Search: No in transcription-available 
1790-1799 in date 
Smith, James Edward in author 
Sorted by:

Showing 4160 of 79 items

From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
30 Nov 1792
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/63, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Responds to Woodward's queries in previous letter [of 18 November 1792] concerning 'Fucus' specimens. Woodward's paper on 'Fucus dasyphyllus' was read at Linnean Society and will probably be added to "Linnean Transactions" vol 2. 'Fucus furcellatus' Linnaean herbarium different from all the other 'Fucus' he has seen.

Intends to rename 'Blechnum radicans', 'B. virginicum', 'B. japonicum', and a new one, as 'Woodwardia', as the first two grow in British gardens, and this will group it with 'Davallia' and 'Dickonsia'; [Jonas] Dryander approves. Dr [Erasmus] Darwin and Sir Brooke Boothby [7th baronet, (1744-1824), poet and writer] are elected FLS.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
9 Jan 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/65, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Spent Christmas at Sir Alexander Hume's in Hertfordshire. Hopes to have his usual annual party of [Samuel] Goodenough, [Thomas] Marsham, and [Jonas] Dryander to his house next week, with Woodward's turkey acting as his ambassador; comments on turkeys being introduced from America to south of France by Jesuits. Asks for the Woodwards assistance in finding the tale in verse of the City mouse & country mouse" [note pasted to reverse of letter, in Smith's hand, with reference to Alexander Pope and Jonathan Swift]. He is "well pleased" with his royal pupils, who are "very diligent & apt"; returning after 4 June. Currently engaged in zoological lectures in London, has 16 subscribers, including Lord Stormont. Work on his "Tour" proceeded well at Frogmore.

Comments on 'Woodwardia'; on good grounds. Plans to figure 'Fucus abrotanifolius' in his uncoloured work. Error by [James] Sowerby in his figure of 'Cardamine impatiens' in "English botany". Praises beauty of [Edward] Donovan's [(1768-1837), natural historian] insect plates but the letterpress is "not scientific"; he is an "Irish compiling sort of adventurer in literature", previously published a "very bad" sixpenny botanical magazine. [Samuel] Goodenough still thinks the 'Fucus' Woodward mentioned is 'F. palmetta' of Gmelin.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
4 Feb 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/67, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sends remainder of Bulliard's ["Histoire des champignons"] and text, finally sent by L'Héritier; Woodward's account. Miss [Sarah Sophia] Banks [(1744-1818)] enquires after Bungay tradesmen's tokens or halfpence, for her collection. None of his works ready for two months; busy on his "Tour". Sales of "English botany" have increased since the enlargement. Did not review [William] Withering's book, and confirms he has only ever reviewed three: Berkenhout's "new edition" [of "Clavis Anglica linguae botanicae" (1789)], Curtis' "Magazine", and a pamphlet on silk worms, all in "Analytical Review"; does not intend to write any others.

Can easily see how Princess Elizabeth's [(1770-1840), daughter of George III] "winning condescension [and] looks so full of soul" could be mistaken by "a fool or a coxcomb" as a passion for himself; admits he is flattered by the attention she pays to his lessons. Lady [Amelia] Hume found the "City & Country Mouse" in Swift's works. His paper on ferns is for the Turin Academy as thanks for making him one of their 20 foreign members, in place of Franklin and in company of Priestly and Herschell. His picture is being drawn for the Exhibition, for Sir Abraham Hume, he is to have a frond of 'Woodwardia radicans' in his hand.

Sends his Matlock, [Derbyshire], lichens, and 'Convallaria verticillata', from Scotland. Amused by reports of his sister being offered Miss [Fanny] Burney's [(1752-1840), novelist and Second Keeper of the Robes to the Queen] place [in attendance on the Queen], which are without foundation; "you have no idea what tittle tattle is at Windsor".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
26 Feb 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/56, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Continues his numbered comments on plants in Davall's packet of July 1791: 'Salix incubacea', 'Dianthus carthusianorum', 'Dianthus virgineus' [Nikolaus von] Jacquin "Florae Austriacae" vol 5 t 15 also 'Dianthus rupestris', 'Arenaria dianthoides', 'Dianthus diminutus', 'Arabis bellidifolia', 'Arabis hispidia' "Hortus Kewensis", error in 'Arabis hispida' "Systema Vegetabilum" ed 14, 'Turritis hirsuta', 'Turritis alpina', 'Cheiranthus erysimoides', 'Cheiranthus fruticulosus', 'Rannunculus gramineus', 'Arenaria pubescens', 'Cynoglossum'. Transcribes extract from his fern paper on genus 'Davallia', observations and species. Puzzled by 'Thlaspi', fears he told Davall wrong about his C in parcel of 1791, and that it is 'perfoliatum'; intends to tackle this genus after 'Arenaria'.

