Letter 1199

Geoffroy thanks Sloane for his last two letters and the books he passed to Dr Lefevre. He is curious to read about Halley’s observations. Geoffroy writes that Italy is rich in things to observe, but the study of physics and natural history has been neglected. An exception to this is Mr Trionfetti, professor of botany, who has an impressive garden containing many rare plants. Geoffroy will bring back copies of Trionfetti’s latest publication. Another exception is Father Buonanni, whose treatise on shells is impressive although less thorough than Lister’s. Buonanni is working to reestablish the neglected Musaeum Kircherianum. Most collections in Rome are of little interest, but that of Monsignor Strozzi is very rich, containing Buonanni’s shells, many rocks and precious stones which Geoffroy describes in some detail. Geoffroy will send Sloane a detailed report of his travels within Italy and a number of books upon his return to France. Among these will be Baglivi’s new work, in which the author supports Jean Mery’s ideas on the circulation of blood. Geoffroy asks that Sloane inform Petiver that MM Trionfetti and Marchini wish to exchange seeds with him. Regarding the difficult situation Edward Lhwyd found himself in in France, Geoffroy wrote letters of support but wishes he could have done more. He reminds Sloane that Mr. Bourdelot is impatient to receive the catalogue Sloane promised to send. Etienne Francois Geoffroy (1672-1731) was an apothecary and physician who studied at Montpellier, like Sloane, and worked at the Jardin du Roi and College Royal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etienne_Francois_Geoffroy).