Memoir and Correspondence of Sir James Edward Smith (Volume 1)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1832 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER III. Sir J. E. Smith begins his travels.His correspondence with various friends.--Publication of his Sketch of a Tour on the Continent.- His taste for the Fine Arts.--Introduced by Viscountess Cremorne to the late Queen Charlotte.--Instructs Her Majesty and the Princesses in Natural History.--Loses the Queen's favour by some expressions in his Tour.--Rousseau.--Approbation of his Tour by Dr. Pulteney and Mr. Pennant.--Origin of his acquaintance with Colonel Johnes.--Visit to Hafod.--Miss Johnes.--Letters of Mr. Johnes.--Letter from Mrs. Watt, the only daughter of Ellis; and other friends.--Introductory Lecture at the Royal Institution in 1808.--List of Foreign Professors. In somewhat less than two years after Sir James became possessed of the collections of Linnaeus, he began a tour through Holland, France, Italy and Switzerland, on the 16th of June, 1786. The immediate object was to obtain a medical degree at Leyden. The name of Linnaeus, he tells us, opened every door and cabinet to him, though he disclaims the weakness of assuming to himself the honours which were paid to that name. The following letters to and from the traveller will throw some light upon what was passing in natural history in England during his absence, as well as describe the objects and pleasures of this delightful tour. How frequently soever these countries have been visited, descriptions of them seem never unwelcome to the reader. A traveller, who preceded Sir James, observed of Italy, that it is a fine well-known academy figure, from which all sit down to make drawings, according as the light falls, and their own seat affords opportunity. So, like the pencil or the chisel, the pen also portrays, not merely the scene, but the character of the mind which directs it, maki...