George Williamson to Thomas Jefferson, 5 July 1819
From George Williamson
Baltimore July 5th 1819
Sir
I have been prevailed on by Some of my medical friends to present the public With the fruits of labours executed Some years ago, when in actual professional duties.
In a pecuniary point of view it is not an object with me; nor Am I any longer a candidate for fame.
I have a very high opinion of the Work, and think it calculated to be of great Service to my fellow countrymen, consequently, think it correct to use all fair means to recommend1 it to their consideration. The only two of my friends who have been consulted on the occasion have concured with me in Sentiment and have fully meet my views.
Prior to publishing the work, I determined to present you and my friend Professor Mitchill of N. York, each with a copy, requesting you to be so obliging as to give me your unqualified opinion of the merit of the Work both as regards the original2 matter and that added by myself; also in respect to the execution of the translation, With permission to use your communication.
Your fondness for Science, and your disposition to promote the Wellfare of a people for whom you have already done So much will prevent you from accusing the unknown author of this communication with rudeness or improper motives.
So Soon as the 2nd Vol Shall be printed which will be in about three weeks it Shall be forwarded to you. And as Soon after as it Shall Suit your pleasure I Shall be gratified to hear from you.
George Williamson
RC (CSmH: JF-BA); at head of text: “Honorable Thomas Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 10 July 1819 and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: vol. 1 of Étienne Tourtelle, The Principles of Health, [Elements of Hygiene;] or, A Treatise on the influence of physical and moral causes on Man, and on the means of preserving health, trans. Williamson, 2 vols. (Baltimore, 1819; , 5 [no. 185]).
1. Manuscript: “recommended.”
2. Manuscript: “orignal.”
Index Entries
- books; on hygiene search
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- Jefferson, Thomas; Books and Library; works sent to search
- Mitchill, Samuel Latham; mentioned search
- The Principles of Health, [Elements of Hygiene] (É. Tourtelle; trans. G. Williamson) search
- Tourtelle, Étienne; The Principles of Health, [Elements of Hygiene] (trans. G. Williamson) search
- Williamson, George; letters from search
- Williamson, George; translatesThe Principles of Health, [Elements of Hygiene] (É. Tourtelle) search