His "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" taking much of his time. Responds to Davall's letter of 11 January 1793: agrees with Davall on the French character; has communications with the Queen on plants; thinks he will soon be able to live by his own means; thanks Davall for recommending him to the Duchess of Devonshire [Georgiana Cavendish (1757-1806)].

Thinks Lady Rockingham is "too much a slave to her servants" and does not like her gardener, Greg. Will send plants for Davall from Botany Bay by Mr Mandrot. Not yet started on [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens. Received encouraging letter from [Adam] Afzelius and François [Borone] in Sierra Leone; account of violence reported in Berne Gazette was probably occassioned by disturbance at Bulam. Glad to give 'Linum tenuifolium' to English botanists as they considered it an English plant. Aims to write six printing pages of his "Tour" every day. Hopes to get Davall a Dillenius ["Historia muscorum" (1741)] for about £10.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
26 Mar 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/69, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

No longer possible for Woodward to stay during his visit for Linnean Society anniversary meeting as his mother, youngest sister, and brother from Yorkshire are visiting at the same time. Asks if Woodward saw letter in last month's "Gentleman's Magazine" criticising his specific character of 'Geranium lucidum' in "English botany"; his response to appear in May issue in which he will also own the work. "English botany" to start including 'Cryptogamia', but not fungi. Has Woodward's drawing of 'Agaric' from [James] Sowerby.

Correcting the press of Woodward's 'Lycoperdon' paper; finds it amusing, though doubts Charles Bryant [(d 1799)] will. "Great loss" of [William] Aiton [(1731-1792), director of Kew Gardens] to Kew, his son [William Townsend Aiton] "clever & civil". Fourth fasciculus of "Icones pictae" out this year. Still working on his "Tour", some already printing. Feels better this winter than he has for many years.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
12 May 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/59, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note by Davall letter received 31 [May 1793]. Resonds to Davall's letter of 5 April 1793: congratulations on birth of son; grieved by state of Davall's health, approves of taking 'Cinchona' and recommends red port wine for costiveness.

Success of his lectures: zoological had seventeen subscribers and botanical twenty-four, including eight or nine ladies "of distinguished rank & elegance", they are beginning to be celebrated so another year would be better attended, and enjoys delivering them. His publications are bringing him some money. His "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" now printing after having held it back from diffidence and fear of altercations for "I must & will shew myself the friend of truth & humanity".

Receiving good things from François [Borone] in Sierra Leone, he proposes to return next December. Reports on Mr Este, who is very friendly and came to his lectures, believes he was distressed and ill used by Captain Topham and went abroad, but now editor of "The Courier", "a very democratic paper, but a very clever one", and he is going to Pavia soon. If he earns enough money and the political situation is quiet hopes to take a trip on the continent, but would contemplate going with a young man as a "bear-leader" to Italy.

"English Botany" after no.24 is being enlarged to six plates monthly and charge to half a crown. Justifies making a profit by the trouble it gives and inclusion of original material. Nearly 900 are sold and last month owned it as his in the "Gentleman's Magazine". Davall's accounts with [James] Sowerby and [James] Dickson, asks if he wants Dickson's "Hotus siccus Britannicus". Pleased Davall now has Dillenius' ["Historia muscorum"] though despairs of finding him [Paulo] Boccone's [(1633-1704) "Museo di piante rare" (1697)]. 'Celsia linearis' Jacq now common in gardens, it is 'Hemimeris'. There are only fifty copies of [Richard] Salisbury's "Macaroni" book, as [Jonas] Dryander calls it [probably "Icones stirpium rariorum" (1791)] but catalogue of his garden will do him much honour ["Prodromus stirpium in Horto ad Chapel Allerton vigentium" (1796)]. No news of Duchess of Devonshire [Georgiana Cavendish (1757-1806)] yet.

