Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1812-08-27
Mr.. PEASANTS,

D.
| As I was looking over the
Argus of the 9th of July, observed labo-
rious, though fruitless investigation of the
cause of the various hues, assumed by
the human skin, in Richmond and its pur-
lieus: and although L have not the va
nifty to believe myself adequate to the solu-
ton OF this perplexing difficulty, which must
| depend as we'll upon experiment as hypothe-
Sis; yet as the subject seems to be Interest
| ing to the human family, l feel constrained
! to offer few observations upon it, in hopes
| that they may assist the naturalist in settling
a point OF such deep concern. / can readi-
! ly perceive that this phenomenon cannot be
. the effect of climate, or locality nor of the
1 misguidance of the chariot of the Sun; nor
OF Apollo's near approaches to the Capitol
sqnare on the. anniversaries of American In
dependence nor of the curses, damns, and
hell-fres dealt out in Rchmond.--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
| thought cannot be admitted for single mo-
ment: But hard as it is to discover, there
must be a reason for it some where in nature {:
and invite our philosophical friend To the
investigation of the probable consequences
that may result from two material bodies of
different qualities or compilations coming in-
20 contact.
1t seems to be generally settled, that the
variety Of colours depends upon certain dis
positions or notifications of matter, 50 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 mod
ton, so as to present a shade, lighter than
sable, or darker than the rose and lilly, may
he Il
on experiment, should it be found, as l eX
pect it will, that the true cause of this strange
appearance exists in such contact, or con.
cussion, that it should be more prevalent in
a crowded city, such as Richmond, than in
the Country, where the population Is thin,
e the blacks but few can: be easily account
ed for. In the city, where ali is hurry and
hustle, it will be only strange that it occurs
so seld om.-Where business, balls, routs,
birth nights, anniversaries, assemblies, plays
and religious worship constantly call sucn
crowds of both races of people together !;
where they are every moment liable, thro'
inadvertence, to jostle and rub, without think
ing of, or caring for the pernicious consequent
ceS. and many times, / make no doubt, it a
| rises through mere accident, by meeting and
jostling in the dark, as in the case of our
philosopher himself, and the yellow lady
whom he bo,ted against and tumblcd into the
hitch.
Should my hypothesis be correct, this evil,
if it is one, by little circumspection, can
easily be avoided. 1t 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 elscwhere-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 have here advanced.
PHILO.
Lee County. August 9Th. 1912.