SMITH (Sir Andrew, 1797-1872, Scottish Surgeon, Explorer, Ethnologist & Zoologist)

Fine Long Autograph Letter Signed to "My Dear Friend", Robert MOFFAT (1795-1883, Missionary-Explorer in Bechuanaland, Father-in-Law of Livingstone) saying that he was "much vexed when I received your letter to think I should not again have the pleasure of again seeing Mrs M & yourself before you left for the Cape. I had calculated upon having much conversation with you while in Town toward which I proceed d.v. on Tuesday next. I was so occupied with duty ... I could not manage to leave else I should have paid Gravesend a visit with the hopes of finding the Fortitude and yourselves in her. I was just finishing ... for the next Chelsea Board. I can easily understand that you must be jaded but you must recollect your journey home was important for the cause of missions and that your activity and labour has not been unproductive, indeed I think if every man had occasion to return to his station satisfied you have. I shall say no more, being in no way disposed to say so much of a man to his face as behind his back. As soon as my work gets sent you shall have a copy forwarded to you by the the first favourable convenience. I do not yet despair of seeing you again in South Africa, that is if God wills to leave me sufficiently long in the land of the living. I have schemes in my head which I may be able to realise but they are yet too crude to divulge. I expect nothing for South Africa but misfortune at least till people in power find the common sense which they seem to cast away when they might make the best use of it. I am annoyed beyond measure to hear that a lone mission has or is about to be sent out to ascertain the real state of matters at the Cape, a man who I suppose with be ignorant of the view & prejudices of the colonists and unlearned in the nature and capabilities of the country Why do they not make us of what knowledge they can get at home which I fear not to say will be far superior to all which a Tyro [novice] will collect. I have not forgotten the one eyed view of a commission with which I was partially acquainted. I have however tired of thinking about the subject as I find creatures of the imagination are more palatable and fair faced ... I hope you will not disappoint me by being silent when you reach Lalakoo ... not only to know your fortunes and those of your family but also something concerning the fortunes of the natives & the projects of the Boors. I will promise to reply ... I hear a new scheme of civilising Africa is on the move I doubt not equally practicable as the defunct one. There are absurdities to cease! If it be what I hear it is I shall have at it with all my force during the six weeks I intend spending in Town. I find many who cut me or nearly so when I opposed the Niger expedition will listen to me more considerately now. Remember me kindly to Mrs Moffat & family & believe me when I say that you leave none behind you who wishes more sincerely your health & prosperity than ...", 7 sides 8vo., Fort Fitt, 31st January

Smith qualified in medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1819, having joined the Army Medical Services in 1816. In 1820 he was ordered to the Cape Colony and was sent to Grahamstown to supervise the medical care of European soldiers and soldiers of the Cape Corps. He returned to the United Kingdom in January 1837 and shortly afterward started publishing the five volumes making up Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa (1838–50). He advanced rapidly through the ranks of the medical service, becoming staff surgeon and principal medical officer at Fort Pitt, Chatham in 1841. In 1844 he married his housekeeper Ellen Henderson and converted to her Roman Catholic faith. He was responsible for the organising of medical services during the Crimean War, amidst serious charges of inefficiency and incompetence from The Times and Florence Nightingale. However a commission of inquiry exonerated him.
Smith is considered the father of zoology in South Africa.

Item Date:  1843

Stock No:  41565      £1275

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