Jefferson’s Notes on Macaroni, ca. 11 February 1789
Jefferson’s description and sketch of a macaroni press.
Science and Technology
Jefferson and his correspondents expressed curiosity about science, innovation, and the human influence on the natural environment. Documents in this section show his interest in technological developments, from agricultural implements like the moldboard plough to writing contraptions like the polygraph. Jefferson kept abreast of scientific developments when president of the American Philosophical Society.
To Thomas Mann Randolph, 18 April 1790
After relating the latest news Jefferson asks his son-in-law to keep a weather diary.
To Benjamin Vaughan, 27 June 1790
Jefferson’s glowing account of maple sugar resources, growth of American inventions in wake of patent legislation, and use of cod liver oil in coating submarine timbers.
From Benjamin Banneker, 19 August 1791
A Black astronomer challenges Jefferson on the tyranny and injustice of slavery.
To Benjamin Banneker, 29 August 1791
Jefferson offers a reply to Banneker in gratitude for his almanac and expresses hopes for Black amelioration.
American Philosophical Society’s Instructions to Andre Michaux, [ca. 30 Apr. 1793]
Encourages western exploration for passage to the Pacific.
To Eli Whitney, 16 November 1793
Jefferson expresses interest in development of the cotton gin.
To William G. Munford, 18 June 1799
Jefferson expresses his opinions on education and the improvability of the human mind in this letter to a young student who asked his advice on a proper course of study.
To William Dunbar, 12 January 1801
Jefferson sends to a plantation owner and naturalist in Mississippi his observations on weather and climate, rainbows, and Indian vocabularies.
Instructions for the Arkansas and Red River Expedition, 14 April 1804
In addition to detailed accounts of the region's geography, specimens of unknown plants and animals, and geological notes Jefferson requests detailed information about the dress, language, society, and reaction to the explorers of any Native American groups encountered.