who would make a point of reading and speaking French and Spanish, I should doubt the utility of learning Italian.  These three languages, being all degeneracies from the Latin, resemble one another so much, that I doubt the probability of keeping in the head a distinct knowledge of them all.  I suppose that he who learns them all, will speak a compound of the three, and neither perfectly.  The journey which I propose to you, need not be expensive, and would be very useful.  With your talents and industry, with science, and that steadfast honesty which eternally pursues right, regardless of consequences, you may promise yourself every thing—­but health, without which there is no happiness.  An attention to health, then, should take place of every other object.  The time necessary to secure this by active exercises, should be devoted to it, in preference to every other pursuit.  I know the difficulty with which a studious man tears himself from his studies, at any given moment of the day.  But his happiness, and that of his family, depend on it.  The most uninformed mind with a healthy body, is happier than the wisest valetudinarian.  I need not tell you, that if I can be useful to you in any part of this, or any other plan you shall adopt, you will make me happy by commanding my services.

Will you be so good, Sir, as to return my most respectful thanks for the diploma with which I am honored by the society instituted with you, for the encouragement of the study of Natural History.  I am afraid it will never be in my power to contribute any thing to the object of the institution.  Circumstances have thrown me into a very different line of life; and not choice, as I am happy to find in your case.  In the year 1781, while confined to my room by a fall from my horse, I wrote some Notes, in answer to the inquiries of M. de Marbois, as to the natural and political state of Virginia.  They were hasty and undigested:  yet as some of these touch slightly on some objects of its natural history, I will take the liberty of asking the society to accept a copy of them.  For the same reason, and because too, they touch on the political condition of our country, I will beg leave to present you with a copy, and ask the favor of you to find a conveyance for them, from London to Edinburgh.  They are printed by Stockdale, bookseller, Piccadilly, and will be ready in three or four weeks from this time.  I will direct him to deliver two copies to your order.  Repeating, constantly, the proffer of my services, I shall only add assurances of the esteem and attachment, with which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXVIII.—­TO STEPHEN CATHALAN, JUNIOR, July 21,1787

TO STEPHEN CATHALAN, JUNIOR.

Paris, July 21,1787.

Sir,