
          Dr. J. Torrey

Philadelphia Oct 30th 1829

Dear Sir,

Permit me to recall to your mind, a conversation with you respecting the 
propriety & feasibility of publishing a translation of Cuvier regne animal - "subjects
que sont fidelibres oculis ' Capt le comte who will have you this will join with
you in an endeavour to effect an arraganment with the Mepsen carvilles or others
who may be dispised to enter into the business.

That a correct tranlsation of this work would amply remunerate the published by the result
of sales here, I have no doubt, besides this, by proper arrangements it could be
[crossed out: in] published simultaneously in London, where an extensive sale [crossed out: illeglible] is not to be
doubted.

I now possess the edition of 1829 just received from Paris, France I shall have finished the
last pages of the work I am as in a few days, I shall be as leisure to prosecute
the translation alluded to with  care & dispatch.

Of any objection to the size of the work be made, would it not were to publish it
in Parts, or divide it into serveral separate works as one on insects another on fishes
&c &c which I [crossed out: illeglible] could be sold separately, each being a perfect whole, to the cultivation
of the different branches of nat. [natural] his. [history] What think you of this

The translation could be published either with or without plates if with them, they
could be lithographed here or in Paris at a small expense. Show this to Mr. Cooper
perhaps he will so for obliged me as to join with you in getting up the
contemplated work Booksellers, like other men are often influence by names 
few in N. Y. [New York] I presume but will listen to M. Torrey of Cooper. As to terms they will
depend when the "modus operandi" Year be settled here after

Very respectfuly
L. B. L ell

H McMurtie
        