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Regarding an order and shipment of fruit trees. Not able to fill the entire order and trees are of differing sizes, due to low stock. Notes prices and includes a bill.

Declining invitation to address the Franklin Agricultural and Horticultural Society due to a previous engagement with the "Magnetical department of the coast survey of the United States." Can only speak for pay, having depleted his funds setting up a laboratory at the Medical College of Ohio and in promoting science. Recalls his personal history of working on a farm, and expresses sympathy and connection to agriculture. Endorses the combination of agricultural and scientific labors, and wishes scientists would "make themselves more worthy of the confidence of practical farmers and mechanics."

Gives details on the Primula elatior, a flower, and tells how to differentiate the elatior from the jacquin types. Tried sending a copy of his manual to the University college but had the wrong address.

Theory and specifications for a steam jet engine for ocean going vessels. Detailed description of how the mechanism would function.

Letter to Shanks, of the Memphis Medical College. Boling is flattered that he has been appointed Chair of the Theory and Practice of Surgery in the Medical Department of the University of Tennessee, but at present, he is unable to accept or decline. Two medical schools are currently being established in Memphis. Boling believes that only one will succeed and worries that he will attach himself to a school which will soon close. Boling would prefer the Chair of Obstetrics. [Note: Original located in the Harvey L. Sherwood Collection]

Sending a copy of his book.

Regarding a postmortem examination of Obadiah Boyer, with details about the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Death attributed to cardiac issues, likely congenital and "beyond medical aid."

Describes his long confinement due to a broken leg and a doctor's treatment of the injury. Notes the doctor pulling and straightening the leg for two weeks. "... it finally grew together after a long time altho it is quite crooked it is a pretty good leg." Comments on family health, including their mother who continues to suffer from impaired "reason memory & judgement." Family news, including a number of people who have moved to Wisconsin, those working in a woolen factory and wanting to move west, and marriages. Notes a family who has returned from Wisconsin when they were unable to purchase suitable land and found the region sickly. "... he could not buy to suit him government lan[d] is principally taken up that is worth having and speculators ask high for it second handed there is some government land far back from market but that is becoming jammed full of foriners of the lowest grade." Mentions people suffering from bilous fever and ague.

Request for a missionary in Smyrna to collect specimens for Beach’s new natural history museum in exchange for a copy of Beach’s medical work or for American specimens.

Believes that water from the Croton aqueduct has caused illnesses. Iron in the underground water pipes is corroding. Has performed experiments with the water.