James Edward Smith, London, to Thomas Jenkinson Woodward, Bungay, Suffolk

Summary

Enjoyed his time in London with [Robert] Batty who now thinks of setting up as a surgeon and apothecary. Broussonet has been appointed professor of oeconomy at Paris and is working on a "Flora Monspeliaca". Returned [William] Withering's proofs, with comments.

His purchase of the Linnaean library and collections for 900 guineas; lists the contents, being everything owned by both Linnaeuses [Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778), and Carl Linnaeus the Younger (1741-1783)], excepting the fossils of the elder which are given to the University of Upsal. Describes his luck of being friends with the man who was employed to negotiate a sale to Sir Joseph Banks. Estimates its value and ability to return. Intends to return to Edinburgh next winter.

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN1414

From

Sir James Edward Smith

To

Thomas Jenkinson Woodward

Date

20 Apr 1784

Sent from

London

Sent to

Bungay, Suffolk

Source of text

GB-110/JES/COR/18/10, The Linnean Society of London

Language

English

Contributor

The Linnean Society of London[View Ɛpsilon collection]

Also published in The Correspondence of Sir James Edward Smith, The Linnean Society's Archive Catalogue.

• Sir James Edward Smith
• Thomas Jenkinson Woodward