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the regulation of the pendulum is performed by adding to, or diminishing the mercury, in the part where the tube is widest.”
In addition to the foregoing description of the mechanism of this Time-piece, obligingly furnished to the Writer of these Memoirs by Mr. Voight, he has been likewise favoured by Robert Patterson, Esq. director of the mint, with the following account of the same extremely accurate instrument, which will greatly assist the reader in understanding the principles on which it is constructed.
“In the Astronomical Clock made by Dr. Rittenhouse, and now in the Hall of the Philosophical Society, I do not know,” says Mr. Patterson, “that there is any thing peculiar, which requires mentioning, except the pendulum; especially the apparatus for counteracting the effects of change of temperature.
“For this purpose, there is fastened on the pendulum-rod (which is of iron or steel) a glass tube of about thirty-six inches long; bent in the middle into two parallel branches, at the distance of about an inch from each other; the bend being placed downwards, immediately above the bob of the pendulum. The tube is open at one end, and close at the other: the arm which is close at top is filled, within about two inches of the lower end or bend, with alcohol, and the rest of the tube, within about one half of an inch of the upper extremity or open end, with mercury; a few inches of the tube, at this extremity, being about twice the width of the rest of the tube.
“Now, when the heat of the air encreases, it will expand the pendulum-rod; and would thus lower the centre of oscillation, and cause the clock to go slower: but this effect is completely counteracted, by the expansion of the alcohol chiefly, and of the mercury in part; which equally raises the centre of oscillation; and thus preserves an equable motion in all the variable temperatures of the atmosphere.”
Description of an Hygrometer; first contrived and used by Dr Rittenhouse, about the year 1782.[A45]
The essential part of this Hygrometer consists of two very thin strips of wood, about a foot long and half an inch broad, glued together, in such a manner that the grain or fibres of the one shall be at right angles with the other; so that when this compound strip was placed in erect position, the grain of one of the pieces of wood would have a vertical, and that of the other an horizontal position. One end of this simply constructed instrument is to be made fast to a wall, or plane board, with the edge outward, and the other end is to be at liberty to move.
Then, as moisture has little or no effect on the length of a piece of wood, or in the direction of its fibres, but a very sensible one on its breadth, or transverse direction, especially when thin, it follows, that on any increase of moisture in the air, this Hygrometer becomes bent into a curve, convex on the side of the transverse fibres; and vice versâ. The degrees, from the greatest dryness to the greatest moisture, are to be marked on a curve drawn on the board or wall, described by the motion of the free end of the Hygrometer; and an index, attached to the moving end of it, will point out, on this graduated arch, the existing state of the atmosphere at the moment, in relation to its condition of moisture or dryness: The relative degree of either, on the smallest change from the one to the other, will be indicated with much precision; and probably, with much more uniformity and truth, in the results of long-continued observations, than can be attained to by the use of Hygrometers constructed of metal, or any other substance than wood.[A46]
Astronomical Observations, made in the years 1776, 1777 and 1778, at Philadelphia, by the Rev. Dr. W. Smith, and David Rittenhouse, John Lukens, and Owen Biddle, Esquires: copied from a manuscript account of those Observations, drawn up by Dr. Smith; never before published.
ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATIONS, 1776.
This year exhibiting little else but scenes of confusion and distress amidst the calamities of an unhappy war, scarce any attention was paid, by the members of the American Philosophical Society, to astronomical or any other literary subjects. It was agreed, however, by Mr. Rittenhouse, Mr. Lukens and myself, to look out whether Mercury would touch the Sun’s disc the 2d of November this year; as a very small difference of latitude from what the Tables give, would have carried the planet clear of the Sun: but, from our observation of the transit of this planet, in 1769, we had reason to expect it would pass further on the Sun, than Halley’s Catalogue gives it.
The following were the observations made, viz.
Nov. 2d, 1776. I got ready the two f. reflector with the largest object-glass, and shortest eye-tube, magnifying about 95 times.
At 4h per clock—No appearance of the planet on the Sun, and did not expect it until about half an hour past 4; but as Mr. Lukens and Mr. Rittenhouse had not yet come to me in the college, I sent to hasten them.
At 4h 5′ per clock—took my eye from the tube to adjust it, and fix the smoked glass, to give clearer vision, the atmosphere being hazy. Having fixed the smoked glass in the proper place, so as to prevent its sliding or falling with its own weight, and before I had applied my eye to the telescope again, Mr. Rittenhouse came in; and I desired him to see if the focus and dark glass were all suitable to his eye, as they were to mine. I had been about 4′ employed in this adjustment.
