William Roscoe, Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool, Lancashire], to James Edward Smith, Old Hummums, Covent Garden, [London]

Item data

Ref No GB-110/JES/COR/17/60
Title William Roscoe, Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool, Lancashire], to James Edward Smith, Old Hummums, Covent Garden, [London]
Letter date 1 May 1808
Author(s) William Roscoe 1753-1831
Number of Pages 8

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GB-110/JES/COR/17/60 from William Roscoe, Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool, Lancashire], to James Edward Smith, Old Hummums, Covent Garden, [London] (1 May 1808)

Metadata for GB-110/JES/COR/17/60 from William Roscoe, Allerton [Hall, near Liverpool, Lancashire], to James Edward Smith, Old Hummums, Covent Garden, [London] (1 May 1808) Close

Item data

Item Type: Document
From: Roscoe, William
Sent from: Liverpool, Lancashire
To: Smith, Sir James Edward
Sent to location: London
Summary:

Three 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.

Letter date: 1 May 1808
Languages: English
Prev Ref No: 17.119
Additional Information:
Note typeNote
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.
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.
AdditionalSmith replied 14 Aug [1808]