[Note in Davall's hand] "wrote in haste 4 June about sending me "English Botany" &c.".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Sir Thomas Gery Cullum
Date:
29 May 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/13/8, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Forwarded the plants, books, and pamphlet enclosed with Cullum's last letter to [Jonas] Dryander and [William] Hudson, who died shortly afterwards. Hopes Cullum will send a copy of his pamphlet ["Florae Anglicae"] for Linnean Society. Hopes Cullum approves of tribute made to Hudson's memory under 'Melampyrum pratense' in "English Botany" for June. Glad Cullum agrees about 'Arabis stricta' being a 'turritis'. Will hasten to begin a "Flora Britannica" this summer. Great quantities of French china selling every day.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
1 Jun 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/72, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Woodward's letters of 15 May [1793] and 24 May [1793]. He and [James] Sowerby request specimens of 'Cineraria palustris', 'Convolvulus soldanella', 'Atriplex pedunculata', 'A. portulacoides', and 'Trifolium suffocatum'. He and [Richard] Relhan have conversed on the "diseased anemone". Woodward's additional observations on 'Fucus hypoglossum' will be read shortly at Linnean Society. Message from [Samuel] Goodenough regarding "doctrine of diaecious 'Fucus'" and Woodward's account of Solander's manuscript.

"Natural History of New Holland" delayed by quarrel between Shaw and Nodder; hopes latter will be "got rid of, but it requires some dexterity". Unanimously elected to the Upsala Academy. Asks for Woodward to send wild 'Crataegus torminalis' in flower at Ditchingham. Hopes Woodward will approve of what he wrote of "poor [William] Hudson" in June number of "English botany", "he has been too much run down". Comments on ladies' fashion for "pads", with small ink sketch. Read Woodward's letter on 'Ruscus' with pleasure.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
James Smith
Date:
27 Jun 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/SM/5, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Arrangements for his and Cousin K's [Nathaniel Kindersley] visit; he means to bring Howlings [his manservant?]. He has sat twice for [John] Rising [(1753-1817), portrait and subject painter], who has much improved his portrait to satisfaction of his sister, Miss Lane, and Sir Abraham Hume. Just received notification of his unanimous election to the Upsal Academy, particuarly pleased as the Swedes can have no partiality to him. Financial arrangements._x000D_

Corrects mistake of his father's regarding passage of [Jean-Jacques] Rousseau [(1712-1778), philosopher]; of his father's opinion regarding Esther and Fanny's [Smith's sisters] reading of him.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
2 Jul 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/60, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Responds to Davall's letters of 11 May 1793 and 4 June 1793 [the latter is not extant in this collection]: answers Davall's rich packet on another paper [not extant], but will say no.12 is 'Triticum tenellum' HL and no.26 is 'Myagrum hispanicum' HL [HL is probably Herbarium Linnaeus]; thanks for plants and Mrs Davall's puzzling netted purse, his sister will try to copy it and piece of work of different kind for Mrs Davall. Sending Mrs Davall two spar eggs for netting from Matlock, [Derbyshire]._x000D_

Does not comprehend Davall's illness; his own health well but overcome with heat of town. Has a project to live in Kensington. Apologises for not sending Davall for his herbarium everything he could from England. Mandrot is taking parcel of 50 Botany Bay specimens for Davall, and numbers 16 to 31 of "English Botany", and another parcel containing [James] Sowerby's "Florists Delight" 2 and 3 and 80 more Botany Bay specimens sent another way. Comments on how rare these specimens are, considering how close Sir Jospeh Banks kept his voyage specimens, and half what he sends Davall are new to Banks also. Smith receives them from White, surgeon of the colony, has not had time to settle the names yet. Has asked [John] Fairbairn for Davall's seeds. 'Mornia' in Davall's garden, is in none here. [Adam] Afzelius happy to correspond with Davall, the colony in Sierra Leone "thrives admirably". Sending [James] Dickson's "Hortus siccus Britannicus" nos.1, 2 and 3. First volume of his "Sketch of a Tour of the Continent" published. Congratulates Davall on his son having had the smallpox. Encloses packet and letter to be forwarded to Montpellier, and has asked Broussonet to send letters via Davall as no post goes to France now on account of war. Asks if Davall's aunt remember Miss Butterworth from her school in Marlborough Street, now married to his cousin Kindersley, just returned from fourteen years in India. Updates Davall's account for books._x000D_

