WILLIAM SMELLIE. 
25 
present know not, is almost constantly impious. 
I think an essay on this subject would be an 
excellent lunarian * number. 
“ I could urge many other motives for the 
alteration about to take place in my way of life. 
I could even shew, by mathematical demonstra- 
tion, that to act otherwise would be highly 
criminal ; nay, even a refractory species of rebel- 
lion against the great God of nature ; but this I 
decline, as my letter is already too voluminous. 
Thus have I, without reserve, opened my mind 
to one whom I may call my friend. I need not 
add, that it would be highly improper that this 
letter should be shewn ; for not a single compa- 
nion but yourself knows any thing of the matter. 
If you write me not very fully by first post, I 
shall, as the saying is, be very much out with 
you. 
“ If you are to stay in Edinburgh this summer, 
and if I have a house of my own, as the folks 
say, it would add greatly to my happiness if you 
would make one in our little society. Every 
thing shall be made as agreeable to you as pos- 
sible, and we shall frequently crack about the 
Man of the Moon, &c. So keen am I about the 
lunarian scheme, that I believe, though you 
should entirely desert me, as Heaven avert, I 
shall one time or other attempt the execution of 
it alone. Yours, &c. 
“ William Smellie.” 
* Lunarian , an allusion to an intended publication to be 
entitled — The Man of the Moon. 
