112 PETER COLLINSON [1738. 



[Not dated.*] 



Friend John: 



I now come to take notice of thy journal. I wish thee had been 

 more particular; but possibly time did not admit. It was very 



* The following extracts are from a letter of P. Collinson to Joseph Breint- 

 nall, Merchant, Philadelphia; a copy of which was politely furnished to the 

 editor, by Edward D. Ingraham, Esq. The date is not fully given in the original ; 

 but it is endorsed "Received April 26, 1738." 



London, January 31, [1738.] 

 Respected Friend: 



I have several of thy obliging favours. * * * * Thy Snake-root so 

 called from thy first importing it, is a Sanicle [Sanicula Canadensis, L.], having 

 all the characteristics belonging to that class : but I believe it is not mentioned 

 in Miller, because not known when he wrote that book. Thee has many thanks 

 from the Royal Society, for thy account of the Aurora Borealis, as mentioned in 

 thine of November 24. 



It gives me great pleasure to hear of that generous proposal of your pro- 

 prietor, to give you a lot for a Library House ; who, in great gratitude, you should 

 choose President of your Society, which may encourage him further. All thy 

 observations and schemes relating to it, are an instance of thy zeal for promoting 

 the good of mankind, and deserves the greatest commendation from all that are 

 well-wishers to so noble and useful a design. Your worthy proprietor may be 

 truly said to be a father to his people, when he has the public weal so much at 

 heart. I hope ways and means will be found to carry on that laudable work : 

 but, really, I cannot flatter thee with hopes of benefactions from hence. The 

 love of money is too prevalent, and we have too few generous, public-spirited 

 men, considering our numbers : however, I shall not fail to impart your design to 

 some likely persons. If I have any success in my solicitations, the Company will 

 be sure to hear from me. 1 



I am, with much respect, thy sincere friend, 



P. Collinson. 



P. S. I have here inclosed the Company's account, which I hope thee will 

 find right. 



The pretty white Ranunculus [Anemone thalictroides, L.], that Dr. Witt sent 

 me, some time agone, is a neat, delicate, double flower ; but I never knew before, 

 it was a Snake-root. It is described by the celebrated Plukknet, who has most 

 of your country plants. He names it "Ranunculus nemorosus, Aquileffice foliis, 

 Virginianus, Asphodeli radice." 



Virginia Wood Ranunculus, with Columbine leaves, and an Asphodel or 

 Kingspear Root. 



********* 



We had, last December 5th, a very remarkable and uncommon bloody Aurora 



a P. Collinson not only rendered important aid in establishing the Philadelphia 

 Library, but he was, for many years, the faithful agent of the Company, in making 

 their purchases in London; and was at all times, a zealous friend and generous 

 benefactor. 



