Requests JH's autograph and 'carte de visite' for a collection.

No summary available.

No summary available.

Thanks Smith for the introduction to botany. Trying to collect all of Smith's works. Asks whether there will be new editions of the Principal Works of Linnaeus, especially the "Systema Vegetabilium". Comments on the uncertain publication of [William] Curtis' lectures, which would have been useful for students, and the deficiencies of [James] Lee's "Introduction to Botany" [(1715-1795) nurseryman]. Seeks London edition of Smith's translation of Linnaeus's dissertation on the sexes of plants. Complains that Smith's "last number" [probably "English Botany"] should have been described how 'Ligusticum' differs from the many plants to which it bears a general resemblance.

Sends two dissertations: [Linnaeus'] "Reflections on the Study of Nature", the other is not named. Happy to hear that a new edition of Linnaeus' "Systema Vegetabilium" is to be published. Thanks for the copy of the "inaugural dissertation". Remarks that Botany is making little progress in Dublin, the only person well informed is [Walter] Wade who is giving lectures but is entirely self-taught. Parliamentary aid for establishing a Botanic Garden has been granted but progress is very slow.

First part of 'Icones' published; criticism of Ortega.

Invites request for desiderata; about to begin a new exploration.

Species of 'Cistus' and other plants observed.

Returned from eight months tour in Valencia; acknowledges books and specimens.

New plants discovered; 'Encelia'; sends specimens.

Thanks for election as FMLS, praises Smith's "Introductory Discourse" although expected to see a mention of General Compte [Luigi Ferdinando] de Marsigli [(1658-1730)], founder of the Academy of Bologna. Has commissioned his friend Scassi to acquire all the new medical publications whilst he is London. [L'Abbé Gregoire] Fontana is translating Smith's "Discourse" into Italian.

Smith's additional remarks on his "Introductory Discourse" came too late to be included in [L'Abbé Gregoire] Fontana's translation of it. Introduces Dr Valli in advance, who is walking from Pavia to London. Description of [Luigi] Galvani's discoveries in animal electricity [(1737-1798), Italian physician]. Appreciation of Smith's biography of [Giovanni Antonio] Scopoli and its exposure of the slander surrounding Scopoli.

Asking for an appointment to meet with JH.

Missed one opportunity to meet JH; now seeks another.

Introduces himself. Discovered 'Convallaria verticillata' on recent tour of the Highlands, the first time it has been found in Scotland; observations.

Received Smith's letter of 22 October [1792]. Comments on 'Convallaria verticillata' as being indigenous; sends specimens of the 'inculata' and 'alarise' submersed. Smith's information on 'Pyrola uniflora' new to him. Has found no further new Scottish plants but has found rare 'Astragalus uralensis', 'Orobus sylvaticus', 'Anagallis tenella', and 'Trientalis europaea', habitats detailed, which justify Smith's expectations of 'Linnaea borealis' being found.

Edinburgh Natural History Society continues to "flourish"; for some time "chemical pursuits" have engrossed the medical students, so a chemical paper is now also discussed weekly. News of Charles Stewart.

[Notes in pencil on recto of second folio on plants]

Sending to the R.S.L. his memoir on the theory of light. Comments on his own theories.

Introducing an uncle-in-law who is residing at the Cape for health reasons. Normally lives at Madras and may prove useful to JH should he visit Madras.

Sending various tracts and a miscellaneous collection of lives. Would he look at the life of William Herschel and make any alterations or corrections as he sees fit.

Sending an algebraic problem and its solution.