Wythe to Thomas Jefferson, January 1787
From Wythepedia: The George Wythe Encyclopedia
George Wythe asks whether Thomas Jefferson thinks studying geometry with wood, metal, or ivory is more instructive than geometry drawn on paper. If Jefferson believes studying with wood, metal, or ivory to be better, Wythe asks if Jefferson can produce the shapes where he is and let him know the cost.
Letter text
Would not the figures, to which one must advert in studying geometry, formed of wood metal or ivory, be more instructive than those, which are delineated on paper? if you think so, and if such figures can be procured where you are, i wish to know the cost of them, that i may remit money to pay for them; when i will beg the favour of you to send them to me.
Williamsburgh, januar. 1787.