DR. SOLANDER 



When I turn over FeuilleVs figures, I meet with more extraordinary 

 things among them than anywhere else. I cannot but presume 

 therefore, as Peru and Chili are so rich, that in the South Sea 

 Islands, as great abundance of rarities have remained in concealment, 

 from the beginning of the world, to reward the labours of our 

 illustrious voyagers. I see these things now but afar off. ... 



When I ponder upon the insects they have brought, I am over- 

 whelmed at the reported number of new species. Are there many 

 new genera ? . . . 



When I think of their Mollusca, I conceive the new ones must be 

 very numerous. These animals cannot be investigated after death, as 

 they contract in dying. Without doubt, as there were draughtsmen 

 on board, they would not fail to afford ample materials for drawing. 



Do but consider, my friend, if these treasures are kept back, what 

 may happen to them. They may be devoured by vermin of all 

 kinds. The house where they are lodged may be burnt. Those 

 destined to describe them may die. Even you, the promoter of every 

 scientific undertaking in your country, may be taken from us. All 

 sublunary things are uncertain, nor ought anything to be trusted to 

 treacherous futurity. I therefore once more beg, nay I earnestly 

 beseech you, to urge the publication of these new discoveries. I con- 

 fess it to be my most ardent wish to see this done before I die. To 

 whom can I urge my anxious wishes but to you, who are so devoted 

 to me and to science ? 



Remember me to the immortal Banks and Solander. 



The writer clearly recognised the dangers of that dilatori- 

 ness which evidently formed a marked feature in the 

 character of Solander ; he had repeatedly complained of 

 his pupil's neglect in writing, not only to him, but to his 

 mother. This was the subject of reproach even before the 

 great expedition, but it seems to have been intensified after- 

 wards, for after Solander's death, letters from his mother 

 addressed to him were found actually unopened ! 



The closing scene came with startling suddenness. Sir 

 Joseph Banks was out of town, and to that fact we owe the 

 following details from the pen of Dr. (afterwards Sir Charles) 

 Blagden, an intimate acquaintance. 



SOHO SQUARE, 

 Wednesday, 8th May 1782, 2.30 P.M. 



Soon after breakfast this morning Dr. Solander began to find him- 

 self much indisposed, and in a short time the symptoms of a palsy of 

 the left side began to appear. I was conversing with him at the 

 time, and as soon as the stroke became certain, dispatched a messenger 



