To Thomas Ewell
Mount-Vernon, 13th September 1805
I have long thought that a work upon the plan you suggest, was much wanted by those who form the great bulk of readers on chemical subjects. I have not met with a single treatises which has not appeared unnecessarily obscured by technical terms, which only scholars can understand[.] They have been more generally addressed to the comprehension of professional men, than to those of the humbler walks of life; for whose use this science might be made most essentially to contribute, by adapting it to their capacities, and by pointing out the way by which its principles may be applied to the more common arts, in which they are daily employed. You will I think, do great good to society and .... by executing such a work as you propose. My best wishes will accompany you in your labours, and I shall be happy to aid them as far as I can.1
Bush. Washington.
Source Note
Printed, Norfolk Gazette and Publick Ledger, ViMtvL: Historic Newspapers Collection.
1. This letter appeared in a newspaper column underneath a proposal Ewell had written, addressed "To the Promoters of Useful Knowledge." His proposal is for a new text to be called Plain Discourses on the Chemical Laws of Matter. Thomas Jefferson is also quoted as endorsing the work. It is unclear whether the text published in the newspaper is identical to the letter sent to Bushrod Washington, which has not been found.
Note: Because this document is only a verified first-pass transcription, it and the document metadata may still contain errors.