in Fluids. 23^ 



throwing out such hints looks so much like lying in wait 

 to seize on the fair fruits of the labours of others, that 

 I cannot rest till I have shewn that I do not deserve to 

 be suspected of such pitiful views. 



My worthy friend, Professor Pictet, certainly did not 

 suspect any unhandsome design in any thing I said to 

 him in my (private) letter ; but those who are less ac- 

 quainted with my character may not be disposed to give 

 me credit for candour and disinterestedness without 

 proofs. 



With regard to the assertion in my letter, " that I had 

 suppressed a whole Chapter of interesting speculation, 

 with a view to leaving to others a tempting field, un- 

 touched^ for curious investigation," — this is perfectly 

 true in fact, as will, I flatter myself, appear by what I 

 shall now lay before the Public ; and I am confident 

 that those who will take the trouble to consider with at- 

 tention the reasons which Induced me to do this, will find 

 them such as will deserve their approbation. 



Having, as I flattered myself, laid open a new and 

 most enticing prospect to those who are fond of philo- 

 sophical pursuits, I was afraid, if I advanced too far, 

 that others, instead of striking out roads for themselves, 

 might perhaps content themselves with following in my 

 footsteps ; and consequently that many, and probably 

 the most interesting, parts of the new field of inquiry 

 would remain a long time unexplored. And with regard 

 to the reputation of being a discoverer^ though I rejoice — 

 I might say, exult and triumph — in the progress of hu- 

 man knowledge, and enjoy the sweetest delight in con- 

 templating the advantages to mankind which are derived 

 from the introduction of useful Improvements ; yet I 

 can truly say, that I set no very high value on the 



