Page:The Life and Mission of Emanuel Swedenborg.djvu/64

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" December 7, 1715. "Noble and most learned Sir: Most honored friend,—With peculiar joy and delight I have heard of your praiseworthy intention to publish, under your own care and at your own expense, the interesting and useful information in physical mathematics and mechanics which has been collected by the Collegium curiosorum at Upsal, and by yourself. . ..

"I read with great pleasure the description of the ear-trumpet; and I see from it that you are a ready mathematician, and well qualified for doing this and similar achievements. . ..

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", December 10, 1715.

"Most worthy and most learned Librarian: Most respected friend,—I thank you most humbly for your kind letter, which arrived by the last post; it was the more welcome, as it was some time since I had the pleasure of receiving a letter from you. I find that young Swedberg is a ready mathematician, and possesses much aptitude for the mechanical sciences; and, if he continues as he has begun, he will in course of time be able to be of greater use to the King and to his country in this than in anything else. . ..

"If I can be of use in any way to Mr. Swedberg, I will be so with the greater pleasure, because I may thereby do some good and acquire some honor for our country,—for it would be a matter of rejoicing if some young and zealous natures could be found, which are not so much engrossed and taken up with the present condition of things, as to allow themselves to be withdrawn thereby from interesting and at the same time useful designs and studies. I read through Mr. Swedberg's first draught of the ear-trumpet; but I did so while engaged upon and hindered by other matters, so that I had not time to examine it as carefully as I could have wished; but I have no doubt it is correct in all its parts. It would be my greatest delight and pleasure if he could confer with me personally about these things; he would be always welcome at my house. With many friendly remembrances, most worthy Librarian, I am your most obedient servant, "."

" December 19, 1715. "Noble and most learned Sir: Most honored friend,—The copperplate which you desire is entirely at your service. . . . But if you