At 4h 9′, Mr. Rittenhouse having put his eye to the tube, immediately called out, that he saw the planet on the Sun.
At 4h 10′ per clock, we judged ☿ had entered one-third of his diameter on the Sun.
At 4h 17′, we clearly noted the internal contact of the limbs.
At 4h 45′, we judged the least distance of the nearest limbs to be rather more than one diameter of ☿; or that the distance of the limbs was 10″. We-did not apply the micrometer to make any measures; as we presumed that we could judge the distance as accurately by the eye, as it could be measured; on account of the haziness of the atmosphere and the small altitude of the Sun. We kept viewing the planet till sun-set, the distance of the limbs continuing so nearly the same, that we could scarce perceive any diminution thereof; though we were sure also, that it did increase above 10″.[A47]
The following were the Observations made for ascertaining the Going of the Clock, by W S .
Altitudes.
Per Meridian Mark.
Applied to Going of Clock. Nov. 3d, at Noon
Thus the Clock gains at a mean, per day, 1′ 8″.
Whence, Nov. 2d, at noon, the Clock was 10′ 57″ faster than mean time, gaining 68″ per day; and 4h 17′ gains 12″, wherefore at the
internal contact, the Clock was 11′ 9″ faster than mean time.
Whence the contact was at 4h 5′ 51″ mean time; or 4h 21′ 2″ apparent time.
Eclipse of the Sun, January 9th, 1777.
The Gregorian Reflector, with the magnifying power of 95, was made use of for this Observation; which, as well as the Observation of the Transit of Mercury, was made in the College-Library, to which the Telescope belongs.
While Mr Rittenhouse was endeavouring to adjust the two-f. reflector belonging to the Library of the city of Philadelphia, made by Short, and which had been borrowed on this occasion, I observed with the greatest certainty the first contact of ☾’s limb with the ☉, which was shining very bright, and the telescope in the best order, viz. at 8h 57′ 27″ per clock.
The same was visible, in about 3″ more, to Mr. Lukens, with the equal altitude instrument, magnifying about 25 times.
Mr. Rittenhouse had not got the other reflector ready to observe the beginning of the eclipse: but the end was observed by both of us to the same instant, viz. at 11h 48′ 50″ per clock.
The clock, at noon, was 23″ slower than mean time, whence
Beginning of the Eclipse
8h 49′ 55″
Apparent time. End of the same 11 41 15
N.B. The clock stopped once during the Observation, owing, it was supposed, to the cold weather; but was oiled a little, and set a going again by a stop-watch that beats seconds, and which was set with the clock at the beginning of the eclipse: so that she lost no time. She was examined at noon, and found as above by the meridian mark. But this mark itself, having been lately shaken with the stormy
weather, is to be re-examined, and also equal altitudes taken the following days.
The annexed micrometer measures were taken for determining the quantity of the eclipse, chiefly by Mr. Rittenhouse. More would have been taken, but the Sun was hid under clouds for about an hour after the middle of the eclipse, and broke out again a little before the end.
Micrometer Measures.
Continuation of the Observations for adjusting the Clock.
Jan. 11th. ☉’s W. limb on Merid. [A48]
E. limb on do. Centre on do
Whence clock faster than mean time 0 1′ 46″ per merid. mark.
Eq. Alt.
22d 9 14 10 3 31 10 Mean noon per clock 12 23 50
Eclipse of the Sun, June 24, 1778: Observed by D. Rittenhouse, John Lukens, Owen Biddle, and William Smith, at the College of Philadelphia.
The morning being very cloudy, the beginning of the eclipse was not seen.
At 10h 7′ 40″ per clock, the following micrometer-measure of the enlightened parts was taken, while the Sun appeared for a few minutes between clouds, viz. 1in. 9-10ths. 13-500ths. = 16′ 23″.
11h 6′ 57″ per clock end of eclipse distinctly seen, the Sun having shone clearly for several minutes, the clouds now wholly dispersing, and the remainder of the day continuing clear.
Observations upon the Clock.
A versification of “The Zephyrs”—from Gesner’s Idyls;—a fragment: copied from a loose scrap of paper, containing, in the hand-writing of the late Dr. Rittenhouse, all but the three last verses; which have been now added, by a lady.
F Z .
