SIR JOSEPH BANKS. 
76 
There was also read an account of some antiquities found in the Isle of Wight- 
by Dr. Stukeley ; and an account of the transit of Venus. An improvement in 
digesters was shown to the Society; and a couple of new members proposed. 
This is all that came under consideration 
Mr. White tells me he intends to publish his figures in a large work, of which 
he has hopes that the King will be at the expense. He is now in the country, 
but will return in six weeks, when he means to write to Dr. Linnaeus, about some 
alterations he wishes to have made in the • Systema Xaturae.” Mr.MTiite will publish 
his figures in a systematical form; and he wishes his work should agree with 
that of Dr. Linnaeus. But I am afraid the latter will, on some points, not agree 
with him in opinion, especially as to classification. For instance : Mr. MTiite 
means to reduce the Cete to fishes, or else to make a new class on purpose for 
them. He proposes, moreover, to refer swallows to the Accipitres (because, he 
says, their gape is like a hawk, and they catch insects as hawks do other birds 
or animals, which, in my opinion, is not a sufficient character) ; or el.se he would 
make a new order for them, not enduring to see them ranged with sparrows. 
There are many other things, relating to system, in which I think Dr. Linnaeus 
cannot coincide with him.* 
Peter Collinson to Linnceus, 2nd Sept., 1762. 
My dear Linnaeus cannot easily conceive the pleasure of this afternoon. There 
was our beloved Solander seated in my museum, surrounded with tables covered 
with an infinite variety of sea-plants, the accumulation of many years. He was 
digesting and methodizing them into order, and for his pains he shall be rewarded 
with a collection of them, which no doubt you will see. . . . Solander is 
very industrious in making all manner of observations to enrich himself and his 
country with knowledge in every branch of natural history. f 
Collinson to Linnceus. London, Nov. \&h, 1762. 
I am informed there are proposals from the Academy of Sciences at Petersburg 
to engage our dear Solander for a botanic professor. For the love and esteem 
I have for the doctor, I cannot forbear expressing my concern, for many reasons. 
First, from the uncertain situation of the public affairs in that kingdom ; for it 
is impossible learning can flourish in tumults and riots. Who knows, in a 
revolution, which may soon happen, how far the person of a stranger may be 
safe, and his position secure? Next, if we consider, the Russian empire is inland, 
and those countries sufficientl 3 ’ explored, and their vegetable and mineral 
productions discovered by the indefatigable pains of Gmehn, Steller, and others; 
besides, that country has no commerce with the West or East Indies, to bring 
new and rare productions from thence. Pray what is there to exercise Solander’s 
great talents, wdiich he has been with so much pains and industry improving? 
Am I not witness to his daily labours? Do I not know of my own knowledge his 
unwearied application to attain competent skill, in every branch of natural 
philosophy? Must all these fine accomplishments be lost and sunk into supineness 
for want of proper subjects to exercise his aspiring genius? Can j'ou, my dear 
Linnaeus, advise Solander to be confined for years, no longer a free agent, but 
buried in obscurity and confinement? If any good and advantageous station 
should offer, ami a person of his abilities will not want friends, he is here confined, 
and cannot accept of it until his time is out : how hard is this. Should it please 
God, my dear friend, to take you from us, who is there you could wish to be your 
successor, but Solander? Who is there could fill your place with so much propriety, 
and so well accomplished ? But if he accepts the professorship on the old con- 
ditions, his hands will be tied, and his feet fettered ; it will prevent his accepting 
* Correiin. : I ianaeus, ii, 8. 
t Ib., i, 56, 57. 
