Life of Count Rumford, 255 



" I ought not to trespass further on your patience. But I 

 knew not how to close without acknowledging the obligations 

 imposed on me, and I think on the world, by your late publica- 

 tions. Some of your former ingenious and philosophical com- 

 munications to the Royal Society I read with great delight. 

 But your Essays have filled me with transport. Such phi- 

 lanthropy, so well directed zeal, and such unwearied diligence 

 in promoting the common good of mankind, more especially of 

 the indigent and helpless, bespeak a godlike mind, and command 

 the warmest gratitude and most sincere respect of every benevo- 

 lent mind. It is a happiness, a great happiness, even to th' ,k 

 that there is on earth a man who can and will interest himself 

 so efficaciously, and in so great a variety of ways, for the good 

 of the human species. Your unprecedented success also inspires 

 new and pleasing hopes concerning the most miserable of our 

 race, and calls into doubt the common doctrine of habits. 

 When such numbers, so long accustomed to idleness and vice, 

 are reclaimed to industry and order, we are led to expect -that 

 the Ethiopian will erelong change his skin, and the leopard his 

 spots. But I forbear. Accept the well-meant tribute of my 

 thanks, and permit me to join the poor of Munich and many 

 other cities, and with all the friends of humanity, in fervent sup- 

 plication to the Author of all good for the preservation' of your 

 life, and for the confirmation of your health, and for increased 

 and extensive success to your multiplied labors and Institutions 

 for the good of mankind. 



" With these wishes, and with sentiments of unfeigned re- 

 spect, I am, sir, 



" Your much obliged, and most humble servant, 



"ELIPHALET PEARSON, Corresponding Secretary. 



"CAMBRIDGE, I4th November, 1796. 

 COUNT RUMFORD." 



Count Rumford made the following reply to Pro- 

 fessor Pearson, which also I copy from the original on 

 file : 



