The Petition of John Churchman respectfully sheweth.

That whereas he mentioned in July last a slight account of some discoveries he apprehended he had made, which he rather attributed to accident than his own abilities, as he had spent but little time on the subject, he has lately examined into the same more minutely, and finds according to his sentiments every circumstance to correspond, he is encouraged with diffidence to mention the matter, to a person whose reputation is Universally established, as the Patron of all useful Arts and Sciences, altho he blushes under an apprehension that he must certainly be thought an Enthusiast, before the matter is explained, for daring to advance such opinions; yet he apprehends from the Simplicity of the System, at the first view it will appear consistent with truth and reason, and if any good should happen to arise from the same he hopes to reap the Advantages, but whether or not he desires neither the affair or the principles on which it is founded may be made known, he wishes to have a certificate of this date seting forth about the time of his mentioning the first hints and he will as in duty bound ever pray