In training
In order to acquire "a greater familiarity with the technical
language of the natural sciences, and readiness in the astronomical
observations necessary for the
geography of
his route," Lewis proceeded to Philadelphia,[11]
where
he
received instruction in the rudiments of the sciences from
several eminent specialists—that city being
the home of the
American Philosophical Society, and then the principal
seat of
learning in the country. His correspondence with Jefferson
during this period, which is given in our Appendix, abounds
in
allusions to scientific and practical details, showing him to
have been
not only an apt pupil, but already possessed of a
large fund of
information of the sort essential to the equipment
of an explorer.