A series of four letters from Edwin Arnold to Bernard Quaritch, concerned with the obtaining and selling of books.

Botanical Specimen - "Darharde bark of root of large tree growing at Kansing used as a dye". Specimen of the bark with identifying note. Undated.

Three Letters from Thomas [ ] to Brian Houghton Hodgson concerning the identification of plant species. One has annotations by Hodgson. Handwritten, 2 sides, 3 sides, 1 side, all undated.

The series consists of 38 letters from Joseph Dalton Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. They have been organised mainly according to a previous listing made of the material, approximately by date.

Hodgson used much of his time in both Nepal and Darjeeling in research, wanting to discover and understand about the architecture, languages, ethnography, religion, zoology and botany. He collected specimens and manuscripts, and had many drawings made, which he donated to many collections throughout Europe. He was also politically involved during his Residency in Nepal, and also later in England, when he continued to show an active interest in the Indian subcontinent, particularly regarding trade and vernacular education. These Personal Papers reflect these interests and are a record of much of his activity - Hodgson and his wives seemed to have a need to record all his successes. He was also a keen annotator of material, so that most of the printed material also bears his handwritten comments.

These Papers consists of letters sent by orientalists and literary figures to Bernard Quaritch, mainly concerning the obtaining or selling of oriental literature.

This material has been divided into 5 files:

• Six sketches in cards, 7.8cm x 12 cm, in pencil and watercolour. Inscribed by Lady Jones.
• A sketchbook of botanical drawings with some specimens inserted. Compiled by William and Anna Maria Jones.
• A further sketchbook of botanical drawings.
• Loose botanical drawings and notes by William and Anna Maria Jones.
• 3 larger drawings with some notes, probably by Anna Maria Jones.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson. He apologises for the paper he is using as all his writing paper has been used up on the accompanying journal which will explain to Hodgson what he has been doing. He writes of his surprise at the geology of the Himalayas and that he has collected rhododendrons and seeds for his father. He is thinking of staying a day or two at Pemiongchi. He writes about [Chamamaya] being a splendid fellow. There is a list of his food requirements and he asks Hodgson to send [Burchess] and Co. if he thinks appropriate. Handwritten, 1 piece, undated [1848-1850].

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he thanks Hodgson for sending books and paper. He thanks Hodgson also for care of his specimens and for the compliments on Hooker's book. He writes about his discoveries and his father's rules on dedications. He writes about the company at Darjeeling and at some length about Archibald Campbell. Postscript on the front of the letter asks Hodgson to send empty notebooks and steel pens from his desk for which he encloses the key. With accompanying envelope. Handwritten, 8 sides, dated 7 August 1849.

Letter from Joseph Hooker to Brian Houghton Hodgson in which he writes that he is pleased to hear that Hodgson is active again and requests that Hodgson take care of himself particularly in the cold weather. He hopes to reach Hodgson by the 14-15th and they can go down to the foothills together. He hopes to get all his collections packed and sent off by the beginning of December. He is finding it hard to get plants and rhododendron seeds. He discusses the watershed with Hodgson; possibility of getting zoology specimens - too cold work he supposed. Hooker writes that Campbell sends his regards. He finishes by saying that Hodgsonii will stand. Handwritten, 5 sides, dated 29 October 1849.