The Observations on the Causes of Animal Heat, which Your Excellency were pleased to lay before the American Philosophical Society, having been honoured by that most respectable Body of learned Gentlemen, with a public Approbation, and having no right to expect to gain the annual Premium; the Author is in Apprehension, that should the sealed Letter which accompagnied his Paper, be burned in the third Year, with other unsuccessfull Letters, another Person might assume the merit of his Remarks, and he be totally deprived of the Honour he flattered himself to have gained by it. Would therefore beg the Favour, the American Philosophical Society would open the sealed Letter, and (if it is not improper) publish the Name of the Author, to encourage him in his Researches, in other Objects of Utility. Remaining with the highest Esteem and most profound Respect, Sir, Your most obedient, and most humble Servant