Why, amidst these blooming roses, Idly fluttering, dost thou stay?
Come with me to yonder valley, There we’ll spend the cheerful day. There, in purest crystal fountain, Sportive, bathe the am’rous maids; Where tall willows, on the margin, Form the closest deepest shades.
S Z .
No, with thee I will not wander; To the vale alone repair: Fan the nymphs you so admire; A sweeter task employs my care. Here, in the bosom of these roses, I cool my wings in pearly dew, As I lightly skim them over, Gath’ring all their fragrance too.
F Z .
Your wings in dew of roses steep’d With all their grateful fragrance stor’d;— Can you find employment sweeter, Than yonder cheerful nymphs afford?
S Z .
Yes, in this path, along the mount, Each rosy morn a maid appears, To yon lonely cot advancing, A basket on her arm she bears. Two tender infants, and their mother, Are by her constant bounty fed: A helpless widow, there residing, From her receives her daily bread. See! where she comes,—of all the graces, The youngest and the fairest too; Her cheeks, with sweetest blushes glowing,
Are moist’ned with the morning dew I haste, with fragrant airs, so cooling, To fan her tender glowing cheek,— And kiss the pearly drops, while falling From her blue eyes, so chaste and meek.[A49]
F Z .
Yes! much more pleasing is your task; I would imbrue my wings in dew, And bear the fragrance of these flow’rs, Melinda to refresh, like you. But see! she breaks through yonder grove, Refulgent as a summer’s morn; Her step is grace—her lip of rose The smiles of modest worth adorn. Like you, transported, let me fan her; Like you, admire the bounteous maid: For, sure, a fairer face I never Spread forth my cooling wings to aid.
Diploma.
Praeses et Professores Collegii, seu Universitatis, G M , omnibus at quos præsentes literæ pervenerint, Salutem.— Cum eum in finem gradus academici majoribus nostris prudenter instituti fuerint, ut viri optimé meriti, seu in gremio nostræ matris educati, seu aliundi bonarum artium disciplinis eruditi, istis insignibus a literatorum vulgo secernerentur; sciatis, quod nos, ea sola quæ possumus viâ, gradu Artium Magistri libenter studioséque concesso, testamur quanti facimus D R Philosophorum
Principem, qui ingenio nativo Machinam celeberrimam, motus et phænomena cœlestium manifestius exhibentem, commentus est:— Idcirco, in solenni convocatione, tricessimo die decembris, Anno
Domini millesimo septingentesimo octogesimo quarto, habito, conspirantibus omnium suffragiis, eundem virum egregium, D R , Artium Magistrum creavimus et constituimus.—In cujus rei testimonium, sigillum Universitatis, quo in hac parte utimur, præsentibus apponi fecimus. Datum in domo nostræ convocationis, anno domini, die et mense, prædictis.
J. M , Præses, et prof. Ma. and Nat. Phil. G. W , Leg. et Polit. Prof. R A , Math. Prof. C B , Neot. Ling. Prof.
Diploma.
Præses et Curatores Collegii Neo-Cæsariensis, omnibus has Literas lecturis, plurimam Satutem.
Quandoquidem æquum sit et ratione prorsus, consentaneum, ut ii qui labore et studio bonas didicerunt artes præmia suis meritis digna referant ut et ipsis benè sit, et aliorum provoceter industria.
Quando etiam huc potissimum spectant amplissima illa jura nostro Collegio publico Diplomate collata. Quumque clarissimus vir D R sit non tantum Moribus inculpatus et Ingenio insignis, sed et sibi tantam in Artibus liberalibus cognitionem Industria laudabili acquisivit, ut summos Honores Academicos probe mereatur.
Idcirco notum sit omnibus, quod nos, Senatus-consulto Academico nec non Facultatis Artium decreto, supradictum D R Titulo Graduque D L adornandum, et dehinc pro Adepto et Doctore habendum volumus; cujus, hæc Membrana, Sigillo nostri Collegii rata et Chirographis nostris munita, Testimonio sit.
Datum Aulæ Nassovicæ, Pridie Calendas Octobris Anno MDCCLXXXIX.
J W , Præses. Joannes Rodgers, Joannes Bayard, Joannes Woodhull, Guls. Paterson, Isaacus Snowden, Jacobus Boyd, Joannes Beatty, Guliel. M. Tennent, Andreas Hunter, Curatores.
An English Obituary Notice of Dr. Rittenhouse: Extracted from the European Magazine, for July, 1796.
