HONEST JOHN is got quite well again; but is such an indolent rogue, that I am afraid you will not avail yourself much of his correspondence. He has, however, done one great work since he came here; viz. compiling a Dispensatory, which, if he was not afraid of a discovery by some of your Edinburgh critics, he would entitle Pharmacopoeia RUTHERFORDIANA.

I SHOULD be glad to know if you attend Dr HOPE, and how he seems to succeed.

I

don't in the least doubt his good intentions; but am a little afraid that he wants the knack of pleasing his pupils; and that, I assure you, is all and all with a public teacher.

As I take Edinburgh at present to be the seat of the medical muses, I shall reckon myself highly obliged to you if frequently you will be so good as transmit me an account of whatever you may think worth communicating; and in return you may depend upon any observations that I can pick up this part of the country. I have quite alter

in

ed my theory of vegetation; but, as I have read no treatise upon that subject, and as

your new opinion is entirely the result of

1

observations, so I hope it will stand the test. I purpose to commit some of my observa, tions to writing as soon as possible; and if they please me when digested, I shall be glad of the sentiments of my Edinburgh friends on the subject; for which purpose a copy shall be sent to you; and which if please to read in the Society, you may. Believe me, dear WILLIE, &c.

you

W. BUCHAN.

No. XLVIII.

Dr WILLIAM BUCHAN to Mr WILLIAM SMELLIE.

Ackworth, Saturday, 7th November 1761.

DEAR WILLIE,

It has surprised me greatly that I have not had the pleasure of hearing from you since I wrote you last. I really intended to have used you as a correspondent; and had promised myself a good deal of satisfaction. from the information that I hoped you would communicate to me from time to time, of any thing curious that was going on in your

part of the world, as that happens to be at present the seat of the medical muses. I am afraid you don't care to take the trouble of writing, though I intended to have communicated to you all the observations I am capable of making in this part of the world, in order to render our correspondence as useful on both sides as possible.

you

IF intend to pursue the study of phy sic, I should be glad to know what classes you mean to attend this winter; and if you don't think yourself too wise for advice, would offer you mine on the occasion, as a person can often see better afterwards what he ought to have done than the greatest prudence is able to foresee.

YOUR friend Mr RUTHERFORD is still with me; and, though I could find sundry places for him here, yet I think I am more his friend by keeping him by me for some time, than to send him to some stupid fellow, who, though he would give him wages, would yet teach him nothing, which is generally the case with journeymen.

I

ASSURE YOU I have your interest sincerely at heart; and flatter myself that it is in my power to serve you, if you will allow me. I would therefore beg of you to write me as soon as possible, and communicate as much of your scheme of life to me as you think proper; and you may depend on my free and candid opinion, advice, or assistance, in all your undertakings. I think, in your last, you mentioned some people calling on you for copies of my Thesis. I left 100 with Mr MOORE, bookbinder; and if a few of them were stitched in marbled paper, you might give them to any particular acquaintance of yours and mine, whom one could not handsomely refuse; but I should not like to be too free with them, as it savours of ostentation.

I WOULD have wrote you more particularly; but not knowing whether you were dead or alive, as I have really been apprehensive for some time past that some accident had befallen you, I shall say no more at present, but that I am, as ever, your affectionate friend,

W. BUCHAN.

VOL. I.

No. XLIX.

Dr WILLIAM BUCHAN to Mr WILLIAM
SMELLIE.

Ackworth, Monday, 18th January 1762.

DEAR WILLIE,

I HAD the favour of a letter from you some time ago; since which I wrote you, and expected to have heard from you before now; as I really wanted, for an extremely good reason, to know if you intend to practise physic; and must, in the ministerial style, insist upon a categorical answer. The reason you shall know by and by*. I should also like to know what classes you attend, and if there is any thing new stirring among you this session.

IF

you attend CULLEN, you will find him much more ingenious in fishing for difficulties and starting doubts, than in solving them; and, when he has roused your whole

This is obviously a hint at his intended publication, Domestic Medicine, of which hereafter.