91 
Riise Norwich, Nov. 24, 1783. 
In regard to your mode of living, it is as mode- 
rate as can be, and you seem to be very good ma- 
nagers; you may be allowed more of course for 
diversions and amusements, which I persuade my- 
self will not go beyond the bounds of prudence and 
moderation, still less of virtue. Nothing can be a 
greater cause of joy to me than that a son, in whom 
I have from his infancy had so much pleasure and 
comfort, and on whom my firmest hopes of happi- 
ness in my declining years are founded, gives me 
no anxiety and uneasiness, though without control, 
at a critical time of life; situated in the midst 
of all the fascinating pleasures, and the most al- 
luring temptations, that the most sumptuous, most 
luxurious, and most vicious and corrupt capital 
in Europe, or perhaps in the whole world, can pro- 
duce. 
May the Almighty God protect him in every 
danger, and deliver him from the evil of every 
temptation ! 
I am, your affectionate Father, 
JAMES SMITH. 
Dr. Pitcairn entertained a warm friendship for 
his pupil, and considered him remarkably acute in 
the detection and nature of internal diseases; and 
there seems little doubt that the practice of physic 
would have become the pursuit of his after life, but 
for the unexpected events which put him in posses- 
sion of the collections of Linnzus. 
His passion for natural history continuing para- 
