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

Engraving of Jane Johnes, second wife of Thomas Johnes. Inscription in bottom left hand corner reads "Mrs Johnes".

Engraving of front elevation and part of the grounds of Allerton Hall, near Liverpool, home of William Roscoe from 1799 to 1816.

Engraving of John Russell's pastel of Smith, c1799, in Robert John Thornton's [(c 1768-1837), physician and writer on botany] "A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnaeus".

Small engraving of James Edward Smith aged 4 years, from drawing by T Wolridge.

Numbered list of plants sent by George Don in Smith's herbarium

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.