On an Universal written Character. 207 
one day be accomplished. The invention and use 
of letters, I make no doubt, at one period of so- 
ciety, would have appeared as chimerical and im- 
practicable, as the invention and introduction of 
an universal character may appear to many at thiS 
day. Yet letters have been adopted almost uni- 
versally among mankind; and their use has been: 
found so important, that to introduce them, where 
they are not known, may be reckoned one of the 
greatest blessings that can be bestowed by an en- 
lightened nation. May we not hope then that an 
invention, still more universally useful than letters, 
will at last meet with the countenance, and engage 
the attention of every true friend to mankind? 
In addressing these hints to you, I hope, I shall 
in some measure contribute to your amusement, 
and entitle them to some attention; but I contri- 
bute still more to my own satisfaction, in having 
an opportunity of declaring how much [ have pro- 
fited by social intercourse with you, and how much 
Jam honoured by your friendship. 1 am, 
with the warmest sentiments of 
love and esteem, 
your much obliged and 
most humble servant, 
WILLIAM BROWN, 
Edinburgh, Ramsay Garden, 
August 9, 1797. 
VOL. Vs 9 60 
