George Whatley to Benjamin Franklin, September 20, 1784

London 20 Sepr 1784

I venture, Dr Sir, to take the Liberty to introduce to you, my good Friend Dr Rowley, who is of the University of Oxon, & one of the Physicians of the Coledge here, 5 to ask you how you do, & let me know.— He makes an Excursion to Paris for a few days, only to satisfy his Mind in things relating to a Work, in his own Profession, he is about to publish, in Greek & Latin. 6

If the Courier de l’Europe say true, you have been desired by S. M. tres Chretienne to look into the Business of Magnetism. 7 Who more fitting? I Shall never forget yr Rebuke, for my calling my poor gone & good Friend Ellis, one of the Conundri 8 for laboring about the Keratophita; Coraloides: & the Lord knows what, 9 when, hereafter, such Researches might be of Service to Mankind, as the Loadstone is understood to have been, several hundreds of Years after its Property of atracting Iron was discovered.

I Shall be glad to learn that you are in perfect Health. I thank God I am so. Senescimus omnes: 1 there’s no Medium; and so God help your Excellency, & yours for ever. Believe me that I ever shall be with the greatest Truth & Respect Your very devoted

George Whatley.

His Excellency Benjn Franklin Esqr &a &a &a