
          I want a work on shells containing the most complete
list of species with descriptions I am told Dubois' Lamarck [An epitome of Lamarck's arrangement of Testacea]
is nearest what I need. If you think so be so good
as to procure it for me; also DeCandolle's Organographie.
I will make a further remittance of funds when necessary.

My electric machine has a contrivance that I
am unused to. viz. a thing like a brass lamp perforated
near the base of the cavity by an insulated wire.
I presume it is for exploding or igniting substances.
Is there any other use? There is a similar one
on the arch over the plates. Is there any advantage
in very large conductors over batteries? The main
brass conductor of my machine is 4 feet long & 5 inches
in diameter, & there is another of tin 5 or 6 ft
& near 12 in diameter. Among batteries is that
of Mr Dana (1st vol. Sil. Jour. [Silliman's American journal of science]) inferior to that of [?]
or liable to any objection?

You ask if I do not want tools. I shall be obliged to use
this season a borrowed room & cannot fit up a work-shop
as I wish to do. Every hard-ware article that is found here
our public-spirited merchants will give me at wholesale prices.
But there are a few Goldsmiths articles I have not obtained.
They are entered in my list at the book [back] of the last page.

Since I wrote the first page I have searched the shops for
Reed’s Chemistry but cannot find it. So I must ask instructions
about the demijohn gas holders. If there is any appariel [appareil]
with them please send what is necessary fitted for use.

Respectfully your friend &
obed’t servt. [obedient servant] T.R.Ingalls

Dr. Torrey

P. I will write by the vessel conveying the plants as
I don't know what one sails next. T.R.I.
        