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Unable to accept Smith's invitation to enjoy "the feast of reason and the flour of the soul" which presence of [William Roscoe] promises. Sends game.

Introduces Mme. Solvyus; botany of Egypt.

Encloses sheets of her work on vegetable physiology for Smith's opinion; explains her method and reasoning.

Thanks for Smith's letter. Asks Smith to hold his judgement of her work until she sends a further paper on vegetable physiology following based on her findings from leaf dissections; she despairs of ever presenting her findings to the world.

Asks if Smith received her second set of papers [on vegetable physionomy].

Apologises for sending Smith her proofs; she did not realise he wished to see the finished work only. Finds it impossible to publish her work; offers the sketches to Smith.

[Spec 13 written in pencil at top of verso of first folio]

[William] Bullock [(c 1773-1849), naturalist and antiquary] elected to Linnean Society by majority of 21 votes, in spite of [William Elford] Leach's efforts to blackball him, for which he was reprimanded by the Chair; Smith mistaken in involvement of [Edward] Donovan [(1768-1837), zoologist], who tried to persuade Leach against such a course.

Laments death of [Jonas] Dryander; [Robert] Brown has succeeded him at Soho Square [as Sir Joseph Banks' librarian]; asks for Smith's suggestions for filling the vice-president position. Asks if it is essential for [William Jackson] Hooker's 'Andraea' paper to appear in present volume of "Linnean Transactions".

[Thomas] Marsham agrees with Smith that [John] Symmons is the "fittest man" for Linnean Society's new vice-president, but he [Macleay] is sorry "none more fit can be found"; Symmons has scarcely attended for several years and "his object in attending since the death of poor Dryander is too evident to require any notice", but he cannot think of any better candidate, considering Lord Valentia's [George Annesley] absences; concerned Symmons will not be agreeable to the other vice-presidents.

Thanks for turkey. Sir James Graham [1st baronet, (d 1824)] cannot expect to be made vice-president if elected to Linnean Society Council, on the Council's recommendation, he as he has only attended the Society once.

His health much better but his "perfect recovery will require much time". Pleased to hear of Smith's recovery from his "very severe" summer illness.

Linnean Society continues to get many candidates for admission but few papers; requests a paper for next meeting. [William] Smith and [Charles Sinclair] Cullen elected FLS; [Thomas Thynne, 2nd] Marquess of Bath [(1765-1837)] and Bishop of Salisbury [John Fisher (1748-1838)] now both candidates. Informed by [Aylmer Bourke] Lambert some time ago that the Prince [Regent, later George IV (1762-1830)] was to become the Society's royal patron, has not heard anything since. Asks if [William George] Maton has written to Smith on proposed Linnean Dining Club; some "not very friendly to the plan" but he likes it much.

Just come from Gerrard Street [Linnean Society anniversary meeting], all regretted Smith's absence. Bishop of Durham [Shute Barrington] unanimously elected an Honorary Member. Delivered Smith's note for [William] Borrer to [Dawson] Turner.

Condolences on death of Smith's brother, [Francis Smith]. [Thomas] Marsham better than Smith feared, though he was dangerously ill for some time, but Smith's correct that his finances are not in order, suspects his son has ruined him. [James] Sowerby is owed £18 by the Linnean Society and has refused to supply any more plates to [Robert] Brown until it is settled; offence taken at Sowerby's attitude to the Society's credit. Encloses proposal from [William George] Maton [not extant]. Latest "Linnean Transactions" volume almost complete. Proposes Edward Forster as next Society Treasurer.

Apologises for delay in forwarding letters to Smith; took the necessary measures for obtaining box sent from America; confirms [William] Swainson's Sicilian 'Orchideae' were sent to Mr Anderson at Chelsea. [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford elected FLS at last Linnean Society meeting. "Linnean Transactions" printed, [Samuel Latham] Mitchill's paper on American fish was not included. Asks Smith's opinion of [John] Murray of Stranraer, [Scotland], and suitability to become FLS. Was unable to meet Smith's acquaintance, Dr Burke, at the Transport Office.

[Thomas] Marsham's affairs are in "a sad state"; read a letter from him at Council declaring his present inability to repay any of the £400 he owes the Society, but he hopes to pay it to his successor as Treasurer soon; the Society is to sell £400 of stock so as to be able to pay [James] Sowerby. Smith is named "Institutor and President of the Society" in published Society minutes.

Asks after Smith's "Cambridge business" [campaign for botany professorship]; was surprised to hear of Smith's new opponent, [William] Kirby, but confident he will not do anything unhandsome towards Smith. Asks if it is true that Miss Fanny Smith is to be married to his friend, the second son of [James Sinclair, 12th] Earl of Caithness [(1766-1823)]. Thanks for turkey.

"Greatly surprised" to hear that [William] Kirby had put himself forward as a candidate for the [Cambridge] botanical professorship but believes he only did so as he thought the university's "shameful objection" to Smith would be fatal to Smith's cause, and thinks Smith wrong to charge him of hypocrisy. His opinion of Smith's chances and controversy surrounding him.

Recently discovered that the signature of the president is necessary before the Linnean Society seal can be affixed to anything; sends power of attorney for Smith to sign.

All disappointed that Smith could not be at Linnean Society yesterday; [John Russell, 6th] Duke of Bedford did not attend nor has he paid his admission fee; [Thomas] Marsham sent another £100 and resigned his offices of Treasurer and vice-president and his place on the Council; lists members to leave Council and proposed replacements, [Richard] Taylor [(1781-1858), printer and naturalist] unable to be considered as it would be a bad precedent to have anyone on Council employed as a tradesman by the Society.

Sorry Smith will not be at Linnean Society on Friday [for anniversary meeting]. Forwards letter from [Thomas] Marsham; surprised to find he still has a balance of £428, hopes he sends £100 on Friday and will then agree to a plan for paying the remainder. Smith should write to remind the Council he has the authority to appoint vice-presidents, and name his intended. [Richard] Salisbury's paper has not passed Council.