From Thomas Jefferson to Philippe Reibelt, 5 May 1805
To Philippe Reibelt
Washington May 5. 05.
Sir
I recieved last night yours of the 3d. the volumes of the Oiseaux de Buffon which I possess are bound in that kind of binding which has been most common in France for many years, spotted, the leaves red on the edge, and double lettered on red. the two pieces you sent me on printing & the polytypage are so curious, & on so interesting an art, that I propose to keep them with your leave. I knew Hoffman well, went often to see his works, & was intimate with the Abbé Rochon having myself tried several of his processes; so that the facts in that portion of the history are well known to me. I presume you recieved my letter of Apr. 29. Accept my salutations.
Th: Jefferson
PoC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr. Reibelt”; endorsed by TJ.
While in Paris, TJ subscribed to a journal that François Hoffman produced on the virtues of his polytype printing technique, which allowed the user to write or draw directly onto a metal plate, thus creating a more accurate representation of his or her handwriting. Hoffman also experimented with stereotype plates, and his efforts were reported by his close collaborator the Abbé Rochon (, 1:610; Vol. 10:318-24).
my letter of Apr. 29: that is, TJ to Reibelt, 30 Apr.