Allow me, sir, to address you with the formulae in common use in your language, which are the most convenient, the simplest, the truest and so the most worthy of a philosopher such as you. Allow me also to make use of a copyist, the letter which I wrote you being barely legible. The charming letter you so kindly wrote to me excited in me feelings of the deepest respect, the greatest regard and the liveliest friendship. I cannot know how to express to you how honoured I felt on hearing my work had been translated into your language – the language of the nation that enlightens and instructs all Europe. I myself owe everything to French books. They developed in my soul the sentiments of humanity which had been stifled by eight years of fanatical and servile education. I already regard your name with respect because of the excellent articles you contributed to that immortal work, the Encyclopaedia; and it was the pleasantest surprise possible for me to discover that a scholar of your reputation had condescended to translate my book. I thank you with all my heart for the gift you have made me with your excellent translation and with your thoughtfulness in satisfying my curiosity so promptly. I have read it with inexpressible pleasure, and found that you have improved on the original.