Volume 1
The works of Sir Thomas Browne / edited by Simon Wilkin.
- Thomas Browne
- Date:
- 1890-1893
Licence: Public Domain Mark
Credit: The works of Sir Thomas Browne / edited by Simon Wilkin. Source: Wellcome Collection.
Provider: This material has been provided by Royal College of Physicians, London. The original may be consulted at Royal College of Physicians, London.
514/608 page 502
![[The letters between Sir Tlwmas Browne and Dr. Merritt relate chiefly to the Natural History of Norfolk.'] Dr. JBroione to Dr. Iferritt.—Juli/ 13, 1668. Most Honored Sie,—I take the boldness to salute you as a person of singular worth and learning, and whom I very much respect and honour. I presented my service to you by my son some months past; and had thought before this time to have done it by him again. But the time of his return to London being yet uncertain, I would not defer those at present unto you. I should be very glad to serve you by any observations of mine against the second edition of your Pinax, which I cannot sulB ciently commend. I have observed and taken notice of many animals in these parts, whereof three years ago a learned gen- tleman of this country desired me to give him some account, , which, while I was doing, the gentleman, my good friend, died, I shall only at this time present and name some few unto you, which I K)und not in your catalogue. A Trachurus, wnich yearly cometh before or in the head of the herrings, called therefore a horse. Stella marina testacea, which I have often found upon the sea-shore. An Astacus marinus pediculi marini J'acie, which is sometimes taken with the lobsters at Cromer, in Norfolk. A JPungitius marinus, whereof I have known many taken among weeds by fishers, who drag by the sea-shore on this coast. A Scarahceus Capricornus odoratus, which I take to be mentioned by Moufetus, fol. 150. I have taken some abroad ; one in my cellar, which I now send; he saith, Nucem moschaiam et cinnamomtim vere spirat. To me it smelt Idee roses, santalum, and ambergris. I have thrice met with Mergiis maximus Farensis Clusii; and have a draught thereof. They were taken about the time of herring-fishing at Yarmouth. One was taken upon the shore, not able to fly away, about ten years ago. I sent one to Dr. Scarborough. Twice I met with a Skua Hoyeri, the draught whereof I also have. One was shot in a marsh, which I gave unto a gentleman, which I can send you. Another was killed feeding upon a dead horse near d marsh ground. Perusing your catalogue of plants, upon Acorus verus, I find these words :— found by Dr. JBrown neer Lynn '—wherein probably there may be some mistake; for I cannot affirm, nor I doubt any other, that it is found thereabout. About 25 years ago, I gave an account of this plant vmto Mr. Goodyeere, and more lately to Dr. How, unto whom I sent some notes, and a box full of the fresh juli. This elegant plant groweth very plentifully, and leaveth its julus yearly by tha](https://iiif.wellcomecollection.org/image/b22650337_0001_0516.jp2/full/800%2C/0/default.jpg)