Various notes in Davall's hand on verso of second folio: wrote 11 October by Mrs Simpson with seed of 'Lavatera puncata', 'Minuartia campestris', and 'Androsace lactea'; forwarded letter from Victor Broussonet 2 August; note that when mentioning Jacquin's repetition of caps of 'Alstroemeria pelegrina' to see Colls vol 4 p.220; to mention parcel by Dorthes, done in letter of 6 Dec 1793; when writing again 'Hypochaeris uniflora' preferable to 'Helactica', 'Ranunculus [belliflorus], the print of dissertation.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
20 Jul 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/73, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Has been at Norwich for some time and was at Yarmouth, [Norfolk], where he saw the "puritanic brown locks" of Lilly Wigg [(1749-1828), botanist] and [Dawson] Turner. Hopes Woodward will be visiting Norwich during the Assize week, otherwise proposes to meet at Dr [Nicholas] Gwyn's.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
James Sowerby
Date:
17 Aug 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/JS/2, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sends seaside plants to be drawn for "English botany", including: 'Santolina maritima', 'Euphorbia paralias', 'Nordeum maritimum', and 'Atriplex laciniata'. Also sending specimen of 'Pyrola maculata', a very rare American plant, for "Spicilegium [botanicum]", a new 'Campanula', garden specimen of 'Galeopsis villosa' for "English botany", and 'Mentha exigua'.

Sending parcel of 50 'Santolina' specimens to be forwarded to [James] Dickson for his "Hortus Siccus Brittanicus". Asks Sowerby to send two copies of ; requests him to send by coach two copies of "A specimen of the botany of New Holland" for [William Beeston] Coyte and Mrs [Elizabeth] Cobbold.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
24 Sep 1793
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/62, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Davall's letter of 16 August, packets of plant and seeds and bottle of 'Orchis abortiva' flowers. The '-oides' names given to the Australian plants are only temporary; working on a "Natural History of New Holland" with Dr [George] Shaw, unhappy with plan for each number to have two plates each of plants and animals but settled by Wilson who gave him the plants.

His youngest brother has died though as he had "fallen into total indolence" it is no loss; transcribes epitaph written for his grave and comments on his early promise including almost winning Royal Academy gold medal for design of a church. Hopes to publish "Sketch of a Tour on the Continent" in December and urgently requests Davall to confirm his anecdote about Berne holding a fireworks display costing twice the amount Haller's collections were for in same year. Urges Davall not to fret over jealousy of the Swiss, "the envy of fools is one of the rewards of merit".

Thanks for Davall's observations on 'Lichen omphalodes', which will be tab 150 in "English Botany", 145 to be 'Pinguicula lusitanica', and 146 'Pyrola uniflora' from Scotland. [Adam] Afzelius and François safely returned from Sierra Leone with many fine things though climate too damp and insectiferous for specimens, the fruits and capsules most wonderful. Asks Davall to explain his and François [Borone's] scheme involving English garden specimens. [Thomas] Woodward happy to exchange specimens with Davall, as he uses Haller's books hopes Davall will convert him to Swiss botany. Is the Geneva 'Melampryum cristatum' different to the English. Would prefer Davall to send an original paper not based on DuCros.

Four pages of numbered botanical observations by Smith on Davall's parcel of plants received June 1793: 'Epilobium palustre' HL, 'Bromus arvensis' HL, 'Avena sativa' HL, 'Avena strigosa' Schreber, 'Avena fatua' HL, 'Avena fertilis' Allioni, '[Triticum] tenellum' HL, 'Minuartia campestris' HL, 'Cerinthe minor' HL, 'Ribes grossularia' HL, 'Chaerophyllum bulbosum' HL, 'Silene bellidifolia', 'Arenaria tetrequetra' HL, 'Myagrum rugosum', '[Thlaspi] perfoliatum' HL, 'Alyssum utriculatum' HL, 'Arabis pumila' Jacq, two species of 'Turritis' like 'Turritis hirsuta', 'Myagrum hispanicum', 'Geranium palustre' HL, '[Chrysanthemum] indicum', 'Chara flexilis', '[Carex] limosa' HL, 'Salix incubacea', '[Salix] purpurea', 'Salix repens' HL, 'Salix fusca' Flo Lapp, 'Valantia aparine' HL, 'Galium spurium' HL, '[Polypodium] alpinum a 'Cyathea', 'Phascum piliferum', 'Hieracium', 'Hieracium cymosum', 'Crepis leontodontoides'. One page of numbered remarks on lichens from Davall by Smith: 'Lichen albo-flavescens' Wulf., 'L. ulmi' Swartz, 'L. marmorens', 'L. exanthematicus', 'L. tumidulus', 'L. miniatus', 'L. fulgens' Swartz, 'L. saxifragus', 'L. spaeria' possibly 'L. reciptus' [HL probably Herbarium Linnaeus].

