14^ iettcr to general Wajhington . March aSi. 



discover its seat of sensation; andlformer omifsions, 

 which I now regret, I have not present opportunities 

 to supply. The answers to my queries which I ex- 

 pect, 2.re physiological, and not metaphysical. These 

 I might have had by a priva4:e application to yourself, 

 as v^ell as through the channel of your Miscellany; but 

 if, by instructing me, you, at the same time, instruct 

 others, you will so far contribute to the end of all your 

 labours, the public good. The final cause of the repro- 

 ductive power in the earth-worm is obvious and stri- 

 king, and compels the reflecting mind to adore that 

 providence, which, by such wonderful means, has con- 

 trived to preserve from extinction, a species of the 

 lowest reptiles ; and by which, therefore, we cannot 

 doubt that even the hairs of our head are number- 

 ed. With real respect I am, Sir, 



vours, 'iSc. 

 E. O . J *. 



COPY OF THE EARL OF BUCHAN'S LETTER TO GE>«'ERAL 



washington, president of the united states 

 of america, sent enclosed in the box of 

 Wallace's oak. 



Sir, Dryhurgh Ahhey 'June 28. 1 791 . 



I HAD the honour to receive your Excellency's letter^, 

 relating to the advertisement of Dr Anderson's pe- 



* It \v?,s mt without lirs'tation that the Editor admitted the above. 

 The ii;ge:i'oiis author hus well foiesce.i that he tjejds 011 daiigeious. 

 ground. To draw the exact line btf.ve.* physio', gical research, and mc- 

 taphys cal specuIatio.T is jmpofsiblc, but our readers will observe, th.it 

 on this las: subject, the Editor must be extremely circumspect.' He 

 therefore hopes they will be so obliging as. to guard ajainst it in tleit 

 aitwer3_, to pr»yeat d'sappolntment to themselves 2nd -Ji-er.slnofs to him. 



