16 MEMOIR OF 



man had a strong desire to study medicine, but his 

 guardian was opposed to any change of destination. 

 Early in the month of January, 1814, he writes to 

 Dr. L. 



"At the suggestion of Dr. Anderson, I have deter- 

 mined to commence the study of chemistry, as he says it 

 will be a great improvement to the mind, and more so, 

 I may be enabled, the ensuing season (if I should live so 

 long) to attend the lectures at the University (of Mary, 

 land,) and it seems to run greatly in Dr. A.'s head that I 

 shall one day be a physician. How far this surmise may 

 be right, time will disclose. It may indeed so happen, 

 and should I study chemistry now, I shall not have it to 

 do at a future period. I must, however, ask your opinion 

 in this affair." 



On the 24th of the same month, he writes to the same 

 gentleman 



" I have read the catechetical part of Parke's Chemis- 

 try, and I can assure you I liked it not a little. But my 

 knowledge, so far as I may obtain it, will only be 

 theoretical." 



In the same letter he sets forth his early views of the 

 Christian religion : 



" I have not ever had a fixed determination to read the 

 works of that Modern Serpent,* nor had I determined 

 not to do it ; and it seems to me surprising, that a fellow 



* Thomas Paine. 



