Memoir and Correspondence of the Late Sir James Edward Smith, M.D.

A memoir, published in 1832 by his wife, of Sir James Edward Smith (1759–1828), founder of the Linnean Society.

James Edward Smith (Author), Pleasance Smith (Edited by)

9781108037082, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 24 November 2011

622 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.5 cm, 0.78 kg

Originally published in 1832, this two-volume account of the life of Sir James Edward Smith (1759–1828) was posthumously compiled by his wife, Pleasance (1773–1877). Smith trained originally as a doctor, but his independent wealth enabled him to pursue botany. Hugely influenced by the work of Linnaeus, he benefited greatly from the purchase of the latter's library and herbarium in 1783, upon the advice of his friend, Sir Joseph Banks. He was highly regarded throughout Europe as a botanist, and in 1788 founded the Linnean Society. He published various botanical works, of which the most important was The English Flora (1824–8), and assisted in the publication of many more. His wife recounts his 'religious, social and scientific character' as well as his achievements, and Volume 2 includes correspondence from Alexander von Humboldt, and concludes with an appendix in which short papers by Smith present a variety of topics.

7. Correspondence of Edmund Davall, Esq.
8. Miscellaneous letters to Sir James Edward Smith, from 1797 to 1807
9. Correspondence of Andrew Caldwell, Esq.
10. Miscellaneous letters from 1810 to 1816
11. Correspondence of the Abbé Joseph Corrêa de Serra
12. Miscellaneous letters to and from Sir J. E. Smith, from 1817 to 1827
13. Correspondence of Mr. Roscoe and Sir J. E. Smith
14. Of the religious, social, and scientific character of Sir J. E. Smith
Appendix
Index.

Subject Areas: Botany & plant sciences [PST]