To John Adams from Augustus Elias Brevoort Woodward

16 October 1801

Sir,	Washington; October 16th. 1801.

Having learnt from the resolution of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which has just appeared in the gazettes of the Territory of Columbia, that their attention is about to be directed, in a particular manner, to the subjects of light and of heat; I do myself the honor to transmit you, as President of that institution, a work lately published by me, having an intimate connection with those subjects.

There is no desideratum of greater importance with respect to light and heat, than the true constitution of that body, which appears to afford to the inhabitants of this earth so great a quantity, or degree, of both.

Whether the doctrine advanced in this work be true, or false, is a question which will require no inconsiderable investigation and research; but if true, a datum will be clearly presented, from which the most essential assistance may be derived in framing a perfect theory of heat, or of light.

I have the happiness to be Sir, / with impressions of high respect, / your humble servant,

Augustus B. Woodward.

MHi: Adams Papers.

This early access document derives from raw transcriptions, prior to editing and publication in Rotunda's American History Collection. If this document is cited in formal research, it should be noted that it is not a final version, and that the URL you used to access it is not permanent.
Please report any errors or problems you notice in documents.