HIS WORK FOR POSTERITY 233 



a storm ; otherwise it would have survived. I am very 

 sure this plant would bear the open air in England, as 

 it thrives at Pekin, where the cold is more intense 

 than in Sweden.' 



Linnaeus likewise warmly advocated the study of the 

 Chinese Materia Medica. 



In 1759 Collinson writes to him : c Your plan of pro- 

 curing the Chinese specifics is a good one, if it could 

 be carried into execution. Many difficulties attend it 

 from England, for we are not permitted to go up into 

 the country. If the Court of Russia would adopt this 

 scheme, and permit two skilful Swedish physicians to 

 go in their caravan to Pekin, and procure them a 

 licence from the Chinese Court for their tarrying there 

 some years to learn the language and make acquaint- 

 ance with their apothecaries and physicians, then we 

 might hope to attain the knowledge of their art of 

 healing and of their Materia Medica.' l 



In May 1759 Linnaeus recommends Solander to 

 Ellis's friendship and protection, ' as I would my own. 

 I only apprehend that your country may be too expen- 

 sive for him.' Solander was the son of the pastor of 

 Pitea", who had hospitably entertained Linnaeus in his 

 Lapland journey. 



Solander was detained in SkSne by sickness. 2 



1 Collinson in this letter laments Solander's supposed loss. He 

 was sailing with Banks and Captain Cook. 



2 ' Dr. Ch. Solander was made under-lib rarian of the British 

 Museum. The fears of Linnaeus respecting the fruits of his cele- 

 brated voyage (with Capt. Cook and Banks) have proved almost 



