Lettre de John White à Jean-François Séguier, 1772-06-08
Creators: name: White, John
name: White, John
Publisher: name: NAKALA - https://nakala.fr (Huma-Num - CNRS)
publisherIdentifier: https://ror.org/04ces3204
publisherIdentifierScheme: ROR
Year: 2022
Subjects: Histoire naturelle (général)

description: Gibraltar June 8 1772.

Sir,

I had the honour to return my most sincere thanks for your kind espistle in August last, as well as for the favour Dr Gouan was pleased to oblige me with of a manuscript copy of Artedi de Piscibus. I had hopes also of being able to send Mr le baron de Faugères some more specimens of birds in the course of this summer but am now prevented (for a while at least) from assisting any of my friends so much as I would wish in collections of that sort by being recalled to England, by the good offices of my friends there, to take possession of a very considerable preferment in my native country. I shall not with standing continue to employ the best means in my power to enlarge my knowledge of the natural history of this district, &amp; hope in time to be able to give a satisfactory account of it to the public. My friends in this place will endeavour to gather for me such articles in the three kingdoms of nature as [fol. 15v] have hither to escaped my observation; though I have been successful enough to meet with several species of animals which are supported to be non descript. When I have more leisure I shall with much pleasure transmit to you, if it will afford you any sort of amusement, a more particular detail of such animals as are judged most curious among my collections. In the class of insects these are many which several eminent entomologists in London look upon as new. I must beg your acceptance of a collection of new insects lately published in London, where in you find ten out of the century which were communicated first by the from this place. The Panorpa Coa which was before estimed a rare insect on the continent abounds here in a wonderful manner. I beg to know if it be found in France or Italy. I had lately the honour of a letter from the illustrous Dr Linnaeus to whom I sent sent last summer several curious [fol. 16] insects which he had never seen. I also heard lately from Mr Pennant, who intends to take a tour this summer who the islands of Scotland in order to compleat his knowledge of the productions of the Northern Seas. He has desired me to in form Dr Gouan that he has been disappointed in not hearing from him. I hope M. de Buffon is a length convinced of this error in accusing Mister Pennant of ignorance concerning the Strix Scops, &amp; the Short-eased Owl of the British Zoology. I have good specimens of each of those birds, &amp; their difference is too manifest to escape the &amp; their difference is too manifest to escape the ce of the most vulgar observer. I have in ude sketch of a fish which appears to the uncommon &amp; which I am doubtful whether to class it in the Pesca or Zeus Genus. Dr Gouan will probably be able to ascertain it. I have ventured to take Artedi’s book to England but having correspondents always in Gibraltar will take care to return it, if needful. If you or Dr Gouan shall favour me with any commands for the future, be pleased to disect [fol. 16v] for the Rd John White, to the case of John Morrison Esqt or of John Sweetland, Esqt at Gibraltar.
I beg leave to subscribe myself with the greatest esteem, Sir, your most obliged &amp; very humble servant.

 J. White


A Monsieur
Monsieur Séguier
A Nîmes
description: Source: [établissement de conservation] Nîmes, Bibliothèque Carré d'Art [cote] ms. 249, fol. 15-16