156 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



him to the best literary circles of the place. I have par- 

 ticularly requested the person alluded to, to introduce Mr. 

 Silliman to a club composed of the most select part of 

 the professors and other eminent men in Edinburgh, which 

 is one of the greatest resources in point of good society 

 that the place has. 



I am, however, a little afraid that it may be difficult to 

 find Mr. S.'s address, as he left none when he called at my 

 father's house. If you know it and can send it to me, you 

 will greatly oblige, 



Dear sir, 

 Your obliged and faithful servant, 



HENRY BROUGHAM. 



Mr. Silliman was the bearer of a letter from Presi- 

 dent Dwight to Dr. John Robison, Professor of Nat- 

 ural Philosophy at Edinburgh. In addition to scien- 

 tific writings of importance, he had published in 

 1797 a book against the Illuminati, entitled, " Proofs 

 of a Conspiracy against all the Religions and Gov- 

 ernments of Europe." This brought upon him both 

 praise and odium. He died before the arrival of 

 Mr. Silliman in Edinburgh ; and the letter of Dr. 

 Dwight, for the intrinsic interest that belongs to it, 

 is here subjoined. 



NEW HAVEN, March 20, 1805. 



DEAR SIR, This letter will be handed to you by Ben- 

 jamin Silliman, Esq., Professor of Chemistry in Yale Col- 

 lege. He goes to Europe on business of this Seminary, 

 and to further his own acquaintance with his science and 

 scientifical men. I beg leave to introduce him to you, as a 

 young gentleman of the best character and hopes. He is 

 ambitious of an acquaintance with persons of literary dis- 

 tinction, and particularly desirous of seeing you. The 



