Ref NoGB-110/JES/COR/17/60
TitleWilliam Roscoe, Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool, Lancashire], to James Edward Smith, Old Hummums, Covent Garden, [London]
DescriptionThree pages of botanical notes on the different species of 'Canna', including 'C. indica', 'C. coccinca', 'C. pateus', 'C. lutea', 'C. latifolia', 'C. glauca', 'C. flaccida', 'C. angustifolia' Willdenow, 'C. juncea', with details of authorities, varieties, and publications.

Comments on criticism of his paper on 'Scitamineae' made by [Richard] Salisbury and Andrews in "Transactions"; the former spoke well of it except for the figure of 'Curcuma' but the latter was more rude with "much less reason".

Engrossed in politics and expecting to print new pamphlet shortly, but he does not enjoy it. Hopes Smith will establish "Exotic botany" properly; comments on its value as a "periodical vehicle for diffusing sound opinions & Linnaean principles, when they are so frequently disregarded or avowedly attacked", especially as "English botany" is finishing and never had a place for "more general observations"; believes that "heresies" in botany should be opposed by "orthodox doctrines", otherwise "the antipope Jussieu will dethrone our true Pontif Linnaeus"; criticism of Jussieu's system.

Visit by Mr and Mrs Martin [Smith's brother-in-law and sister] with "little Frederick"; pleased to hear Smith may visit Lancashire in near future.
Date1 May 1808
LevelItem
Extent8 pp
LanguageEnglish
Related MaterialFor Smith's reply of 14 August 1808, see JES/COR/17/61.

Smith, J E, (1804-1805). "Exotic botany" London: J. Sowerby.

Smith, J E, and Sowerby, J, (1790-1814). "English Botany" London.
NotesSmith replied 14 Aug [1808]
PrevRefNo17.119
Finding_AidsDawson, W R (1934). "Catalogue of the manuscripts in the Library of The Linnean Society - Part I. The Smith papers: The correspondence and miscellaneous papers of Sir James Edward Smith", London: Linnean Society.
Creator NameRoscoe, William (1753-1831)
Access_StatusOpen
Persons
CodePersonNameDates
GB/110/1/31Roscoe; William (1753-1831); historian and patron of the arts1753-1831
GB/110/1/112Willdenow; Carl Ludwig (1765-1812); botanist and physician1765-1812
GB/110/1/15Salisbury; Richard Anthony (1761-1829); botanist and horticulturist1761-1829
GB/110/1/44Jussieu; Antoine Laurent de (1748-1836); botanist1748-1836
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