Linnaeus' manuscripts "a very great acquisition, [...] the world may wonder that such a collection was ever permitted to leave the country in which it was made"; expecting another volume of "Amoenitates academicae" from Smith. Asks Linnaeus' motive for crediting his dissertations to others, suspects vanity. Praises [James] Dickson, bearer of Smith's letter; hosted him before he left for Highland expedition; account of his time in Edinburgh. Comments on Smith's decision to gain degree from Leyden; "an Edinburgh degree is far superior to & more honorable than any other".
Congratulates Smith on his election as FRS. Discusses recent publications by Sparrman and [Richard] Relhan. Account of debate with Dr [Thomas] Beddoes [(1760-1808), chemist and physician] concerning latter's "joy at seeing commencement of the attack on Linnaeus' system".