166 THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



later, he is asking Banks's assistance in his distress, 

 accompanying his complaints with further ingenious 

 notions. One of these is a sentimental Index to Shake- 

 speare's Plays. Sir Joseph wrote him a kindly letter, 

 with some straight advice, and an enclosure of five 

 guineas : " You have my leave to place my name in that 

 part of the list, whether first or anywhere else, that you 

 think will do you the most service." Several years after- 

 ward, Johnson is again in want of help, and " cannot 

 get employment for want of the expense of a few advertise- 

 ments." He encloses a lengthy list and description of 

 the schemes on hand. These include Indexes, Paper, 

 Factitious Coals, White Lead, Acorns, Wood, Ashes, 

 Bricks, Lottery Insurance. Logography, and Sierra Leone. 

 Of the result of this application there is no record ; 

 and the following, last of all this curious correspondence, 

 likewise appears to have been left unanswered. 



Henry Johnson to Sir Joseph Banks. 



" June 27, 1792. 



" SIR, Hearing of your indisposition of the Gout, 

 although not physically instructed, and hating a Quack 

 in any profession, I cannot resist the impulse of informing 

 you what has come to my knowledge in that regard." 



Here follow two and a half pages 4to, chiefly founded 

 on the late Dr. Allen's Flowers of Sulphur, etc. 



" I hope, Sir, you will not attribute this information to 

 officious impertinence, or commonplace prescription ; 

 but to the true cause, a very anxious wish for the con- 

 servation of the health of a gentleman whose Indisposition 

 at any time is so great a loss to Society." 



Banks was very mindful of his old comrades in circum- 



