does not intend to study mineralogy any more than absolutely necessary, contenting himself with strict line of his profession and the "first two kingdoms of nature by way of relaxation"; benefits his small knowledge of this has already brought him. His acquaintances, particularly intimate with [William] Thomson [(c 1760-1806), mineralogist and physician] and [Robert] Batty; their characters. Sorrow at departing of friends.

Responds to letters of 3 April [1782] and 5 May [1782]. Pleasure at his successes at Edinburgh and his parents' at Norwich. Hopes his father will be able to pay him a visit. If [James] Crowe does not come to the Highlands intends to embark on his expedition, accompanied by Dr [John] Hope's son, Mr Hardy, and Mr Lubbock. His sorrow at end of the winter lectures and departure of so many students, including [Robert] Batty. He has started attending the Infirmary and has got over his "disagreeable feelings" from his first attendance there. Their Natural History Society goes on "gloriously", Dr [Joseph] Black has recently joined. Intends to try for Dr Hope's medal for best collection of native Scottish plants, and plants of the Materia Medica.

Shortly moving to a new house. Change in [John Henry] Engelhart from being the "delight & ornament of all genteel companies" to becoming a "perfect debauchee who shuns all polite & virtuous people". Arrivall of Mr and Mrs Cleeve, who is a preacher and apparently not well liked. Account of his friend, Lady Reay. Correspondence with [William] Younge, son of Dr Younge of Sheffield. Responds to Norwich news. Recently read a paper before the Natural History Society on the collecting and preserving of plants which was debated for 3 hours.

Sends coloured drawing of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' [extant] from [William] Withering's "Botanical Arrangement", found near Bungay, [Suffolk]; observations with reference to [John] Ray's and [Joseph Pitton de] Tournefort [(1656-1708)] figures and descriptions; differences between 'L. fornicatum' and 'L. stellatum'. Dissatisfaction at [Charles] Bryant's [(d 1799)] forthcoming 'Lycoperdon' monograph [see RelatedMaterial below]. Discusses 'L. pedunculatum' of [William] Hudson with reference to Ray, Tournefort, and [Albrecht von] Haller [(1708-1777)], and 'L. fraxineum', 'L. pisiformis', 'L. nigram', 'L. varialossum', 'L. fuscum', and 'L. epidendum'.

Thanks for the books Smith acquired for him, particularly the "Plantae Capenses"; his own recent sales and acquisitions. Accepts offers of Scottish pebbles and marbles. Recommends [John] Latham's "History of Birds"; comments on vastness of modern discoveries in ornithology. Possible visitors to Smith in Edinburgh. Directions for sending books and specimens of lichens, 'Fucus', and 'Conferveae'.

Drawing of 'Lycoperdon coliforme' [on verso of first folio]