Milan

24 August 1765

Forgive me, sir, if I take the liberty of writing to you; it is a consequence of the feelings of esteem, regard and admiration that I have for perhaps the greatest genius of this enlightened century. I did not need to learn of the praise you so kindly gave of my work in your letter to Father Frisi, in order to discover it in my heart. It is you, sir, who have been my master; it is from your works that I drew the spirit of philosophy and humanity which pleased you in my book; it is yours more than you think. I never weary of reading the Preface to the Encyclopaedia, the Elements of Philosophy; in short, sir, your works are the daily nourishment of my soul. How I envy and admire in you the creative spirit, which seems to be superior even to the most sublime truths which it communicates to us! While I was writing my book, before my existence was known to you, how many times did I flatter myself that one day it would come into the hands of a d'Alembert! My ambition is fulfilled, and I would have to borrow the tongue of flatterers if I were to render to you, sir, all the respect and regard I feel for you.