Dexter writes to Parker Cleaveland, (1780-1858) scientist and educator, professor at Bowdoin College, and author of the first American treatise on Mineralogy and Geology, the mineral Cleavelandite is named for him, regarding geological specimens, scientific apparatus and editions of chemical books.

"My Friend,

                     I rec'd your favour by Prof. Abbot last evening in which you mention having sent to Mr. Davis's care a Box during the evening it arrived safe & I am much obliged to you for the Spec.^mns , have not had time to examine them - particularly the magnet with respect to coal it is found in large quantities on M. Island and probably sufficient for the country of the kind that it is it will not answer for many purposes, it is of the Irish species & somewhat difficult to heat to the usual degree of inflammation but when heated it will continue intensely hot till it all consumes without smoke - The symptoms are a black schist - could you procure it without much expense it will be a fortune, the Fire is the only certain test.

                    A graduated tube for yr. Gasses cannot be procured. The thermometer for expts. on corrosive substances must be graduated on the stem & are difficult to procure - ... for Ammonia any large glass jar answers with a small rim or silver tube introduced ...

                    The edition of Chaptal has not to my knowledge been translated. The last edition of Thompson will be useful on account of its minerals... & contains ... usefull matters.

                    I always make one sketch precipitate another & never use yr. Prussiat of Pottash but as the best test for iron in any solvent especially mineral waters formed by nature -

                    The common redish paper of the Book-binders is the only filtering paper I use & is what the chemists send from Europe. I shall be happy in rendering you any services in my power...."

      Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, p. 110