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Doc. 43.] SWEDENBORG TO ERICUS BENZELIUS. 217
be for my own use, or it may be ordered for the
Library.
It is almost impossible to get the paper for the globes;
for they are afraid they will be copied. Those that are
mounted are, on the other hand, very dear. I have therefore
thought of engraving a couple myself with my own hands ;
but only of the ordinary size, íg of a Swedish foot, and after
they are done I will send both the drawing and the plates
to Sweden ; after my return I may perhaps make some
of more value. I have already perfected myself so much in
the art of engraving, that I consider myself capable of it; a
specimen of my art I enclose in my father’s letter ; this, which
illustrates some of my inventions, was the first thing I took
in hand. At the same time I have learned so much from my
landlord in the art of making brass instruments, that I have
manufactured many for my own use. If I was in Sweden, I
should not need to apply to any one to make the meridians
for the globe, and its other appurtenances.
With regard to astronomy I have made such progress in
it, as to have discovered much which I think will be useful
in its study. Although in the beginning it made my brain
ache, yet long speculations are now no longer difficult for
me. I examined closely all propositions for finding the terrestrial
longitude, but could not find a single one ; I have therefore
originated a method by means of the moon, which is unerring,
and I am certain that it is the best which has yet been ad
vanced. In a short time I will inform the Royal Society
that I have a proposition to make on this subject, stating
my points. If it is favourably received by these gentlemen,
I shall publish it here ; if not, in France. I have also dis
covered many new methods for observing the planets, the
moon, and the stars; that which concerns the moon and its
parallaxes, diameter, and inequality, I will publish whenever
an opportunity arises. I am now busy working my way
through algebra and the higher geometry, and I intend to
make such progress in it, as to be able in time to continue
Polhammar’s discoveries.
If the following books are not in the library, I think you
ought to get them. Wilkins’ mathematical works; his writings
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