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Doc. 91.) 323
SWEDENBORG TO BENZELIUS.
Mathematical Society, similar to those which exist in other
countries where the sciences flourish, so as to promote this im
portant interest, for the cultivation of which there are men
of genius indeed in Sweden, but very small encouragement
otherwise in the form of advancement, salaries, and means
of sustenance. In England such a society has been developed
from a small beginning, and by means of contributions from
the many who regard it with favour; it is well sustained, and
is of great use to the Empire. I do not see why, for the
promotion of such an object, an annual public lottery the
gains of which have been calculated, might not be established
according to my humble proposition, on the same plan in
fact that was recently followed at Malmö, and which is applied
annually in France for the purpose of educating youths and
poor children. You can yourself best suggest how this work
is to be set in motion; if many should favour it, such a measure
might acquire weight and importance. An income of 5000
dalers in silver would acccomplish most of it ; viz. a salary
for one of 1000 dalers in silver, for two of 700 each, for four
of 500, and for other four of 100 each. If, for instance, the
lottery should be so arranged as to consist of 15,000 lottery
tickets, at a daler in silver each, and with the following prizes
one of 2000 dalers in silver, two of 1000 dalers each, four of
500, ten of 100, twenty of 50, fifty of 10 dalers, and one
thousand of one daler each. In such case the prizes would
amount to 9,500, and the income to 5,500 dalers in silver, of
which 500 may be reckoned for expenses. I remain, most
honoured and dear brother,
Your most obedient servant,
EMAN. SWEDENBORG .
Stockholm , March 3, 1720.
21*
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