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
9 Feb 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/80, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Sends perfect copy of his "Tour" and copies of his "New Holland" work; particularly pleased with his description of 'Billardiera'. Examined 'Fucus confervoides' of Linnaean herbarium and confirms it is 'F. vesuicosus' [William] Hudson and not 'F. albidus', finds no 'F. incurous' Hudson in herbarium. Mr Egerton the only one of [Samuel] Goodenough's pupils to die [from a fever at Goodenough's school]. Visited North Walsham, [Norfolk], to meet botanist Revd Mr Hepworth. Will be in Norwich in June to lecture on botany and zoology for 6 weeks.

Thanks for Woodward's good opinion of his "Tour"; opinion of others including his Windsor friend and Sir Abraham and Lady [Amelia] Hume, despite Sir Abraham being a friend of [Edmund] Burke [(1730-1797), politician] and an "alarmist"; has heard nothing of De Luc's or the Queen's [Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (1744-1818)] opinion; only criticism received so far is from his "honest but bigotted friend" [Thomas] Marhsam, "a furious friend of the slave trade & an enemy of Dr [Joseph] Priestly [(1733-1804), theologian]", who says he did wrong in mentioning Priestly.

[Letter incomplete: lower two-thirds of second folio cropped, text presumed destroyed]

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Richard Pulteney
Date:
15 Feb 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/MS238/14, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Thanks for Pulteney's letter of 30 January [1794]. Happy his work is approved by so "intelligent & candid a judge"; his sentiments in that work have been generally approved, and sells well. Intends to name a genus after Pulteney. Will send more New Holland plants in due course. Has heard nothing of L'Héritier since the war. Glad [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert is so well, the young man with him [Francesco Borone] will say much of Sierra Leone.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Thomas Jenkinson Woodward
Date:
3 Mar 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/18/82, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Glad Woodward enjoys "Zoology of New Holland"; he likes it and [George] Shaw "very much". History of the proposed biography of Linnaeus by [Joseph] Trapp, translated from [Dietrich Heinrich] Stoever's German biography; recommending all naturalists to subscribe. Lists new Fellows of the Linnean Society. Communicated information to Stoever for the original biography, particularly narrative of purchase of the collections. His paper on ferns [published by Turin Academy] is expected soon; intends to publish a translation. Sold more than 600 copies of his "Tour".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
14 Mar 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/67, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note by Davall letter received 28 March 1794.

Numbered botanical observations on packet of plants received from Davall 10 September [sent 16 August 1793]: 'Eriophorum alpinum', 'Melica ciliata', 'Avena orientalis', 'Saponaria ocymoides', 'Anemone alpina', 'Orchia abortiva', 'Ophrys ovata', 'Carex', 'Carex pauciflora', 'Carex leporina' HL, 'Carex chordorhiza', '[Salix triandra]', 'Lichen rimosus', 'Lichen perlatus', 'Linum flavum', 'Saxifraga mutata' HL. Gave [Samuel] Goodenough all of the 'Carex' specimens [HL probably signifies Herbarium Linnaeus].

Responds to Davall's letter of 13 October 1793: received and distributed seeds; anecdote of Haller's herbarium and fireworks came too late for printing in third volume of his "Sketch of a tour on the continent"; the liquor he uses to protect his plants is the Cajeput oil of 'Melaleuca leucadendron' "a thing not to be had but by chance and seldom pure", camphor also good either alone or dissolved in [spirit vinegar]; currently bathing his insects and moving them to a new cabinet.

Responds to Davall's letter of 6 December 1793: pleased by comments on Haller's herbarium and Davall's opinion of the matter; François [Borone] shortly leaving for Greece with [John] Sibthorp, although he is not permitted to collect his own plants; [Adam] Afzelius shortly returning to Sierra Leone, against his advice; does not pity Davall over the younger Haller's actions and urges him to publish whatever he has finished to avoid becoming like Sibthorp and his "Florae Graecae", although admits himself facing similar difficulties with his "Systema Vegetabilium" and is going on with a "Flora Britannica" in Latin; Este well and living 6 St George's Row, his travels to be published soon.

