“ able chemists, have led me to believe that I might do some good, by publishing a system of chemistry--containing all the improvements that have been made in the science--couched in plain language--and with as few technical terms as possible . . . Should you accord with the sentiments as soon as you honor me by communicating your opinion I will engage in the work . . .”

Jefferson replied from Monticello on August 30. This letter, edited with regard to spelling, punctuation, and capitalization, is quoted by Ewell in the Preface: “ . . . how far a general work on chemistry is yet to be desired you are more able to judge than I am. but of the importance of turning a knolege of chemistry to houshold purposes I have been long satisfied. the common herd of philosophers seem to write only for one another. the chemists have filled volumes on the composition of a thousand substances of no sort of importance to the purposes of life; while the arts of making bread, butter, cheese, vinegar, soap, beer, cyder &c. remain totally unexplained. Chaptal has lately given the chemistry of wine making. the late Doct ^r. Pennington did the same as to bread, & promised to pursue the line of rendering his knolege useful to common life; but death deprived us of his labors. good treatises on these subjects would recieve general approbation . . . ”

On October 26 Ewell wrote to Jefferson: “. . . Enclosed is also a copy of Proposals by which your Excellency will perceive the plan of my proposed publication. It has not however received that great support which was expected would be given after the approbation of such illustrious characters.”

On November 23, Ewell wrote for Jefferson’s permission to dedicate the book to him: “Finding the prospect of procuring many subscribers to my work on chemistry, encreasing in a flattering degree, I shall send it, in a short time to the press. In pursuance with the custom of authors--I have determined to usher my performance into the world--under a dedication to an illustrious character . . .

"After such reflections, it was natural that I should select you above all others--to inscribe my work to; and the privilege of so doing I have now respectfully to ask of you . . .”

Jefferson replied on November 24, 1805: “ I am thankful for the kind expressions towards myself contained in your letter of yesterday. it is to the honour of our countrymen that they exercise independantly their judgment for themselves, little influenced by a name. the intrinsic merit of your work will be it’s best patronage. the honorable place you propose for my name will be chiefly felt by myself as it will be the consolatory testimony of the wise and virtuous in favor of my conduct. I am sincerely glad to learn that the number of subscriptions to the work prove the just attention of the public to the merit of the design. ”

On July 4, 1806, Ewell, writing on another matter, mentioned: “Before next December a copy of “Plain discources on the chemical laws of matter” will be submitted to your consideration . . .”

A few days later, on July 13, he wrote to consult Jefferson about his dedication: “Several days since I returned by mail to your Excellency--Mr. Adet’s work,--stating that ere long I hoped to present a copy of my discources on chemistry. These discources being written, and more than one thousand subscribers being annexed to my lists, in consequence of your letter in my prospectus, it is incumbent on me to have them printed as early as possible. I delay the commencement only for a few days, until I can consult you concerning the part which I had most pleasure in writing. I mean the dedication. There being no person whose favorable sentiments I am so solicitous to deserve and secure--as your Excellency’s--to avoid publishing any sentence which could give displeasure, I determined to submit to your inspection the dedicatory part, previous to having it printed. Accordingly I enclose a copy. I hope that I may be gratified in publishing it, at least without altering the sentiments it con- ”