TO CARL PETER THUNBERG

DOCTOR OF MEDICINE AT THE ACADEMY; ROYAL PROFESSOR AT UPPSALA, MEMBER OF MANY LITERARY SOCIETIES!

MOST WORTHY COUNTRYMAN!

WHILE HE WAS PUBLISHING THE FLORA OF JAPAN,

SENDS GREETINGS

J. THEODOR FAGRAEUS

DOCTOR OF MEDICINE

Virgil A reference to Virgil's Eclogues, 2.65.

Each is led by his own pleasure. original: "Trahit sua quemque voluptas."

Having therefore of your own accord turned away from your home original: "Laribus," referring to the Lares or household gods of a Roman home., which was at once most safe and most comfortable, you fly away, my Friend, even to the most remote nations!

You travel through the greatest part of the world, not without the usual cares, troubles, and dangers of travelers.

You survey southern Africa and the most fertile Asian Islands: Java, Ceylon Modern-day Sri Lanka., and Japan.

But you see everything with open eyes, you collect with unwearied hands, and you describe what you have gathered with a diligence unusual for travelers!

For such are your descriptions, that through them the most distant things become present to us!

Your descriptions have been immensely enriched by your amiable character!

For you have left behind everywhere the highest admirers, lovers, and patrons of yourself!