The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
Sir,--I am thankful for the trouble which yourself and Dr. Hutchinson
have taken, and are still willing to take, on the subject of Mr. Isaacs'
discovery. However his method may turn out, this advantage will certainly
result from it, that having drawn the public attention to the subject, it
may be made the occasion of disseminating among the masters of vessels a
knowledge of the fact, that fresh water may be obtained from salt water
by a common distillation, and in abundance. Though Lind's, Irvine's, and
McQueer's experiments should suffice to satisfy them of this, yet it may
fix their faith more firmly, if we can say to them that we have tried
these experiments ourselves, and can vouch for their effect. If Mr. Isaacs
can increase that effect, so much the better; it will be a new flower in
the American wreath. He is poor, and complains that his delay here is very
distressing to him. Therefore, I propose to-morrow for the experiment,
and will ask the favor of you to fix any hour that may best suit the
convenience of Dr. Hutchinson and yourself, from five in the morning to
twelve at night, all being equal to me. Only be good as to notify it in
time for me to give notice to Mr. Isaacs. Will it not save time, if the
great still can be set agoing at the same time with the small ones? He
protests against any unfavorable conclusions from a small experiment,
because never having tried his method in a small way, he does not know
how to proportion his mixture. I am, with great esteem, Sir, your most
obedient humble servant.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR MARTIN.
Philadelphia, March 26, 1791.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account