4038. INVENTIONS, Preserving flour.—
Every discovery which multiplies the subsistence
of man must be a matter of joy to every friend of humanity. As such, I learn with
great satisfaction, that you have found the
means of preserving flour more perfectly than
has been done hitherto. But I am not authorized
to avail my country of it, by making any
offer to its communication. Their policy is to
leave their citizens free, neither restraining
nor aiding them in their pursuits.—
To Monsieur L'Hommande. Washington ed. ii, 236.
(P.
1787)
