Thomas Marsham, London, to James Edward Smith, a la croix de fer, Rue St Denis, Paris, [France]

Summary

Received Smith's letter of 8 [September 1786]. Recovering from a sprained ankle. Gratified by Smith's attention to "the New Society" [Linnean Society], but wishes to continue in the old Society [Society for the Promotion of Natural History] until at least their Anniversary meeting, as he is one of the Presidents until that time; will ensure Smith is not elected one. Unable to see Sir Joseph Banks until November.

Pleased to hear of Smith's intended trip to Italy; laments the loss of his Latin and inability to speak French, hopes to rectify this one day. Received samples of [Thomas] Martyn's projected work on insects ["The English entomologist" (1792)], on which he has offered his assistance; as Martyn is not an entomologist and will not be describing insects it will not affect his own projected work ["Entomologia Britannica" (1802)]. Requests a good print of Linnaeus. Requests any new edition of [Giovanni] Scopoli's work. Would like to see Smith's interview with [Lazzaro] Spallanzani's [(1729-1799), natural historian] following publication of his treatise [Smith's translation of Linnaeus' "A dissertation on the sexes of plantson dispute" (1786)]. Death of [Henry] Smeathman [(1742-1786), explorer and entomologist] of a putrid fever. Requests specimens of English 'Lepidoptera'.

Letter details

Record number

LINNEAN67

From

Thomas Marsham

To

Sir James Edward Smith

Date

21 Sep 1786

Sent from

London

Sent to

Paris, France

Source of text

GB-110/JES/ADD/54, 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.