In the sixty-fourth year of his age, died D R , The American Philosopher. His history is curious, from the admiration in which his character was held.
Rittenhouse was a native of America; and, in the early part of his life, he mingled the pursuits of science with the active employments of a farmer and watch-maker.[A50] In 1769, he was invited by the American Philosophical Society to join a number of gentlemen who were then occupied in making some astronomical observations, when he particularly distinguished himself by the accuracy of his calculations and the comprehension of his mind. He afterwards constructed an observatory,[A51] which he superintended in person, and which was the source of many important discoveries, as well as greatly tending to the diffusion of knowledge in the western world. During the American war, he was an active assertor of the cause of independence. Since the establishment of the peace, he successively filled the offices of Treasurer of the State of Pennsylvania and Director of the National Mint; in both of which capacities, he was alike distinguished for strength of judgment and integrity of heart. He succeeded the illustrious Franklin in the office of President of the Philosophical Society; a situation which the bent of his mind and the course of his studies had rendered him eminently qualified to fill: and towards the close of his days, he retired from
public life to the enjoyment of domestic happiness; when he formed a circle of private friends, who will continue to admire his Virtues as a Man, while the world will applaud his Talents as a Philosopher.
Letter from the Rev. Mr. Cathcart, to the Writer of these Memoirs. York, 13th. Nov, 1812.
Dear Sir,
The following is a statement of the conversation which took place between Drs. Sproat and Rittenhouse, mentioned by me to Bishop White.
At a time when Dr. Rittenhouse was confined by sickness to his room, or perhaps to his bed,[A52] he sent for the Rev. Dr. Sproat to visit him. The Doctor was somewhat surprised, on receiving the message: but as he had made it an uniform rule to visit all who sent for him, he expressed his surprise at being sent for; observing, that he could offer no comfort or consolation to any person, who was not a Believer in the Christian Religion. On hearing this declaration, Dr. Rittenhouse immediately asked, if Dr. Sproat considered him among the number of such? To which the Doctor answered; that the world had generally classed him with them. Dr. Rittenhouse on hearing this, with great mildness and a smile on his countenance, replied, that the opinion of the world was sometimes wrong; and, as it respected himself, he could with truth declare, that ever since he had examined Christianity and thought upon the subject, he was a firm believer in it; and, that he expected salvation only in the way and manner, as proposed in the Gospel.
The above is the substance of what Dr. Sproat mentioned to myself; and I might add, that when the good old man told it, his eyes overflowed with tears of joy. It gives me pleasure to be able to furnish you with this satisfactory proof of Dr. Rittenhouse’s faith; and which I once introduced into a sermon preached in the city, as justice due to the character of the deceased, and who had been triumphantly claimed by the Infidels. I am happy to find that you are
engaged in the laudable business of writing the Life of that worthy Man. Yours, respectfully,
R C .
W B , E .
C D . R :
Communicated to the Author of the Memoirs of his Life, in a letter from Andrew Ellicott, Esq.
Lancaster, December 30th, 1812.
Dear Sir,
I felt no small degree of pleasure and satisfaction, on understanding that you are about publishing Memoirs of the Life of Dr. Rittenhouse; knowing, from your connexion, and intimacy with him for many years, you have it in your power to delineate, and transmit his true character and a knowledge of his rare virtues to posterity, with as much, if not more accuracy than any other person. As I also have had the pleasure and advantage of Dr. Rittenhouse’s acquaintance and friendship, I request you to accept of the following short sketch of his character, as a small testimony of my esteem for him when living, and of my veneration for his memory, now he is no more. I am, dear Sir, your sincere friend,
A E .
W B , Esq.
I became acquainted with the late Dr. Rittenhouse, in the sixteenth year of my age, being first introduced to him, after he removed to the city of Philadelphia, by the late Joseph Galloway, Esq. and my
Father; both of whom were sincerely attached to him, not only on account of his scientific talents and acquirements, but for his public and private virtues. From that period, to the end of his life, we enjoyed an uninterrupted friendship.
In my scientific pursuits, I was frequently aided by him; particularly, in that part which relates to Astronomy, with which he was better acquainted, both in theory and practice, than any other person in this country; and when he ceased to calculate the Almanacks for the middle states, at his request I continued them several years.
