Virginia Argus

Mr. Pleasants,

As I was looking over the Argus of the 9th of July, I observed a laborious, though fruitless investigation of the cause of the various hues, assumed by the human skin, in Richmond and its pur lieus: and although I have not the vanity to believe myself adequate to the solution of this perplexing difficulty, which must depend as well upon experiment as hypothesis; yet as the subject seems to be interesting to the human family, I feel constrained to offer a few observations upon it, in hopes that they may assist the naturalist in settling a point of such deep concern. I can readily perceive that this phenomenon cannot be the effect of climate, or locality; nor of the misguidance of the chariot of the Sun; nor of Apollo's near approaches to the Capitol-square on the anniversaries of American Independence; nor of the curses, damns, and hell-fires dealt out in Richmond. It would be still more ridiculous to ascribe it to any unchaste affections, or want of virtue in the gentlemen of that city, and therefore such a thought cannot be admitted for a single moment: But hard as it is to discover, there must be a reason for it some where in nature: and I invite our philosophical friend to the investigation of the probable consequences that may result from two material bodies of different qualities or complexions coming into contact.

It seems to be generally settled, that the variety of colours depends upon certain dispositions or modifications of matter, so as to change its reception and reflection of the rays of light. How two bodies, the one white and the other black, coming into close or violent contact, may affect such modification, so as to present a shade, lighter than sable, or darker than the rose and lilly, may be well worth philosophical enquiry: and upon experiment, should it be found, as I expect it will, that the true cause of this strange appearance exists in such contact, or concussion, that it should be more prevalent in a crowded city, such as Richmond, than in the country, where the population is thin, & the blacks but few can: be easily accounted for. In the city, where all is hurry and bustle, it will be only strange that it occurs so seldom. Where business, balls, routs, birth-nights, anniversaries, assemblies, plays and religious worship constantly call such crowds of both races of people together; where they are every moment liable, through inadvertence, to jostle and rub, without thinking of, or caring for the pernicious consequences: and many times, I make no doubt, it arises through mere accident, by meeting and jostling in the dark, as in the case of our philosopher himself, and the yellow lady whom he bolted against and tumbled into the ditch.

Should my hypothesis be correct, this evil, if it is one, by a little circumspection, can easily be avoided. It is only for the polite inhabitants of Richmond to be careful not to touch, or rub against the yellow sort, at places of public resort, or elsewhere—not to stumble upon them in the dark, nor knock their heads together in narrow lanes & dark passages: and should this rule be generally adhered to, perhaps, in time, it may serve among other things as a confirmation of the reasoning I have here advanced.

PHILO.

Lee County, August 6th, 1812.