Responds to Davall's letter of 25 February 1794: condolences on death of Davall's aunt; busy with writing and two courses of lectures and another beginning at Guy's Hospital; his "Tour" meets with "unexpected commendation" and is selling fast, "the political part seems to conciliate most people"; difficulties with [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens. His health good, Lady Rockingham "grows more whimsical and retired" but has heard nothing of the Duchess of Devonshire or Lady Dowager Spencer. A translation by a "hackney writer" [Joseph Trapp] of [Dietrich Heinrich] Stoever's "Life of Linnaeus" to be published. Offers specimen of 'Ophrys loeselii'.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
6 Jun 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/70, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

His lectures: gave two Germans and an American private courses; is to hold a course on every genus in the Linnaean herbarium, about 50 lectures of an hour each; his usual course of one of zoology and one of botany at home; and one of botany at Guy's hospital; making him very busy but the "profitableness" allows him to let other things give way to it. Spending summer in Norwich with relations from India [the Kinderlseys] and as he has often been asked will give course on zoology and botany at Norwich. Apologises for sending small packet of plants.

Responds to Davall's letter of 14 April 1794: subscibed Davall to [Joseph Trapp's] translation of [Dietrich Heinrich] Stoever's "Life of Linnaeus"; Davall's disorders those of sedentary people; [James] Dickson will communicate full instructions for Davall's proposed greenhouse; flower bud of Botany Bay plant 'Octandria' like an acorn but not the fruit.

Reponds to Davall's letter of 12 May 1794: thanks for [Jacob] Wyttenbach's anecdotes on Haller's collections, will insert them in second edition of his "Tour", if it gets one; general approbation in England for the "Tour" "is very strong" though some think "the politics not courtly enough": De Luc of Windsor thinks him too partial to Rousseau though the majority including the "most loyal & religious like that part of the book, & as to French politics most think I have drawn the line well between liberty & anarchy", it has procured him many new acquaintances and sales very rapid, corrects error in vol 3 p.133 for 'Carex filiformis' read 'capillaris'. Davall should have received second volume of "Linnean Transactions" via Mr de Morsier; 'Lichen saxifragus' correct, 'Lichen ulmi' Swartz is 'L. marmorens' of Dickson's "fasc.". After consultation with [James] Dickson sends account of [Horace Bénédict] de Saussure's [(1740-1799)] lichens [fifth folio] though except for 5 and 8 none of interest. 'Orchis abortiva' specimen not fresh enough for "English Botany", asks if fresher flower spikes could be sent. [James] Sowerby will return Davall's drawings. Sends his paper on ferns and specimens of 'Ophrys loeselii' and 'Malaxis paludosa'. Cannot yet answer Davall's most recent packet though comments that no.1 is not 'Veronica spuria' but probably variety of 'Veronica longifolia', no.2 not different from 'Milium effusum' HL and 'Milium confertum' very different; no.8 must be 'Scilla italica' HL [probably signifies Herbarium Linnaeus].

Current "aspect of politics" very alarming but believes they are safe from insurrection though many think otherwise. His "Tour" being translated into French and Italian, the latter "somewhat castrated". Duchess of Portland [Dorothy Bentinck] died; "we regret her much".

Numbered observations on de Saussure's lichens: 'Scutellis lividis', 'Lichen proboscideus', 'Lichen scaber' [Huds. in pencil], 'Lichen fahlunensis', 'Lichen geographicus', 'Lichen tessellatus' new sp obs, 'Lichen deustus' or 'decussatus' of Villars, 'Lichen pubescens', 'Lichen mesenteriformis' Jacquin "Miscellanea Austriaca" 2 t9 f5, 'L. deustus', 'L. loricatus' new species obs.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Richard Pulteney
Date:
12 Jun 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/MS238/15, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Introduces Messrs [Caspar von] Voght and Wattenbach, from Hamburg. Thanks for 'Acidium berberidis'.

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London
From:
Sir James Edward Smith
To:
Edmund Davall
Date:
26 Sep 1794
Source of text:
GB-110/JES/COR/14/72, The Linnean Society of London
Summary:

Note by Davall letter received 24 October [1794]._x000D_

Lectured in Norwich for three months "to a crowded & admiring audience [...] diffusing a taste for our beloved study". Returned to London to work on "English Botany" before seeing off family in Norwich returning to India [the Kindersleys]. Thanks Davall for packet, glad he likes his "Tour". Requests seeds of the 'Verbascum' and 'Digitalis', latter appears to be that described from Tournefort's oriental herbarium. News of botanists: letter from [Adam] Afzelius in Sierra Leone, François [Borone] in the Archipeligo with [John] Sibthorp, and Broussonet has taken refuge in Spain and is coming to England. Joseph Trapp's translation of "Life of Linnaeus" "odd, amusing, ridiculous, quackish, bombastic, [and] German".

Contributor:
The Linnean Society of London