In the years 1784 and 1785, Dr. Rittenhouse and myself were engaged in determining the boundaries between this commonwealth and the state of Virginia; and in the year 1786, in determining the boundary between this commonwealth and the state of New-York. In those arduous employments, I had many opportunities of witnessing his address in overcoming the numerous difficulties we necessarily had to encounter, in the then wilderness, in which our operations were performed.
As a gentleman of general science, Dr. Rittenhouse would have held a respectable rank in any country; but as a Mechanist and Astronomer, he has had but few equals. It has been frequently asked,—why he has not left more evidences of his talents, for the use of posterity? In answer to this question, it is to be observed, that almost from his childhood, he had a complaint in his breast; which increased so much with his age, that for the last fifteen years of his life,—and in which he had the most leisure for composition,—it was painful for him to support the position a person must occupy, when writing. This circumstance I have frequently heard him lament, in a feeling manner; as it prevented him from answering letters with promptitude, and writing to his friends as often as he wished.
Though Dr. Rittenhouse had not the advantage of a liberal education, he wrote not only correctly but with ease: he made himself master of the German language, to which he was partial: and of the French, so far as to read the scientific works in that tongue, with facility.
As an Husband, and a Father, he might be taken as an example and a pattern, in the most virtuous community that ever existed. He was a good Citizen,—and warm and sincere in his friendships; and though reserved in large mixed companies, he was cheerful and communicative, when in a small circle of his friends. His mind appeared formed for contemplation, and therefore not calculated for the noisy and busy scenes of this world: from this placid turn of mind, he had a singular antipathy to all mobs and riots; and I recollect to have heard him speak of the riots of the Paxton-boys, (as they were called,) with greater acrimony than on any other occasion,—more than twenty years after they happened. Being a philanthropist by nature, he wished the happiness and welfare of the whole human race; and viewed slavery, in all its forms, with feelings of horrour: from this attachment to the happiness, the rights, and the liberty of his fellow-creatures, he was led to take an active and useful part in favour of our revolution, which separated the colonies (now the United States,) from the mother-country.
His contemplative mind naturally carried him to piety; but his liberality was so great, that he did not appear to give a very decided preference to any one of the sects into which Christianity is divided: he practised the morality of a sincere Christian, without troubling himself about the dogmas of the different churches.
His manners were plain and unassuming, though not without a sufficient share of dignity; and, from a consciousness of his own talents, he did not envy those of others.
It has too frequently happened, for the honour of science and literature, that men of great and commanding talents, have been obstinately dogmatical, and impatient of contradiction;—of those blemishes, Dr. Rittenhouse had not the least tincture.
To conclude,—if Dr. Rittenhouse was not the greatest man, of the age, his character has fewer blemishes in it; and, if his talents were not of that kind which are usually considered the most brilliant, they were—like those of W —of the most solid and useful order.
Some particulars concerning the Residence, the Tomb, &c. of Copernicus: communicated to the late Dr. Rittenhouse, Pres. A. P. S. by the Earl of Buchan.
“In the year 1777,” says his Lordship, “my learned friend John Bernouilli, of Berlin, on one of his tours having happened to meet with the Bishop of Warmia,[A53] in the Abbey of Oliva, near Dantzic, was informed by that prelate, that he had the pleasure to discover, in the Cathedral of Frauenburg, the Tomb of Copernicus, so long fruitlessly sought for.
“In the year 1778, Mr. Bernouilli having occasion to pass through Frauenburg, on his road to St. Petersburg, did not fail to visit the Cathedral, and explore the Monument of Copernicus. Acquainted with no one in the place, he was yet lucky enough to meet with a Canon, in the street, whose countenance invited him to accost him on this subject, and who proved very attentive to his researches. He informed him, that as for the Ashes of Copernicus, they were mingled in the charnel-house with the bones of the fraternity of the Canons; but that, for the Tombstone of the Philosopher, it was no more than a tablet of marble, simple, as the mode was of his days, and had no other inscription than these words—N . C , T :—-That this tablet had remained hidden for some time, in rubbish; and when recovered, was placed in the chapter-house, till a more suitable place should be destined for it. Mr. Bernouilli expresses his regret to me, that he had not urged the Canon to indulge him with a sight of this Stone; and to look for a further inscription, to support the assertion of Gassendi, who mentions (page 325), That the Bishop Martin Cromer, an eminent Polish historian, caused a mural marble monument to be inscribed and erected to the memory of Copernicus, with the following inscription:
D. O. M.
R. D. NICOLAO COPERNICO, Torunensi, Artium et Medicinæ Doctori, Canonico Warmiensi, Præsenti Astrologo, et Ejus Disciplinæ Instauratori; M C , Episcopus Warmiensis, Honoris, et ad Posteritatem Memoriæ, Causâ, posuit;
M. D. L. X. X. X. I.
“Gassendi adds, that this Monument was not erected until thirty-six years after the death of Copernicus, which does not agree with this date of 1581.
