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.

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.

Disappointed by his father's not coming to Edinburgh but has resolved to meet him in Yorkshire instead, in company of Dr Broussonet, who knows Sir Joseph Banks and will introduce him to Mr Yeates of London, resident in Carlisle, and will visit [Robert] Batty in Westmorland. Shall only miss a few of Dr [John] Hope's lectures, which "signify little" to him.

Account of his journey from Carlisle, [Cumberland], to Edinburgh, via Moffat, where there is a "sulphureous spring much resorted to". His return met with great congratulations. Dr [John] Hope did not publish his competition [for best Scottish herbarium] in his class, only in their Natural History Society, which he thinks an oversight, Hope thinks Smith will win it. Intends to soon set off for tour of Loch Lomond and Taymouth for a fortnight.

Glad to hear of his safe return home and that their parting was easier for him than last time. Setting out for their Highland tour tomorrow with Mr Hardy, Thomas Hope [son of Dr John Hope], and himself, and one of Dr Hope's gardeners for their baggage, details of their expected journey. Dr Hope did not publish his medal in his class [for best Scottish herbarium] as he did not want to revive the custom, and only meant it as a compliment to the Natural History Society, expects no one but himself to try for it. Urges caution over keeping of Mr Bayfield's herbarium of supposed East India plants

Received his father's letter of 20 August [1782]. Will assist Mr Cooper if he requests it, would be wrong for him to show any "extraordinary reserve". Responds to Norwich news. His tour to Loch Lomond shorter than expected, owing to bad weather, but was "agreeable & successful"; account of the journey to and stay in Glasgow, and onward journey to Loch Lomond, met Mr Stewart, companion of [Thomas] Pennant in one of his tours, ascent of Ben Lomond, and their return journey to Edinburgh. Dr Broussonet sent him copy of his new work on fish.

Received his father's letter of 12 September 1782, thanks for advice concerning Mr Cooper; his history. Details his intended classes for the winter, may also undertake Greek.

Received his father's letter of 3 Novmber [1782]. Elected member of the Medical Society; account of the election. [John Henry] Engelhart chosen as one of the 4 presidents; he has altered much for the better. Sorry to hear accountof Morgan's pamphlet. Benefits of living with Mrs Beveridge. New acquaintances, including Mr [William] Younge. His expenses greater than expected. Account of how he spends his time; no time for a Latin or Greek master. Sends West Indian seeds for Mr Jackson.

Thanks for parcel and letters from his father, mother, Frank [Smith's brother], and Sally. Responds to his father's letter of 28 November [1782]; defends Mr Cooper. Reassures his father he shall never disrespect any advice given. Offers to acquire fossil collection for Dr Manning. Oats scarce in Scotland, collections are being made for the poor. Just received his father's letter of 26 December [1782]. Their Natural History Society going on well; they are to have 4 annual presidents, hopes to be one of them; just submitted a paper on the "Phenomena of Vegetable Odours"; often speaks in the Medical Society. He has won Dr [John] Hope's medal [for best Scottish herbarium]; he was the only one to enter but complimented on the collection, which was larger than that of Dr Parsons', the last successful one. Congratules Richard, [Smith's brother], on the prizes he has won, and admires his drawings. Just attended funeral of son of Dr Reid of Glasgow; grief of the family; peculiar death, which came on at crisis of unsevere fever, from Tympanites.