January 28, 1803

Museum Jany. 28th. 1803.

Dear Sir

His [Hawkins] invention of the Polygraph, appears to me to possess many advantages over the copying-press—common Ink, and common paper, without any preparation, such as weting &c—Several originals may be wrote at once, without any considerable labour or restraint on the fingers. The machine patented before, is I beleive perfectly useless—Monsr. Chaudron (watch maker 3d Street) who possesses one, is of the same opinion. As soon as Mr. Hawkins returns and obtains his Patent, he will I beleive find it his interest to promote a manufactory of them.^[1]Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, vol. 39, 13 November 1802–3 March 1803, ed. Barbara B. Oberg (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2012), 406–408, … Continue reading

The Physiognotrace invented by Mr. Hawkins is made strong, because subject to be handled by all sorts of People that visit the Museum—The enclosed drawing and explanation of it, is rough, but correct—and I hope will give you a perfect Idea of all the essential parts of it. Mr. Hawkins has also contrived another Index, which is designed to give the lines of a ¾ face; the lines of the hair, eyes, eyebrows &c.^[3]Charles Willson Peale to Thomas Jefferson, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, 406–408.

I have wrote an essay on the means of preserving health and long life, which will be put to the press shortly. it may do good by opening the Eyes of some, who appear blind, or heedless of themselves—If some good is thereby promoted, I shall be satisfied.

I wish you every happiness and am with much respect your friend

C W Peale^[4]Ibid.