Lot 45: SMITH, JAMES EDWARD.

"Letters on Botany delivered to the theatre, Guy's Hospital. Taken by James Peppard Turner. MDCCXCVI", original illustrated manuscript, [London], 1803

Large 8vo (236 x 152mm.), viii, 159pp., text on rectos with a few additions on versos, 3 full-page pen and wash illustrations, 24 smaller illustrations showing stamens etc., contemporary calf, spine gilt, binding rebacked and repaired retaining original spine

Richard Stocker, presentation inscription from Tupper, p.iii

an unusual manuscript record of lectures given by the founder of the Linnaean Society, and co-author with Sowerby of the monumental English Botany. Smith's place in the history of botanical research became assured upon his purchase of Linnaeus' library and herbarium. During his career, he gave many lectures on the subject sometimes in private houses, and sometimes, as here, at Guy's Hospital.

J.P. Tupper, who made these notes for presentation to one Richard Stocker, was himself a botanical author: in 1811, he published An Essay on the Probability of Sensation in Vegetables, in which he acknowledges the importance of Smith's tutelage while he was at Guy's.