7632. RITTENHOUSE (David), Genius of.—
The amazing mechanical representation
of the solar system, which you conceived and
executed, has never been surpassed by any but
the work of which it is a copy. Are these powers,
then, which being intended for the condition
of the world are like air and light, the
world's common property, to be taken from
their proper pursuit to do the commonplace
drudgery of governing a single State, a work
which may be executed by men of an ordinary
stature, such as are always and everywhere to
be found?—
To David Rittenhouse.
Ford ed., ii, 163.
(M.
1778)