“The good Canon informed Bernouilli, that he was lodged in the apartment of Copernicus, of which he was very proud; and invited the Prussian Philosopher to visit him in that place, which he accordingly did; and was shewn by the Canon another place, above the Dormitories, which had been used by Copernicus as his study and observatory, in which the Canon had a portrait of that eminent man, concerning the original of which he would not say. This little Observatory had an extensive view; but when Copernicus had occasion for one more extensive, he was wont to observe on the gallery of the steeple, which communicates with this place.
“Charmed with these classic footsteps, Bernouilli forgot to look at the Monument on the chapter-house, above mentioned. In a repository adjoining to the Cathedral, the Canon shewed Bernouilli the remains of a hydraulic machine said to have been invented and used by Copernicus. The construction seemed interesting, but in great disrepair; and Bernouilli had not leisure to examine it particularly. The use of the machine was to force and convey water into the most elevated apartments of the house of the Canons, who
are now under the necessity of having it fetched from a distance, from the lower Town.”
“I remember to have seen (says Bernouilli), in some old German Journal, that the Library of the ancient town of Konigsberg contained some books, chiefly mathematical, which were part of the Library of Copernicus; and also his Portrait, which had been purchased at Thorn, where the remains of his family still possessed the house in which he was born, as late as the year 1720. In P. Freher’s Theatrum Virorum eruditorum, there is a Chronostick on the year of Copernicus’s death, 1543. p. 1447.
eX hoC eXCessIt trIstI CopernICVs eVo, IngenIo astronVM et CognItIone potens.
“In the above mentioned book, p. 1442, there is a neat little Print of Copernicus. In Hartknoch’s Alter und newes Preusen, here is a print of Copernicus, from a picture on wood which hangs in what they call his Cenotaph, at Thorn; and which represents him kneeling, in his canonicals, before a Crucifix;—and below this portrait are these sapphic verses:
Non parem Pauli gratiam requiro, Veniam Petri neque posco; sed quam In Crucis ligno dederas sationi, Sedulus oro.
(a little lower)
Nicolao Copernico, Thoruniensi, absolutæ subtilitatis mathematico, ne tanti viri apud exteros celeb. in sua patria periret memoria, hoc monumentum positum.
Mort. Varmiæ, in suo Canonicatu, Anno 1543— die 4 + ætatis LXXIII.
(lastly, lowest.)
Nicolaus Copernicus, Thoruniensis, Mathematicus celeberrimus.
“This Monument of Copernicus was erected by Melchior Pyrnesius, M. D., who died in 1589.
“On the same altar-piece, or picture, is represented the portrait of John D’Albert, with the following inscription.
Illustris Princeps Dn. Joh. Albertus, Polo. Rex, apoplexiâ hic Thoru. mortuus, Anno 1501, die 17 Maii, ætat. 41; cujus viscera hic sepulta, Corpore Craco translato; Reg. Ann. VIII.
“Upon the whole,” concludes Lord Buchan, “it appears the likeness I send, of Copernicus, is most to be depended on; and, as such, I flatter myself it will be an Heir-loom to infant America! Concerning Napier, it is needless for me to enlarge; the learned Dr. Minto having enabled me to do justice to his memory.”
Although the following particulars respecting Dr. Rittenhouse were not communicated by the writer, Professor Barton, until it was too late to give them a place in the body of the work, the Author nevertheless is glad to have an opportunity of presenting to the public, even at the close of his book, the interesting circumstances this communication contains.
As Optics were one of his favourite studies, so he at one time contemplated a course of public, and I think popular, lectures on this beautiful and important branch of physics. On this subject he mentioned to me his intention in the winter of 1785-1786. The enthusiasm, indeed, with which he developed his design, and I may add the warmth of zeal with which his manner at the time inspired me, I can never forget. And, indeed, I cannot but regret, that our excellent friend never made his appearance in publick, as a LECTURER. As such, he would, unquestionably, have greatly advanced the love and the knowledge of natural philosophy in the United-States. He may, perhaps, have wanted some of the
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