made a telescope with the metal called platina, which, while it is as susceptible of as perfect a polish as the metal heretofore used for the specula of telescopes, is insusceptible of rust, as gold and silver are.  There is a person here, who has hit on a new method of engraving.  He gives you an ink of his composition.  Write on copper plates, any thing of which you would wish to take several copies, and, in an hour, the plate will be ready to strike them off; so of plans, engravings, &c.  This art will be amusing to individuals, if he should make it known.  I send you herewith, the Nautical Almanacs for 1786, 1787, 1788, 1789, 1790, which are as late as they are published.  You ask, how you may reimburse the expense of these trifles?  I answer, by accepting them; as the procuring you a gratification, is a higher one to me than money.  We have had nothing curious published lately.  I do not know whether you are fond of chemical reading.  There are some things in this science worth reading.  I will send them to you, if you wish it.  My daughter is well, and joins me in respects to Mrs. Rittenhouse and the young ladies.  After asking when we are to have the Lunarium, I will close with assurances of the sincere regard and esteem, with which I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient,

humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CLIII.—­TO A. STEWART, January 25, 1786

TO A. STEWART.

Paris, January 25, 1786.

Dear Sir,

I have received your favor of the 17th of October, which, though you mention it as the third you have written me, is the first that has come to hand.  I sincerely thank you for the communications it contains.  Nothing is so grateful to me, at this distance, as details, both great and small, of what is passing in my own country.  Of the latter, we receive little here, because they either escape my correspondents, or are thought unworthy of notice.  This, however, is a very mistaken opinion, as every one may observe, by recollecting, that when he has been long absent from his neighborhood, the small news of that is the most pleasing, and occupies his first attention, either when he meets with a person from thence, or returns thither himself.  I still hope, therefore, that the letter, in which you have been so good as to give me the minute occurrences in the neighborhood of Monticello, may yet come to hand, and I venture to rely on the many proofs of friendship I have received from you for a continuance of your favors.  This will be the more meritorious, as I have nothing to give you in exchange.